Jet Crash In The Hudson

Yesterday, I was home with Josh at their apartment. Meredith was at work. I was doing the 'mom' thing there. You know--moms come to visit and nuture. It helps us relax, right? I was in the kitchen getting a drink of water, doing some laundry, waiting for Lisa to get there so we could clean and prime the patio set, and Josh's cell phone rang. It was Mike telling him about the crash in the Hudson. He ran to the tv and turned it on and we stood there, shocked, as we watched it unfold.

I cannot even begin to tell you the pit in my stomach I felt when it first happened. I had just flown USAir yesterday. It is not the airline I usually fly and there were some not so subtle differences. Not good or bad either way, but just different than what I was accustomed to. I was sitting in the back of the plane and it felt and sounded like an old bucket of bolts. In fact, that very thought crossed my mind as we took off. I made a conscious effort to take note of my surroundings and where the closest exit was--'just in case.' As we landed in Phoenix, we flew right over the waterway that looks like a large river and the thought crossed my mind: well, we could ditch there if the landing goes bad. And I wondered how easily my seat cushion would rip out and if I remembered how to blow up the yellow life vest. I can hold my breath and I can swim. Then I told myself I was borrowing trouble and how silly I was being. Everything would be fine. Funny, the things that come into your mind.

I kept thinking: I'm flying home on this airline too. I get a little nervous about things like that. Anyway, as this crash landing unfolded, I was in awe of the miracles that took place. You can't tell me that God was not involved in this one! I'll bet there were 155 people all praying the same prayer plus all those in the control tower, etc. This is what the crash looked like on impact, courtesy of a virtual simulation. Of course, the water would spray all over the windows. I can't imagine what those moments of blindness must have felt like.
A calm flight crew did just what they were trained to do and got everyone out. Can you just imagine what the passengers were thinking as they stood on those wings in the middle of 40* water and 18* air? How happy to be alive!

All the ferries came immediately to the rescue. What a blessing they were there!

Here is the poor 'bird' being tugged to the docks. I love seeing how everyone worked together so efficiently and quickly.

Captain C. Sullenberger. He goes by Sully. Good job to you and your co-pilot, J. Skiles, and all the flight attendants who did your jobs so well! Miracles and bravery are still around us today.