His mission accomplished

Orlando Sentinel - Monday, June 23, 2003

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In the late afternoon, the park seems to empty and tourists form a long line that coils through the Launch Status Center and around the Shuttle Explorer. The line ends at metal gates manned by security guards with arms crossed. Beyond the gates are rows of stretch limousines, and those in line strain for a glimpse.

The world's most-famous astronauts are here to induct four of their own into the Astronaut Hall of Fame. John Glenn is here, Buzz Aldrin, Sally Ride and about a dozen more. The ceremony is under a white tent in a parking lot. VIPs are seated in front of the stage, but the regular folk are not yet allowed in.

Singer and Topping stand on a concrete step and peer through bushes for a look at the stage and the line waiting. After some minutes of quiet debate, they decide to join the crowd, which is finally being allowed inside.

The couple are among the last to arrive. They stand 500 feet to the side, with a perfect view of backs and ankles.

A parade of suited astronauts takes the stage. Story Musgrave, 67, is first to be inducted. It is noted that the six-time shuttle flight veteran is a medical doctor, a veteran of the Marine Corps, and has six academic degrees in sciences, literature and medicine. Singer is bowled over.

"These astronauts," he marvels. "Were they bored as children?"

But it's hard to hear, and it's hard to see, and it's starting to rain.

The couple leave to get some chocolate ice cream; hers in a cup, his in a cone.

They will stop by the Astronaut Hall of Fame on their way out, because their curiosity is piqued now, about these astronauts who seem to be able to accomplish so many feats in just one lifetime.

"It was neat," Singer says of the attraction. "We were gonna do the little ride in there, but it broke down."

No matter. They have a ride of their own, 1,300 miles long. It's back in the truck for the drive home to the heartland.

Singer finally got to see the national memorial he helped make.

Now he has to make time. It will take an everlasting amount of Gobstoppers to get his girlfriend back for her shift this morning at the Wal-Mart.

"I told them," Topping says, "that I might not be there right at 8. They said it's OK, just to call if I'm late."

Nancy Imperiale can be reached at nimperiale@orlandosentinel.com or 407-650-6323.

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