It has been the most horrific year of their lives – a year of public grief
following the deaths of their husbands when the Space Shuttle Columbia broke
apart during reentry on Feb. 1,2003.
It has been the most horrific year of their lives – a year of public grief
following the deaths of their husbands when the Space Shuttle Columbia broke
apart during reentry on Feb. 1,2003.
But they have not been without hope.
Instead, the loss of the shuttle Columbia just 16 minutes from touchdown has
given Evelyn Husband and Sandy Anderson a global platform for spreading the
message of hope and peace found in the gospel.
It is not a platform they stepped upon voluntarily. But both say they are determined
to honor the memories of their husbands and set an example for their children
by proclaiming the faith in Jesus Christ their husbands shared.
During a recent tribute to the lives and testimonies of Columbia Shuttle Commander
Rick Husband and Payload Commander Mike Anderson, the wives of the two astronauts
testified of Gods provision during the past year. Grace Community Church
in Houston hosted the memorial concert for its two lost church members.
“It has been such a blessing to celebrate Mikes and Ricks
lives,” Husband told those attending the tribute, which featured Christian
artist Steve Green. “We have grieved so horribly but not without hope.”
Anderson agreed. “Its (Gods) strength that gives us the power
to stand.
“He gives us a future and a hope.”
Anderson said she was so proud that both men knew the Lord, that they had answered
lifes deepest question of who Jesus is. Noting the uncertainty of life
and its end, she said: “It doesnt matter how many days we have. Its
the content of our days.”
Anderson and Husband also fielded questions from the Houston media prior to
the tribute service. The women injected their faith into almost every answer.
When asked how they have dealt with their losses, Husband said, “Its
been the most difficult year Ive ever been through, … (but) in the midst
of absolute anguish you can have joy (because of faith in Jesus).”
What has been painful is thinking of “all of the lasts” – the
last prayers with Rick or the last time he came through the door of their home,
Husband noted.
Meanwhile, Anderson said time has helped in the healing process, but, ultimately,
“what helps the most is my relationship with my Lord Jesus Christ.”
Husband also said she believes the children are dealing with the situation
better than the two mothers. The Husbands have two children, ages eight and
13. The Anderson have two children, ages 10 and 12.
Both Mike and Rick were tremendous fathers, Husband said. They had their priorities
straight – God, family, career. The influence of the men on the lives of
their children – even in such a relatively short time – is evident
in how the children are dealing, in faith, with the loss of their dads. There
is no bitterness, no anger, she said.
When asked if they saw their husbands as “larger than life” as the
world does with its heroes, Anderson responded: “He was just a real person.
… He was a very kind man. He was a good dad, a good husband.
“I miss talking to him.”
The tribute service and media interview came just days after Husband released
“High Calling,” a book about her husbands faith.
Husband denied that writing the book was easy or a means of working through
the grief process. However, God was with her, and the result was an opportunity
to share with others that “you can have hope in the midst of deep despair,
…” Husband said.
“I hope people will find numerous truths in High Calling,
including the truth that God is ready, willing and able to walk us through any
crises that life may present publicly or privately,” she said. “I
also hope men will be encouraged to set priorities as Rick did, placing God
first, family second and career third.”
In the book, Husband includes a specific prayer request Mike Anderson made
of the Grace Community Church members less than two weeks before the shuttle
launch.
“Rick and I have prayed for a successful mission but also that somehow
God would allow everyone to see our faith in him,” he told church members.
“Wed like to ask for your prayers as we get ready to go on this
16-day mission – and not only prayers for a safe flight but also that in
some small way we can use this platform to really let people know what we believe
and let Gods message get out there.”
Rick Husband was equally prophetic on the night before the launch. In the book,
Evelyn Husband recalls him saying – “I still have such a sense that
God is up to something special with this mission.”
It has been in no small way that God has used the tragedy of Columbia. For
instance, Rick Husband had requested that his funeral services tell of the reality
of Jesus Christ. He wanted it clear that Jesus was a very real part of his life,
his wife noted.
“I do believe that God has had his hand in this,” she continued.
“God did not have an off day (on Feb. 1, 2003).”
Husband said she could talk for six hours and still not tell of all the ways
God has worked in the lives of people since the Columbia disaster. Whenever
she feels the urge for a pity party, she added, “Im encouraged by
a life that has been touched.”
Husband and Anderson both said they know there is more emotional turmoil ahead
in their lives. However, Husband said she has learned to deal with her grief,
in part, simply by worshiping God.
“(When I) get into the intimacy of worship, the grieving goes away,”
she said. “I dont know how, but he does (it).”
Still, Husband acknowledged she has not been polite with God.
“I have had many moments of intense crying and gut-wrenching grieving,”
she said. “Without question, this has been the most intense emotional experience
I have ever been through and continue to walk through. In my grief and anger,
I have not been polite with God. I have screamed at him for allowing my children
to grow up without their … dad and for me to be a single parent and to lose
my very best friend.
“In response, he has given me wonderful, unconditional love and understanding,”
Husband added. “Jesus is a man of sorrows acquainted with my grief. I think
being honest and open with him and telling him exactly how I feel has greatly
deepened the intimacy of relationship with (him).”
Indeed, Husband credited whatever peace she is able to portray in the days
following the tragedy to God.
“I knew (then) that my only hope for survival and strength would flow
from God, and I relied on him,” she explained. “Every step, every
breath, I sought and cried out to him for supernatural strength, and just as
he promises in the Bible, he met me with that peace that surpasses understanding.
“It has been amazing to feel his presence and love and encouragement.”
(BP)