Panic Over Pittsburgh

Most people can count on one hand the moments in their lives when they’ve been terrified, heart-pounding scared, rushed with adrenalin. For me, one of them occurred last weekend.

I was flying home after two exciting weeks in Florida with my daughter’s newly expanded family of six.

???????????????????????????????Though I usually buy non-stop plane tickets, this time the route from Orlando to Chicago included a stop in Pittsburgh. I’d taken time to check Chicago’s wacky weather (not bad at 19 degrees and sunny) but hadn’t checked Pittsburgh.

After an uneventful flight north, our plane began its descent over Pennsylvania and suddenly hit a few rough bumps. The captain came on the intercom, telling us to be sure we were buckled in. “We’re coming into some choppy air,” he said in a calm voice, “and want you to stay safe. By the way, it’s snowing in Pittsburgh at minus-4 degrees.”

Then he instructed the flight attendants to buckle up, too, which seemed well ahead of their usual last-minute sit-downs. “Yes,” the head stewardess said, “tighten your belts. The captain wants to try something new.”

Black cloudsWe laughed at her joke, but the plane’s rocking and creaking continued to escalate. Outside our windows we were wrapped in threatening black clouds, despite it being noontime. I tried to read, but my book wouldn’t hold still, bouncing up and down with force.

As we got closer to the ground, the lurching became more pronounced, and our captain came on again. “Ok, folks,” he said, still talking smoothly, “let’s double-check those seat belts. Pull your straps tight, low on the hips. We’ll be landing in a few minutes.”

I hoped on a runway.

As the plane shuddered violently and jerked every-which-way, I wondered how much more it could take before a wing would snap. Normally I loved take-offs and landings, but this time I found myself replaying the last thing I’d said to each of my children.

“This might be it!” I thought, adrenalin surging.

Staccato reflections darted in and out of my head as my heart pounded. “What a shame for our kids to lose their dad and mom so close together. I hope they know how much I love them.”

Suddenly we got a glimpse of the ground, and it seemed shockingly close. “Jesus, here I come!”

Snowy runwayThe flashing lights at the end of the runway shot beneath us and then boom-BOOM! Our wheels slammed down on a snow- covered runway just a few feet after the pavement began. “Wow!” I thought. “He barely got there!”

Billowing walls of snow surrounded us like a monster wake behind a high speed boat, and we zoomed all the way to the other end of the runway before he could rein in his speed. Passengers applauded, and the flight attendant said, “Welcome to Pittsburgh!”

As my insides began to calm, I thought about a statement Mom frequently made: “Be sure you know your bottom line.”

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13)

6 thoughts on “Panic Over Pittsburgh

  1. There’s nothing like a turbulent flight/landing to help us get our priorities straight! I love how even though you were scared, you still had a secure piece about you…you knew you would be going up if the plane went down. Isn’t is awesome to have that security and confidence despite our circumstances?

  2. I have to admit that I’m paying the most attention to your description of the landing. Brenda and I are howling with laughter, imagining what it would be like to have you telling it to us in person. I can picture your face and hear your voice. I’m smiling, but I also keenly hear your words about possibly leaving loved ones and always being ready to instantly be in the presence of Jesus. Thanks for a great post!!

  3. So thankful you’re home safe. Sounds like a nail-biting end to a fun, but very intense two weeks in Fla…….leaving behind those babies was NOT easy!
    It trly is a comfort to know the one writing the last line. Look forward to seeing you in March!

  4. I read Facebook every day but Harvey doesn’t and once again we are not getting it on our e-mail. He misses it so could you check it out for us please?

  5. I read Facebook every day but Harvey doesn’t and once again we are not getting it on our e-mail. He misses it so could you check it out for us please?