The Best News I’ve Ever Covered…
I Love You Dad!
Life serves up all kinds of challenges. I believe my dad has had his fare share. As many of you know, both of my parents are cancer survivors. Now, my dad has added to that list… surviving a plane crash into the freezing Hudson River. Yes, my dad, Donald Jones, Sr. was on US Airways Flight 1549. I will never forget that flight number, the day, and most importantly the outcome.
I’ve had so many prayers and well wishes sent through phone calls, email, facebook, twitter and this blog. I can’t thank everyone enough. These thoughts have meant so much to me and my family!
My dad is doing well now that he’s home with mom in Florida. I continue to thank God. We are truly blessed! I am sure 155 other families feel the same way.
We also have some new very special people in our lives… the pilot, co-pilot and crew of US Airways flight 1549!
Fortunately, my mom had no idea about the news of a plane crash until she got a phone call from my dad. He said, “Honey, my plane has crashed in the Hudson River… and I want you to know I’m ok.” He was extremely cold but alive and safe… rescued with others by a NY Harbor Ferry. I didn’t find out so soon. I was in the newsroom just as it happened witnessing some of the first video and information coming across MSNBC. I had taIked to my dad just a few hours earlier. I knew my dad was flying out of NY that afternoon. I knew he always flies US Airways. I knew he was headed to Charlotte. But it didn’t hit me until I confirmed his flight number with his secretary. We both broke down on the phone. It was the worst moment of my life. Thank God… minutes later my sister got a call. My dad had called my mom on a borrowed cell phone.
I feel overwhelming gratitude and love. We are a very close family… even closer now if that’s possible. When you think you’ve hugged your family enough… hug them a little more!
My dad talked with reporters when he returned home to Florida the day after the crash.He details his experience from the crash landing, his escape and rescue. Here’s the unedited interview:
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Comments
Wow, Donald! I heard about this over the weekend (I was away in the mountains). I am so glad to hear that your father is safe! God is good!
MOM & DAD… and others… FOR SOME REASON, SOME OF YOUR COMMENTS ENDED UP ON THE POST BELOW… BUT I WILL OF COURSE ANSWER THEM HERE:
MOM & DAD– Thanks so much! I can’t tell you and dad enough how much I love you! The last thing I want to do is make dad upset again. But… I know it’s a “good” upset… an overwhelming appreciation of family, love, life and certainly God. Again. I love you!
CAROLE & WALT– Thank you so much for your thoughts, prayers and support! I know my extended family was busy working for us! We are so so fortunate… I love you!
WILL– Thanks so much… celebrate life everyday… have a beer for us, enjoy every pedal turn and keep snapping those beautiful pictures!
Uncadan8– Thank you as well… God IS good.
CAROLE & WALT– Thank you so much for your thoughts, prayers and support! I know my extended family was busy working for us! We are so so fortunate… I love you!
we are neighbors to your parents in VA mtns. rejoicing with you that your dad is safe! gives us all a new appreciation for life! God bless you all!
I first heard about your Dad being on the flight over on 30Threads. I am so glad he is safe and well.
Jenia forwarded this to us, Donald. We are indeed relieved for you and your wonderful family. What an incredible ordeal for your dad. Gutsy guy! Thinking of you…..
BOBBIE & ED– Mom has talked about you often. So good the hear from you and thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers!
TOM– Yes, unreal… the pilot saved 155 lives! Incredible man… we are truly blessed.
KOEHMSTEDT– Thanks so much for sharing your kind words. So many wonderful people have been reaching out.
JEFF– Thanks so much Jeff… We are certainly celebrating life that much more!
BARBARA KEATING– Thank you as well for your thoughts and well wishes. Yes, my dad’s pretty tough. I’m am a VERY fortunate son!!!
Donald, I’ve been listening and watching the video of you and your Dad. I’m very glad and grateful for you and Janice and boys, and, of course you family that your Dad is okay. Thanks for sending the Christmas photo.
Love,
Nonie
Donald, Just saw your sister at at mini-Kappa reunion in Orlando. Thank God your dad is okay. My husband, Doug, is a former Delta pilot…flew F-16s for the USAF before that. Be thankful you had a very experienced pilot flying that jet that day. With all the airline cuts, many pilots, like Doug are leaving the airlines. They are being replaced with inexperienced folks who got their flight training in a Cessna at some local flight school. Not the same as military experience. Maybe this will shake up the airlines to convince them to compensate these pilots better and get more experience back into the cockpits.
I’m very thankful that your Dad is alive and well! You have a wonderful family.
Love, Mc
What a shock and relief. I can only imagine how overwhelming this must have been (and probably still is). I’m so happy for you and your family and the pilot deserves a medal!
HI NONIE– Thanks so much for writing. It’s good to hear form you. Yes, we are so fortunate and grateful. What a blessing.
KELLY– Thanks so much. Good points you make! Thank you for your kind thoughts.
RON– Thanks so much! We’re celebrating for sure.
GROOVER– Fortunately the shock didn’t last too long. Just still tring to grasp it all. True… the pilot is a hero. Thanks you too so much for your dear thoughts.
WELDA– Thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers. All is well now… some adjusting time… but all is well. I can’t say it enough… we are truly blessed.
This certainly had a happy ending and is a testimonial to the excellent training of the flight crew, both from the standpoint of the landing (and a pilot with 19,000 flying hours knows a few things) to the flight attendants who got everyone out in a pretty orderly fashion. Your dad will probably never have to buy a beer again with this story.
SPROCKETBOY– Such a HAPPY ending… awesome pilot, co-pilot and crew. My dad can’t talk about that enough! I emailed him your comment. I reminded him you’re my cycling friend to the north with a true taste for high-carb recovery beverages. Hope all is well with you… talk soon.
holy shit!!! wow, i am so glad he’s ok donald! i work in the after hours dept of a travel agency and we had one client on that plane too. such a miracle!!!
p.s. add me on facebook!
Donald, I don’t know if you remember my family or not, but our dads held the same positions in their respective state medical associations. We met at Opryland and vacationed in Williamsburg back in ‘88 or ‘89. Saw you on Inside Edition late one night and heard about your dad. Praise God! It’s amazing that all the passengers and crew are safe. We lost my dad (Herb) to cancer in November. Tell your folks “Hi” for me. I’d love hear updates on you and Amy.
Shelli Gillen Thompson
SHELLI- Thanks so much for your heartfelt message. I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. I’ll send you an email. Best, Donald
[...] may have read my post last month, “The Best News I’ve Ever Covered…”. It was the best news because my dad was one of the 155 people that walked… or in his [...]
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wow.
That is great news!
Not sure what to say except, I am very happy for your family.