What I Learned When The Plane Went Down

I have flown hundreds of times and I know people who travel 2x’s a week for business. Many people have flying anxiety but I have always looked at it as the easiest and safest way of transportation. In statistics, driving is more dangerous, with more than 5 million accidents in a year compared to 20 accidents in flying.

The probability that you will be in a plane incident is one in a 11 million. I am one in 11 million.

On Friday, June 2nd, 2017, I was onboard Delta’s boing flight 889 from Atlanta to Raleigh when the engine exploded at 10,000 ft. in the air. 

I was watching The Middle. (one of my mom’s favorite shows) when there was a loud BOOM and the plane started shaking. There were screams throughout the cabin and flight attendants started telling us, “Stay calm!”. I opened the window shade and saw that the engine exploded and the wing was now on fire. My seat, 37A, was right over the wing and I could feel the heat of the fire on my side. 

The woman next to me and I joked how lucky we were in the beginning of the flight that the seat between us was empty. But now I’m not sure how lucky or unlucky we are… I brought my legs to my body and took the fetal position. The woman, Annie, took my hand and we prayed as tears streamed down my face. The cabin was filled with a heavy silence as the plane was going down.

Annie asked me about my life; my family, my accomplishments, my job and I cried out, “I’m too young to die”. Annie was an angel trying to distract me from the impending doom. She promised me we’d survive this and I’d see the people I love again. She kept her promise.

After what felt like terrifying hours, we touched the ground. The pilots performed a safe and amazing emergency landing in Georgia. I began to sob out of relief. I am not very religious but someone was watching over me that day.

As I closed my eyes and feared death, I only thought of three things.

Family

My family flashed through my mind. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to my mom, my dad, or my sister. I also thought about my sweet boyfriend and our puppy, how much they needed me. How would they react? Would they be able to move past this? What was the last thing I said to them?

Your family is the MOST important aspect of your life. Your job, social status, fashion, etc. doesn’t matter when the plane is going down. You wish for more time with your family. Cherish the time you do have with them and manage your priorities. 

Material things don’t matter

I was curled up in the fetal position wearing my new Express dress, expensive heels, and Kate Spade purse —all things I was insistent on NEEDING. But at this moment, none of this stuff mattered!!! Material things mean nothing at all. What matters is your impact on others and what you choose to do with your time on Earth.

From now on, I’m going to be much less materialistic. I’d rather spend my money on experiences, others, and working towards my dreams.

Life is short

I was mad because there were so many things I still wanted to do. I thought about how I’d never see Ireland, watch my sister get married, or ride a motorcycle. It felt like I had wasted so much time. Every minute counts.

Life is short and it’s up to YOU to make it sweet. So, stop wasting time and go after what you want! (Eat the damn cake.)

We often take time for granted and it’s not worth doing something if you don’t enjoy it. You should be in love with every aspect of your life.

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My life is forever changed because of this experience. It was my ‘Kim Kardashian robbed in Paris’ moment. Too soon? ?

Recently, I’ve been quiet and distant. However, I am surrounded by wonderful family and friends who have been supporting me. I’m very jumpy —loud noises, quick movements, or heat scares me. And it saddens me to think of all the places I probably won’t be able to travel to now.

Tell your loved ones how you feel, jump at every opportunity that is presented to you, go after your goals with an intense passion because life is a gift. I woke up in LA on Friday morning never expecting that the day could be my last. That’s why it is SO important to live every day to the fullest. 

I am one in 11 million. 

What are three things you are most thankful for in life?

What’s on your bucket list?