Letter to the Editor
We’ve all been affected by the tragic events from Tuesday. Each of us
was influenced in his or her own way. As the spouse of a local American
flight attendant, I would like to offer a bit of perspective, in my
opinion, relating to those associated with in-flight air travel.
My wife, Kathie, has worked in the business more than 20 years. First
with National Airlines out of Miami, then Southern California-based
AirCal and now American. In those years, she’s experienced the trials and
tribulations, the demands and rewards of being a professional flight
attendant. Her greatest satisfaction is providing a service for those
passengers who appreciate her kind and caring nature. The fact that she’s
very good at what she does in terms of aircraft knowledge and safety
procedures is reflective not only of all American Airline flight
attendants, but the industry as a whole.
Tuesday’s attack reminds us that life can change in an instant, as it
has for our circle of friends and family. Kathie was supposed to fly home
from New York on Monday. Because of unforeseeable obstacles (mechanical
and passenger illness), she and the crew were forced to stay over Monday
night and fly out the next morning. The crew arrived at JFK International
Airport early Tuesday morning, innocent of what was soon to be one of the
darkest days in American history. Still unaware of the destruction going
on in lower Manhattan, they were told that their flight had been canceled
and the airport was being evacuated. A bus would take them back to the
hotel where they’d wait for further instructions.
Back in Costa Mesa, I, along with neighbors, watched in horror as the
television news coverage enlightened all Americans to the unbelievable
scenes unfolding on the unsuspecting victims in or near the Trade Center
and the terrorized passengers and crew on the American and United jets.
The concerned phone calls began soon after 6:30 a.m. and did not stop
until about 8:30 p.m. that night. Everyone was assured that Kathie was OK
and that as soon as I heard from her, return calls would be made. Kath
got through around 11:30 a.m. that morning, numb, sad for loss of life
and a little thankful. She called again around 8:45 p.m., having just
returned from a meeting, the strains of the day taking their toll on her
spirit and I think on her soul. Between sobs, she tried to explain what
was transpiring toward getting all the airline employees home along with
the strength and fortitude exhibited by each and every crew member.
I told her I was keeping track of everyone who had called, and because
of her nature, she’d probably be returning calls until the end of the
month as soon as she got home. It was as if that knowledge of so much
love and concern from her friends and family that day brought her back to
a place of security and resolution. Words can never express the gratitude
for such kindness.
This is only one story. There are more than 25,000 flight attendants
for American Airlines alone. Each time one of them takes off to ensure
passenger safety and comfort, for those of us left behind, there’s a
confidence and a hope that every trip will result in coming home safe and
sound.
FLIP DARNELL
Costa Mesa
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