Some days are diamonds
In February of the year 2000 I was in an airplane accident23 total reviews
Comment from LJbutterfly
Wow! This story had me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't read fast enough. Your descriptions were phenomenal. I felt as though I was in the aircraft, and could feel the icy water. I understand the feeling you have after a prayer when the answer seems to drop down into your spirit. I believe prayer and faith saved you. Hope you enjoyed the census job. Best wishes in the contest.
reply by the author on 06-Nov-2022
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Wow! This story had me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't read fast enough. Your descriptions were phenomenal. I felt as though I was in the aircraft, and could feel the icy water. I understand the feeling you have after a prayer when the answer seems to drop down into your spirit. I believe prayer and faith saved you. Hope you enjoyed the census job. Best wishes in the contest.
Comment Written 05-Nov-2022
reply by the author on 06-Nov-2022
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Hello Lorraine,
Thanks so much for the exceptional review. I'm honored by your choice. There was a sense of peace that came over me when I was flying in to Juneau after I had prayed and God had answered. It was a little baffling to find myself in the situation on the flight home, but I don't recall really being scared at the time, at least not until the water started approaching my chin. God was so faithful though.
The census job was temporary, and frankly, it was kind of a pain, but it provided a bit of extra income. When I got home after the crash, I had to call the supervisor in Juneau and tell them I needed another packet, and the lady thought I was joking at first. The whole scenario made Ingrid and myself a bit of a novelty for awhile. One superstitious native lady thought that I was like an angel or something. Nothing of the sort of course, just incredibly blessed.
Have a blessed evening gal.
Tom
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
That must have been terrifying! I won't fly anymore, I'm staying in my own country and enjoying it. You could have died by drowning, freezing to death, or multiple things, but you prayed and God listened. You are a very lucky person to have come away from that to tell the tale. Well done!! :)) Sandra xx
reply by the author on 05-Nov-2022
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That must have been terrifying! I won't fly anymore, I'm staying in my own country and enjoying it. You could have died by drowning, freezing to death, or multiple things, but you prayed and God listened. You are a very lucky person to have come away from that to tell the tale. Well done!! :)) Sandra xx
Comment Written 05-Nov-2022
reply by the author on 05-Nov-2022
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Hello Sandra,
thanks so much for the great review and the heartfelt comments. I honestly don't remember being too afraid while we were going down. In my mind I kept thinking that at the last minute the pilot would be able to start the plane. I didn't start getting too afraid until the water started creeping above my neck. The Lord was so faithful to me though. When He says something, you can take it to the bank. He might test you to the last minute, but He'll do what He promised, I'm a living testament of that.
Have a blessed day gal.
Tom
Comment from Brett Matthew West
Being in an airplane crash would be a harrowing experience to say the least.
Strong description of winter flying in small aircrafts.
"no ferry scheduled" should be no ferries scheduled.
"location and and" should be location and.
In the Notes - "there a six" should be there are six.
Seems your prayers were answered.
Alaska in winter, wet clothes, and water. That must have been a frigid combination.
reply by the author on 04-Nov-2022
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Being in an airplane crash would be a harrowing experience to say the least.
Strong description of winter flying in small aircrafts.
"no ferry scheduled" should be no ferries scheduled.
"location and and" should be location and.
In the Notes - "there a six" should be there are six.
Seems your prayers were answered.
Alaska in winter, wet clothes, and water. That must have been a frigid combination.
Comment Written 04-Nov-2022
reply by the author on 04-Nov-2022
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Hello Brett,
Thanks for the fine review and comments. I appreciate your pointing out the errors too. I corrected the things you mentioned. You're quite right, my prayers, fortunately, were answered. I've thought of that promise more than a few times when I've been caught in lousy weather out on the boat, and it's comforting.
Have a blessed day.
Tom
Comment from Theodore McDowell
Great true story for the contest. I wish I had a six for this one. You told this story amazingly well. I was engaged the entire time and enthralled by your internal dialogue as you faced the crisis and trauma. A very nice post.
reply by the author on 04-Nov-2022
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Great true story for the contest. I wish I had a six for this one. You told this story amazingly well. I was engaged the entire time and enthralled by your internal dialogue as you faced the crisis and trauma. A very nice post.
Comment Written 04-Nov-2022
reply by the author on 04-Nov-2022
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Thanks so much Tim for the great review and comments. It's been twenty-two years, and while I don't dwell on it, I've never forgotten it either. I wonder at times why the experience didn't have more of an impact on how I live, but it doesn't seem to have had. I'm still doing the same stupid things I've always done.
Have a blessed day.
Tom
Comment from irishauthorme
Hi Tom, your story was so well-written that I had to give it my best.
What a harrowing experience! Thank God for your Old Timer, I have one that has been sharpened so many times, the blade is very thin.
Sounds like your pilot kept his shit together, crash-landed in the best spot available, and made sure all three of you got out of the sinking plane safely. And, you still took another flight the next day, to get home, wow!
Great story!
irish
reply by the author on 03-Nov-2022
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Hi Tom, your story was so well-written that I had to give it my best.
What a harrowing experience! Thank God for your Old Timer, I have one that has been sharpened so many times, the blade is very thin.
Sounds like your pilot kept his shit together, crash-landed in the best spot available, and made sure all three of you got out of the sinking plane safely. And, you still took another flight the next day, to get home, wow!
Great story!
irish
Comment Written 03-Nov-2022
reply by the author on 03-Nov-2022
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Hi Irish,
Thanks so much for the great review and comments. Yeah the pilot, Ben, really did have some experience behind him. I was so glad it was him in charge instead of a less experienced pilot. He ended up working at a different airlines flying bigger planes as I understand. My Old Timer is in the same condition. The blade has gotten smaller and smaller. I'm going to have to get another one soon I suppose. We actually flew home that afternoon. I figured the chances of it happening twice were pretty slim, so I wasn't too worried.
