Flight 3407

As we barely break away from the elation of the Flight 1549 safely landing on the Hudson River in NY, the bells and whistles were yanked away with the recent flight crash of Flight 3407. I knew not to relish too long in the Miracle on the Hudson as it will only last short enough for something else to happen - but who could have imagined this horrific crash? Why?

Captain Sullenberger and Captain Renslow both had different conditions and different opportunities. Perhaps Captain Renslow and crew should be applauded for the landing -although it ended tragically, could have been far worse given the homes that were fairly close to each other.

Families, friends, co workers and all the rest of us who are saddened by the tragic death of the passengers on Flight 3407 we are all shocked. Not to mention, Mr.Douglas C. Wielinski who died while in his home with his wife and daughter (who were somehow spared)why? Why put the family through the guilt and the depression that they will surely face after having to deal with the knowledge that they somehow made it out alive. The what if I did? or I should have done? The continuous questions as they try to make sense of what has happened to their family. As I watch the reports of those who were supposed to be on that flight and missed it due to one reason or another, I wonder about the significance of it all.

The crew members who were on the job all had families and friends waiting, expecting to hear from them and no longer will be able to:

* Captain Marvin Renslow joined Colgan on September 9, 2005.
* First Officer Rebecca Shaw joined Colgan on January 16, 2008.
* Flight Attendant Matilda Quintero joined Colgan on May 28, 2008.
* Flight Attendant Donna Prisco joined Colgan on May 28, 2008.
* Captain Joseph Zuffoletto, an off-duty crewmember aboard flight 3407, joined Colgan on September 19, 2005.

The Passengers (partial list)

Alison Des Forges, of Buffalo, considered one of the world's leading experts on the genocide in Rwanda.

Beverly Eckert, of Stamford, Conn., an advocate on behalf of 9/11 families and responders. Ms. Eckert's husband died in the World Trade Center attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Ron Gonzalez, of New Brunswick, N.J., director of a youth services program.

Ellyce Kausner, a student at Florida Coastal School of Law.

Maddy Loftus, of Parsippany, N.J. on her way for a weekend reunion of women hockey players.

Coleman Mellett, played the guitar with jazz musician Chuck Mangione's band.

Lorin Maurer, fundraiser for Princeton University's athletics department.

Don McDonald a Canadian, a technical manager at Pharmetics Inc., a drug manufacturing plant in Fort Erie, Ont., where he worked for 26 years.

Donald Mossop was a technician for Xerox, while his wife was an executive secretary with drugmaker Schering-Plough their only child Shawn. Dawn Mossop's sister, Ferris Reid.

Gerry Niewood, played the saxophone and was also a member of jazz musician Chuck Mangione's band.

Mary Pettys, of West Seneca, N.Y. on her way back home after a business trip for her job as a software director for an insurance firm.

Jean Srnecz, of Clinton, N.J. was the Senior Vice President of merchandising at Charlotte, N.C.-based Baker and Taylor.

Susan Wehle, of Amherst, N.Y. was a Cantor at Temple Beth Am in Williamsville, NY since 2002.

Clay Yarber, of Riverside, Calif., member of several Tampa Bay, Fla.-area bands over the past several decades.

I cannot understand it at all. Why with all those who are left with the grief? Why? Do I pray for the families, friends, and others? What difference will it make? They're all gone.