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