Oh, I remember Challenger. Third grade, my teacher was so excited to show us the launch because of Christa McAuliffe, and then ba-boom. She had this visceral, horrified look on her face that left an indelible impression on me to this day. It was that look that really helped me understand the meaning of death.

She left the TV on, and I'm glad she didn't try to shield us from what had happened...kids need to learn about these things, and that was the ultimate learning moment.