This is about the time that in September 2001 that I flew my first flight after 9/11
The first trip after 9/11 was both a learning experience with new safe guards in place and a rather somber occasion for me.
The horror of that event was still very fresh in all the passengers and crews minds and hearts.
I can't recall where I traveled on my first flight back after 9/11- I know it was somewhere out West. We had very few passengers on board, which is how the industry was slowly getting back to the business of transporting passengers. Many people were terrified of the idea of flying for a while!
I remember I only had 3 people in First Class. There was a woman who spent much of her time on her computer. And a middle aged couple who seemed to want to talk.
The gentleman was a President of a Christian University! After I served beverages we talked for a while about how unexpectedly life could turn on a dime, how we need to live our lives remembering the brevity of life, and to make each day count. His wife said she was reminded through this that life is a gift to cherish. Lovely couple!
A bit later I walked towards the back to check on the rest of the passengers. We didn't have many. Everyone wanted to talk a bit. It always started out with Small talk. But 9/11 was utmost on everyone's mind. Many asked how I was feeling about flying now! I reassured them I felt safe.
One passenger was flying with two small children. Her husband was a fire fighter in New York. He had sent her and the children to spend time with her parents while he worked at helping to clear the World Trade Center. I often wondered if he, like so many fell ill afterwards.
When the flight was done and I headed for my hotel room I felt the urge to cry. I realize now that it was a grieving- not only for the casualties of 9/11 but also for the innocent and perhaps naive sense of safety that was shattered.
Returning back to Detroit the next day I had several passengers. There was a fairly large group of young men. They were volunteers from a church group, heading to New York to help in any way they could. They were a great group! They asked me what my favorite Hymn was. When I told them, one young man sang my "Amazing Grace" hymn- his rich baritone voice filled the airplane! It sent chills up my spine. They asked if I'd pray with them- so I bowed my head while they asked for guidance, wisdom, and compassion.
There were others on board, each wanted to talk a bit. There was a strong desire among those passengers for some human connection- a need to voice their feelings and fears. I was glad to be an ear to listen. I was amazed and awed at the deep and often raw feelings these folks were willing to share that day!
Forgive me if I wax a bit poetic now- I know 9/11 effected each of us differently.
For me the after effects of that event spoke volumes. We in the U.S. have had the unbelievable privilege of living in a safe and secure environment for most of our lives. I had been accused of being naive much of my life- but that was now changing. The reality of life is not idealistic!
I know that we have all been profoundly touched by 9/11. But along with the sadness I felt, there was also a sense of awe that there were people who would reach out- because of their faith, or their good hearts to lend a hand to their fellow humans. There also was the realization that we all need each other- to connect, to share, and to support.
The resilience of the Human spirit shown through on this and many flights thereafter.
Until next time, dear reader! Remember that Life Is A Gift to be embraced! !
And An Adventure!
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