Yesterday I was listening to an author interview of one of the passengers on the flight that went down in New York earlier this year. It was the event that amazed the world where a veteran pilot managed one of the most difficult of tasks and did a water landing that allowed all 155 passengers to walk off the downed plane unharmed.
The book is titled “Miracle Landing on the Hudson” and details the roller coaster ride of their emotions once they learned the plane was going down, their fear as they prepared to land on the Hudson River, and finally their fear as they waited on the wing for rescue to arrive.
The fear of our own mortality is a powerful force that few handle with grace. And, I found it amazing that the flight contained a Christian minister, a Jewish Rabbi, a Muslim, and a Buddhist. In the minutes before the landing when their fear of death hung like a cloud over the entire cabin, each helped others anchor their faith based on their beliefs. One can only imagine the prayers and chants that rose up during those final moments.
Having survived the crash which was a miracle in itself, they then faced the prospect of drowning as they exited the plane and stood on the wing while the plane slowly began to sink. It took a little over 5 minutes for the rescue boats to arrive, a short time indeed, but I am certain it felt like hours.
But the most significant part of this interview was how he described his life after the event. He said he had always described himself as a hard charging, Type A, goal oriented person. Once he was forced to face what we all so effectively avoid, the possibility of his own death, he realized the importance of living in the moment.
For him it was a life changing event because he always assumed there would be more time. It made him realize that he had to make the time to enjoy the life he already had while he focused on where he wanted to go. As he put it “I used to get up in the morning and grumble about having a bad day. Now I wake up and tell myself to go out and make it a great day because I have been given the gift of more time…”I thought I would share his story with you to bring home the point that every day we wake up is a gift that should be appreciated for the wonderful thing it is. Go out and make it a great day!
I totally agree w/you on this… I saw a similar interview… I found this quote by Capt. Sullenberger, he was explaining what integrity is to his daughter: " Integrity means doing the right thing even when it's not convenient"… Wise words… and its apparent he did the right thing that day.
The sad moments make that we see the life with another eyes. The bad moments make us more wises.
Amazing photos. A kiss, Cherrie.
How right you are ! This reminds me of a well known french song : "on est bien peu de chose et mon ami la rose me l'a dit ce matin…"
You always think that you will have more time, I've stopped saving that favorite scarf "for a special occasion" instead I wear it anytime I feel like it. I just wish I was as good with those things I should say, but have been waiting for just the right time to say. I am a work in progress and the title today of "Go Out and Make it a great Day" caught my eye and was just what I needed to remind my self to keep working to make this day, this moment the best. Thanks!
Yes, it does seem to takes something major to make us appreciate what we have. I like the idea of using the item being saved for a special moment. YOU are the special moment and it occurs when YOU say it has! Go out and make it a great day.