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SquintKid
09-22-2005, 01:23 PM
What would you tell your kids (or family, or loved ones, or best friend) if you thought you might die in 3 hours?

Three hours of torture. Three hours to say what you need to say. Three hours till the end OR START of your life.

“For a few hours, the city watched and waited and watched some more as the JetBlue aircraft seemed to circle endlessly in the sky, preparing to land somehow, somewhere.” By Carla Hall and Kurt Streeter, Times Staff Writers

http://www.squint.tv/glenn/images/landing1.jpg

I saw a picture of woman holding her little girl as her little boy walked out in front of her. They were walking down the stairs coming from the jetBlue plane that just landed after a three hour ordeal in the sky.

If you were on the plane, what do you do? WHAT DO YOU DO?

You have just taken off from Burbank, CA on the way to New York. The next thing you know, you’re flying over the Pacific Ocean, circling LAX and preparing for a crash landing. And you’re watching it all on TV. You are the spectator to your own possible demise.

But what do you do when you have both your kids sitting next to you? What do you tell them? What do you need to tell them that you may never tell them again? What do you need to say to your kids to make this situation easy knowing that this could possibly be your last moments together? In reality, you walk out your door every day not knowing the outcome. And you just get through your day and go on to the next. But when your plane is about to go down in an emergency landing because of a broken landing gear, and you watch with your own eyes the news and see the preparation being made for possible tragedy, how do you keep it together and be strong for your kids?

What do you do?

For a brief moment I thought about the people on the plane. I thought about fathers traveling without their kids. I thought about parents on the plane holding their kids. I thought about a child traveling alone (as Jessica will be in two weeks). I suddenly was put in a mood that I didn’t want to be in. I was angry at life, angry at all the unfortunate events going on in the world, and angry at God. And my mind kept thinking about the slow torture the passengers were going through on the plane.

Donna asked, “Do you think they’re allowed to call their families?” I replied with only a hopeful, “Probably.” But I didn’t know.

What if you did get to call your family and nobody was home? What kind of message would you leave? What would you say to your two year old daughter? Would she understand? What would you say to your five year old son? How long would you talk to them?

I didn’t want to read the story today. I didn’t want to watch the footage last night. I only wanted to know one thing - the outcome. And about an hour after the plane was scheduled to ‘crash land’, I called Dale to get an update. Thank goodness for the good news.

But many did watch. Many said a prayer. Many drank beer doing so as if watching a football game.


People in offices, sports bars, restaurants and health clubs all over the Southland are transfixed as the drama unfolds on television. By Carla Hall and Kurt Streeter, Times Staff Writers


Many watched. I couldn’t.

There’s a lump in my throat as I look at the picture of the mother and two kids. There’s a tear fighting to stay in my eye as I think about what could have been. There’s a hole in my heart when I think about being someone in that plane for three hours. And I’m still mad. But that’s a personal issue I have with a higher being.

It’s probably going to be a life changing event for many on that plane. I know it’s a life changing event for me.

So now what? What do I do?

I’ve said my piece. And now all I could do is try not to think about it. And think about my life a little bit more differently.

http://www.squint.tv/glenn/images/landing.jpg

‘nuff said.

redeyes15
09-22-2005, 03:13 PM
wow. i am happy that no one was hurt too! if i was about to die what would i tell my loved ones? if it was my gf, that i loved her alot, more than she could ever know. if she was my wife? same thing. if i had kids? i would tell them that i loved them and that they will have to take care of mom for me.

kimishiro
10-03-2005, 03:50 AM
I was browsing through when I noticed this. Yeah, I watched it too, and I respect you for bringing this up. A lot of people could actually care less, and it shows me that there is humanity here, and not just random L337 speech and preteen drama.


You make a strong point, but you must realize, that you take such chances every day of your life. Don't think of what you would say to your loved ones in such a situation, but rather think of the things you did say to them, each and every day.

Death is often sudden and unexpected, and we should take the time to realize how casual we treat life. Next time you fight with a loved one, think about how it would effect you if that person was shot at the store after s/he left.

I repeat, you shouldn't dwell on what-ifs, nor ponder about what you would do under certain circumstances as such. Wouldn't it be nice to have no regrets before you go, leaving this plane (no pun) of reality with the comfort that you lived your life showing your close ones how much you cared for them through your every day words and actions.

redeyes15
10-03-2005, 01:15 PM
yes it would be nice. and u make a great point. we take life for granted. its a good thing i havent gotten into any arguments with my g/f yet.

praetoritevong
10-04-2005, 10:23 AM
You make a strong point, but you must realize, that you take such chances every day of your life. Don't think of what you would say to your loved ones in such a situation, but rather think of the things you did say to them, each and every day.

Death is often sudden and unexpected, and we should take the time to realize how casual we treat life. Next time you fight with a loved one, think about how it would effect you if that person was shot at the store after s/he left.

I repeat, you shouldn't dwell on what-ifs, nor ponder about what you would do under certain circumstances as such. Wouldn't it be nice to have no regrets before you go, leaving this plane (no pun) of reality with the comfort that you lived your life showing your close ones how much you cared for them through your every day words and actions.

Absolutely. I guess it's also kinda sad that the people you mistreat the most are those who are closest to you. "Here with you now am I. Dwell on the could haves, we must not," said Master Yoda.

