Science and Society

I extend my deepest sympathies to Mrs. Tani's family. Now is not a time for fault finding.

Clearly she was a great mom who raised a very successful son; not too many people become astronauts.

Just because someone who doesn't understand the english language perfectly typed a fairly interesting response - doesn't mean that they are wrong. I'm sorry for the loss - however, the circumstances behind it were 100% avoidable through real logic and reasoning, which was apparently lacked and thus caused the accident.

It's tragic - but the person who was involved in the accident was acting hastily without regard for the safety of others on the road and on rail tracks. It's sad but true. Totally avoidable.

This lady clearly did not have all her faculties! Why else would she attempt to drive around a school bus loaded with kids at a train crossing of all things?! I know very few 90 year olds who should be driving. It's too bad, but thank God the kids weren't injured. I firmly believe the elderly should have their driving skills tested every year. They account for a large percentage of fatal car wrecks every year. The other large percentage belongs to teens. I don't think this point was addressed in the news reports on this case because her son is an astronaut and everyone has been focused on that. But how many more must die before we do something about this problem?

I extend my condolences to Tani and his family on this sad occasion especially around these holidays. Tani said he knew of the possibility of something happening while he was away on mission and would not be able to return and fulfill the duties that would be dictated by the particular circumstance. Yet this does diminish the pain that he must be going through at this point. My sympathies to him and those affected by this tragedy. I hope people will focus on this existential aspect of his situation and not mind the moronic attention-getters with time on their hands making outrageous statements with no understanding whatsoever of the human condition thereby showing themselves as subhumans.

may GOD keep ypur family and you in his arms at this time of need.

You folks are not very familiar with the concept of a "troll" when posting to boards such as these are you? Just ignore them.

My deepest sympathy to the Tani family.
There are no words to express the sadness of losing one's mother. God bless Dan Tani; I'm sure you were a hero in your mother's eyes.

This is a sad world, with sad people in it. My deepest regard to the family. People do stuff every day that may or maynot be of the best judgement. When its your time its your time. Glad my God, and Saviour doesn't think like some, or we'll be in deep trouble.

I actually agree with "Not to Smart", because even the Saviour believes in Personal Accountability in our lives. Clearly this woman did not consider anyone else as she drove around a stopped school bus. There are laws againist this isn't there? I am sure there are numerous parents of U.S Armed Forces personnel who have died while their son or daughter is in Iraq or overseas; where are the ABC stories? But in this case the mother violated the law and could have harmed someone else.

This brings up an interesting topic. Is it ok to videotape a funeral? A few years ago I was "lucky" to arrive at my mom's funeral a day after she passed away. The rest of my family couldn't be there in time. I brought up the question of videotaping, but no one had a good response. Poor taste? Some might find it offensive to see someone with videocam filming them during their mourning, even if the cam was not directly pointing to them.

so very sorry for your great lose. best wishes to you and your family...

Dear NASA,
Give my deepest regrets for the loss of a heros's mother. We are such fragile creatures. And we go beyond the envelope in the name of peace.

God Bless All. Who at least try.

My condolences and prayers to the Tani family for this loss.

I can understand "Not to smart"'s (haha...too) concern for the voluntary or perhaps involuntary/elderly lapse in judgement however, I feel that those comments didn't belong in response to this specific article... Perhaps it should've been kept with the article centered on the accident itself.

This article focuses on a son, honor for his responsibilities, and the loss of a loved parent.

Given the current climate as evidenced in other articles here, I suppose he was prohibited from saying a prayer from orbit. If not, I am sure there are many people in this country who firmly believe that he should have been!

My heart goes out to this brave astronaut and to his entire family, both for their tragic loss and for their now-unavoidable separation during this time of loss. As I am not prohibited from praying for their comfort in this time of need, I assuredly am doing so.

Today I learned what a troll is! I'm getting smarter!

god bless you. and your mother...

Your mother what a thrilling lady who knew how to live the adventures of life sorry for your loss.

my deepest sympathy to you and your family. and to the person who posted such a negative response about the elderly.... how rude of you......maybe she did have a lapse in judgment at the time, but that happens at all ages...of course we know that would never happen with you, right?

It's unfathomable that despite the grief and sadness this family is experienceing, there are mean and heartless people out there who have nothing good to say about others so as just to make a point. How tactless and rude. The woman may have a lapse in judgement at that time, but for heaven's sake she is dead. Don't make this accident seem like she committed a crime.

My condolences go to the Tani family and their friends. I hope the news media are responsible enough to leave these people alone to grieve. I would also hope that somewhere there is a reporter with enough energy to type “astronaut” instead of shortening it to “astro” or maybe even “Mother” instead of “Mum”. Maybe 7 more keystrokes it a bit much to ask. Show a little respect people, if that man can fly to space the least you can do is sit in front of a computer and push a few buttons. The increased laziness of modern man never ceases to amaze me.

Its never easy to lose someone,especially those closest to you.It lingers for quite awhile and we remind ourselves we are the living and go on.Tragic events that led to the untimely departures never help.I do know that this earth isnt the last place for a soul,only the body from which it came.The soul is for you to meet again.I will always miss my father my brother and just recently a pet.None of their abscence will go without being missed daily.I know I will see them all again but missing and sorrow is for the living and this I accept and share the sadness and the loss of another human whom someone held dearly from the astronaut in the heavens to the children in the streets.This is the story of human life and how short it can be for anyone.