Among
the many feelings going through my head during those minutes was pnde-pride in how well everybody on board was behaving. No one
panicked. No one screamed. As we jolted and screeched our way downward, I could
I thought of something I had heard a friend say about the wonderful gift his dying
father had given the family he had died peacefully, as if not to alarm any of them about
In experience they would all have to go through
And then -yes! -we landed safely. Outside on the ground, attendants and
officials were waiting to transfer us to alternative flights. But we passengers clung
together. We chatted about the lives we now felt blessed to be living, as difficult or rocky
as they might be. The young businessman lamented that he had not a chance to buy hi
two little girls a present. An older woman offered him her box of expensive Lindt
chocolates, still untouched, tied with a lovely bow, "I shouldn't be eating them anyhow,
she said. My glamorous aisle mate took out her cell phone and passed it around to
anyone who wanted to make a call to hear the reassuring voice of a loved one
na There was someone I wanted to call Back in Vermont, my husband, Bill, was
anticipating my arrival late that night. He had been complaining that he wasn't getting
to see very much of me because of my book tour". I had planned to surprise him by
getting in a few hours early. Now I just wanted him to know I was okay and on my way
When my name was finally called to board my new flight, I felt almost tearful to
be parting from the people whose lives had so intensely, if briefly, touched mine
Even now back on terra fima, walking down a Vermont road, I sometimes hear an
airplane and look up at that small, glinting Piece of metal. I remember the passengers
on that fateful, lucky flight and wish I could thank them for the many acts of kindness
I witnessed and received. I am indebted to my fellow passengers and wish I could pay
them back
I. But then, remembering my aisle mates hand clutching mine while I clutched the
hand of the high school student, I feel struck by lightning all over again: the point is
not to pay back kindness but to pass It on
(864 words)
Words and Expressions
ternative/: t: not/d that can be usedi- blessed/blesd/a lucky, fortunate
stead of sth else
bee /biy/n a friendly competition