Life is an amazing thing. It is the greatest gift, many have noted. Yet it is so easily snuffed out, your flame of life. I currently have a girlfriend. Every time I talk to her, each and every single day, even just over the phone or over msn, I'm amazed by just how much she affects my mood. Hearing her voice I just can't help but smile, and when I've had tough times, she's always there. I always go to bed just thinking of her and how much of her soul she pours into me every day, refreshing me and giving me life, and it's just, well, magical. She's always done so much for me, and I appreciate her and love her and try to give back everything she shares with me. Every day I come to realise yet again how lucky I am, and I endeavour not to take her for granted. Occasionally though I don't do all of these things and I guess that's the one thing I fear most, losing her love and trust and the bond between us. So often you see, every day, how easily love is shattered and lives are broken. A harsh word. An inconsiderate act. And to be completely honest having come anywhere near to a fight, I just feel absolutely terrible and I continue feeling terrible until it's resolved, and it's only then, after we're truly together again, do I feel at peace. Yet in a small way, even though I hurt her, I thank God (I'm a christian) for the moment because it reminds me of exactly what Kimishiro and SquintKid have been saying, that what if I lost her? I know what would happen, and not only to me but to those around us. The two of us, we pour so much of ourselves into each other, for love is a union of the mind as well as the heart, and I think that for me personally I'd be lost. Friends of mine have seen glimpses of that from me when I feel terrible, but... It's almost unimaginable. For me, now, I know all this in the back of my mind and I remember it every time I see her; because while I know and take comfort in taking her head on my shoulders, I can never take that for granted. And so I try, not always succeeding, but forever trying to help her, to support her, and to return her love, and I guess that's one of the most important things in life to me now, and forever, because that's love I guess, and if we, the two of us, cease to love we cease to be, now that we depend and rely on each other. And so I take care of her and I support her and I value her and... I love her. And we share our love. We share ourselves.

To be honest, I think that applies to all happy and successful relationships; not only caring and loving but also learning not to take that someone special for granted, ever, because a life filled with love is simply so precious that you can't ever afford to take it for granted, because it can be taken away so quickly and efficiently and coldly. Those who have loved, and especially those who have lost, will understand.

For what is gone, oft leaves a token;
For what is lost, forever broken.

Two lines I have just created to express the sadness of the loss and why it must be looked to be prevented wherever possible. It does have more specific meanings though, explained as following:

For what is gone, i.e for everything that has been snuffed out, for every life and every love that has ever been.
Oft leaves a token, i.e often will leave a token, some mark physical or mentally or both, which will remain forever through time.
For what is lost, i.e for everything that was missed, for everything that should've been done but wasn't, for everything that you never get to say. Intended to be specifically love related, but applies to more general situations as well.
Forever Broken, i.e it may not be everyone, but for every few times something is lost, one will remain forever broken in heart, in spirit, in mind and in soul. Possibly one of the saddest sights in living man, the lack of everything.

For what is gone, oft leaves a token;
For what is lost, forever broken.



It is sad indeed. It's one of the few things I actively fear in my life, and I wouldn't wish it on anybody else either. But then I look at her... She looks at me... We would kiss... And then, everything else forgotten... It's for moments like these that I share with my girlfriend, these ever so special memories, it's for this that I live for, and it's this that makes all the pain ever suffered worth it all. All for those few precious moments. One might think they are plentiful, and yet they are like water - you must try to grab it when you can, even when there seems to be a river of it, and yet even as it flows through your fingers. They are truly special. They are truly, truly special.

I think... To pass away having no regrets, as Kimishiro has said, having lived and loved your partner everyday to the fullest, and to have treasured them and to have let them never forget that youthful, passionate love... That's truly magical. That's life. That's love. That's heaven on earth, and beyond.

ImJessieTR
10-04-2005, 03:46 PM
What I would tell the kids/spouse/etc. if they were on the plane with me: Sweeties, right now people are afraid because a part of the plane is broken. A lot of people might get hurt. We might get hurt too. But it's important that we know we all love each other and wish to remember all our happy memories, because we'll either take those memories back home or up to Heaven. Let's ask God for help.

What I would tell the kids/spouse/etc. if they're at home and I'm on the plane: The pilot is afraid he/she might not be able to land safely. I love you and I've taught you the people to talk to when I'm not around. Don't try to hide it when you're upset, but don't let those bad feelings consume you. I'll be around to guide you, no matter what form I take. I love you all very much.

What I would say if I'm on the plane without any kids/spouses/etc.: Crap! Of course today of all days I get the plane that doesn't work!

PKS LeeTupper
10-04-2005, 10:07 PM
I'm not that close to my own family, but I do have Stephanie (Loogs) and to a lesser degree, though I still love them greatly, Kevin and Stephanie (itis). I know that if we all were about to die, I'd make it simple.

I'd tell Stephanie how much I loved her, and how I couldn't wait until the end of time, when we'd get to meet again in heaven. I'd try to stop the other Steph from crying, and thank her and Kevin for all the good times that we've had together. Then I'd pray for our safety, and if we had to die, for our souls.

Really, it's a lot easier to think of this scenario. What do you tell your loved ones when you both will die? Too easy. Neither has to live without the other. But when one of you is going to die, and leave the other one... That's a horse of a different color.

b-ondablock
12-17-2005, 01:50 PM
Can we get a reply for this? this seems very interesting

Pikachu
12-17-2005, 03:50 PM
Reviving dead topics might seem fun to you but to us it's just annoying. Stop now or risk being reported by every active member of the pokemon forum. I mean it.

Nemesis
12-17-2005, 04:05 PM
Bondablock, stop reviving dead topics. NOW. One warning.

b-ondablock
12-17-2005, 05:07 PM
So I could start a thread based on old topics right? and it wont happen again..