Have a blessed day.
Tom
Comment from Carol Hillebrenner
This is very well-told and proofed (although you do have 2 "ands" side by side in one sentence). You tell us at the beginning that you have been in a plane crash, but then you tell the story in a linear manner that builds anticipation for what will happen in the actual crash. Very well done.
reply by the author on 03-Nov-2022
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This is very well-told and proofed (although you do have 2 "ands" side by side in one sentence). You tell us at the beginning that you have been in a plane crash, but then you tell the story in a linear manner that builds anticipation for what will happen in the actual crash. Very well done.
Comment Written 02-Nov-2022
reply by the author on 03-Nov-2022
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Hello Carol,
thanks so much for the outstanding review and comments, I'm honored by your support. I went back and checked the sentence you spoke of, and though it's hard for me to explain away, the forests, and the tundra kind of go together, though it doesn't seem quite right I agree. In any event, I very much appreciate your kind review.
Have a blessed evening.
Tom
Comment from Spitfire
Your narrative had me on the edge of my seat.
I was freezing along with you thanks to your vivid descriptions on the weather. I was horrified when you put the life jacket over your buckled seat belt. Thank goodness you had that knife.
reply by the author on 03-Nov-2022
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Your narrative had me on the edge of my seat.
I was freezing along with you thanks to your vivid descriptions on the weather. I was horrified when you put the life jacket over your buckled seat belt. Thank goodness you had that knife.
Comment Written 02-Nov-2022
reply by the author on 03-Nov-2022
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Hello Spitfire,
Thanks so much for honoring me with your generous review and comments. Cold doesn't isn't a very good adjective to describe the water in February in Alaska. Had it been fresh water it would have been frozen solid. I never realized how quickly one could lose their breath after being exposed to it. I was fortunate that I hadn't had time to dull the knife by running it across fish hooks or some such thing. It was still very sharp. I was just so glad that I had enough dexterity in my fingers to be able to pull the blade out without dropping it. It could have been a much different story had I dropped it.
Have a blessed evening.
Tom
Comment from Mary Shifman
I can only imagine how terrifying this experience must have been for all three of you! I've flown quite a lot in my day but I've only been in a couple of small planes. I have to admit, I didn't like those flights, nor did I feel safe. Still, I never experienced engine failure or anything like that, so I'm grateful. You did a great job telling your story and conveying your emotions and faith.
reply by the author on 02-Nov-2022
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I can only imagine how terrifying this experience must have been for all three of you! I've flown quite a lot in my day but I've only been in a couple of small planes. I have to admit, I didn't like those flights, nor did I feel safe. Still, I never experienced engine failure or anything like that, so I'm grateful. You did a great job telling your story and conveying your emotions and faith.
Comment Written 02-Nov-2022
reply by the author on 02-Nov-2022
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Hello Mary,
thanks so much for the great review and comments. I'm not a big fan of the small planes. My son and my son-in-law both own one, and my other son wants to get his pilot's license. My dad liked flying and bought a plane when he was in his forties. I own a boat, and that's as much excitement as I need.
Have a blessed evening.
Tom
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I used to love to fly (in jets) but I don't get around as well as I used to and from what I understand, flying involves a lot of hassle. I used to fish a lot from boats which I enjoyed. Have a great day.
Comment from lyenochka
I'm so glad you shared this. I think I remember bits of it before and in fact, Olin reminded me of the story, too. What a horrifying event and yet God answered your prayers and here you are to give Him glory by sharing this remarkable story! I think this could be the winner!!
reply by the author on 02-Nov-2022
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I'm so glad you shared this. I think I remember bits of it before and in fact, Olin reminded me of the story, too. What a horrifying event and yet God answered your prayers and here you are to give Him glory by sharing this remarkable story! I think this could be the winner!!
Comment Written 02-Nov-2022
reply by the author on 02-Nov-2022
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Oh my Helen,
Thanks so much for the vote of confidence. I did write in a much earlier post about the accident, but it was a little different, much longer post for one. I didn't understand much about the rating system at the time, and I guess I still don't. It sounds like some folks don't want to review a story unless there is a "financial reward" of sorts. My biggest issue is finding the time to review so many talented writers. I don't care is the article pays big or not, but that's me. Yes, I guess Olin's family must have still been in Hoonah at the time. For awhile, Ingrid and I were kind of like celebrities. I even had one superstitious woman think I was somehow special because I had survived the crash. What I was, was blessed.
Have a blessed evening gal.
Tom
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Thankful that the Lord saved you to be a witness! 💖
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
Wow! What a scary ordeal you eloquently detailed for readers, Tom.
I could see everything as I read. Your words created great imagery.
I agree--no small planes for me. Your words put the reader right
there in the midst of all. What a relief the plane landed where it did.
I liked your prayers and answers.
Thanks for sharing and best wishes in the contest, Jan
straitened it up--->straightened
reply by the author on 02-Nov-2022
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Wow! What a scary ordeal you eloquently detailed for readers, Tom.
I could see everything as I read. Your words created great imagery.
I agree--no small planes for me. Your words put the reader right
there in the midst of all. What a relief the plane landed where it did.
I liked your prayers and answers.
Thanks for sharing and best wishes in the contest, Jan
straitened it up--->straightened
Comment Written 02-Nov-2022
reply by the author on 02-Nov-2022
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Hello Jan,
Thanks so much for the great review and comments. Wings of Alaska got bought out by another company who primarily uses larger planes now called caravans. They can pack nine people and are much more comfortable, but honestly, I think if they went down, I'm not sure how much better they would be.
Have a blessed day gal.
Tom
