Am I Seeing Things Or Has A Plane Landed In The Water?

There are moments in life when you feel overwhelmed, tired, and look forward to having a vacation that will be relaxing, put you in another environment and make you forget about the many tasks that need tending to. One month ago I was just another passenger heading out to California to enjoy some sunshine during the holidays. Soon many mornings and evenings were spent enjoying the rooftop deck on my hotel, overlooking the beautiful Santa Monica Beach. One afternoon while relaxing and enjoying time and beverages with my youngest daughter I noted a sudden tension in the air. What was usually a peaceful environment became suddenly filled with the sounds of commotion, sirens, helicopters, drones flying overhead, people running and pointing, pure chaos. Rising from our chairs we looked in the direction that seemed to be the epicenter of what was happening. We could do nothing but blink because the scene before our eyes seemed unreal and the brain needed a moment to process what was in front of us.

"Is that a boat?" we asked each other. But, the continued commotion let us know there was much more going on. We knew it was something bad, but things were still unclear. My stomach began to churn as I stared from the deck , unable to blink or look away. Standing side by side, my daughter and I waited as helicopters repeatedly circled the area seemingly to get closer to the water. Then the words were heard from a waiter at the restaurant that made me freeze, "a plane has landed in the water." It was only in that moment that the view of what was transforming in front the patrons on the deck came in to focus. We realized that the small plane was in the water, but it looked strange because it was upside down. An eerie silence fell upon the deck.

As more individuals came out inquiring what was taking place, everyone appeared obviously stunned. We soon discovered individuals were still trapped inside the plane. From start to finish we remained on the deck seeing all that was occurring as a rescue attempt was being made over a period of time. A feeling of helplessness hit me, unable to do anything but say special thoughts for those in need and their families. Looking around I felt a sense of guilt for feeling so grateful as my daughter remained beside me, and knowing my husband and other daughter were safe upstairs in our room. We soon learned that one individual lost their life in the crash on the beach that day. I knew that somehow I would never fully be the same after witnessing these tragedy on the beach that day, and as I looked at my daughter I knew she had been changed as well.

Seeing the event splashed across the television, online media... I still cannot believe I was there. But, all that I witnessed served as a reminder to do the things that I want to accomplish in life, enjoy those that I love, and utilize each day as an opportunity to live life to the fullest. A moment can change much in an instant. In knowing this I want to make sure I am targeting for the best always.