Ice Cream Without Airplanes

By Eldon R. Linn

September 12, 2001

 

Over the years, it has been our custom to have a dish of ice cream before bedtime. And, since Arlene and I moved into our high-rise condo almost 12 years ago, we often eat our ice cream on our balcony ... enjoying the nighttime view. We always see the planes arriving as they head into their pattern over the Potomac River and on into Reagan National Airport.

We will see a plane making its turn, shining its lights seemingly right at us, then heading into it final flight pattern. But, as it gets closer, we will see the lights of the next one in line in the distance. Another bite of ice cream and, if it is a clear night, we will see yet another even further off waiting its turn. Seemingly relentless, very dependable, like clockwork they always come. We have seen them fly in during perfect weather, during thunderstorms, lightning, hail, fog, and smog ... but they always come. They are planes that many of us have been on either returning to or just visiting the Washington area. They carry mail, financial certificates, gifts, and medical supplies ... and they always come.

Last night we ate our ice cream ... but the skies were silent ... very, very silent ...

The unthinkable had happened and the planes flew no more! Men filled with hate, likely never knowing in their lives any form of love, and without any concept of the value of human life, abused the use of our airplanes.

Last night we ate our ice cream, and we thought of the many whose lives were permanently changed. We ate our ice cream and remembered the many ... the very, very many ...

Last night we ate our ice cream and, perhaps more than ever before, were reminded that all of our blessings in abundance are very fragile. Even tall buildings, like the one in which Arlene and I live, made of steel or concrete and take years to build but can be destroyed in mere minutes. But we were also reminded of the One who is in supreme control. The God who gave us life eternal through His son, Jesus Christ, is also the author of perfect love and peace. We pray that those whose lives were devastated will somehow find this love and peace and Him who created it.

Last night we ate our ice cream ... and the skies were silent ... very, very silent. 

 

© Eldon R. Linn, Arlington, Virginia  Eldon and his wife Arlene live about 2 miles from the Pentagon that was attacked on September 11, 2001.

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