Greetings from the Flight Deck—Welcome Aboard!

…Join me on an adventure. A journey. A celebration of flight, regaling tales of world travel, and musings on the “ups n downs” of the rarely lucrative but always rich airline pilot career!

Follow the Adventure

Follow the Adventure...

Join this Site!

Followers

LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK!

Monday, December 17, 2012

Answers to the Sandy Hook tragedy found in the Christmas Season




We are all searching for answers after the Sandy Hook school tragedy.  Here's a very important message that relates to the Season...

On the VERY SAME DAY of the school shooting last week, a group of pilots for an organization called "Pilots for Kids" quietly visited and distributed toys and stuffed animals to sick kids at the Phoenix Children's Hospital.

The "Pilots for Kids" team at the Phoenix Children's Hospital

I have done this for the past several years.  It has always been rewarding, but this year was particularly poignant, as each of us had witnessed in helpless horror the tragedy unfolding on the news that morning.  We had no choice but to put on our happy faces and do our best to bring a little joy into several innocent, suffering, sweet little lives.

We would have done it anyway, regardless of the days' news.

My point...

Cap'n Aux visits his new friend Hannah

While a few sick, evil deeds are daily splashed across the headlines, MILLIONS of GOOD, BEAUTIFUL deeds are quietly being performed around the world.  MILLIONS are daily bringing comfort, JOY, and a smile to a child's face.

I  also gave Marcus and Hannah a copy of my first novel, "Code Name: Dodger."  100% of proceeds from the novel go to the orphanage charity, warmblankets.org

I am privileged to do this once a year.  But DAILY, around the globe, others voluntarily perform these heroic deeds, for no other reason than to help others in their needs.

You don't need to be a Christian to ingest these words of wisdom:
"Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world."—James 1:27


Thousands showed up spontaneously to pray and show support for the victims and their families.

Mother Sue comforts son James after the ordeal.

My friend Terry, former coworker, pilot and regular reader of this blog, went to the very same Sandy Hook grade school.  His brother's children were in school that day.  PRAISE GOD, they were able to escape unharmed (see pic above).
PLEASE PRAY FOR THEIR HEALING!
(and especially for those of the victims and their families!)


Sandy Hook vigil

We live in a free society.  We can take precautions, but, sadly, this will happen again.  It is easy to be distracted by the awful headlines, get discouraged, become fearful of the world outside our own doors, and fall into despair.

Nevertheless, I say again, GOOD MARCHES ON.



From the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.:
"I have not lost faith. I'm not in despair, because I know that there is a moral order. I haven't lost faith, because the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice...With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope...and all over the world we will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, 'Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we're free at last!'"


 "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."—Edmund Burke



EVIL IS NOT TRIUMPHING.  DAILY, AROUND THE WORLD, GOOD MEN AND WOMEN ARE DOING.  GOOD.

For those parents groping for what to say to your children...this is what you tell them!

"Love conquers all"—Virgil, 70BC-19BC; see also 1 Corinthians 13.

In the midst of this tragedy, let us not forget the spirit of the season.  Whether Christian, Muslim, Jew, atheist, or otherwise, I bid each and every one of you....


PEACE ON EARTH, GOOD WILL TOWARD MAN. 



This post is dedicated to the victims and families of the Sandy Hook tragedy.  May they eventually find peace and healing in their hearts.




Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38 when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate. Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air. They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there. They were filled with such joy; they didn't know what to say. They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day. “where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse. “This is heaven" declared a small boy. "We’re spending Christmas at God's house”. When what to their wondering eyes did appear, but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near. He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same. Then He opened His arms and He called them by name. And in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring those children all flew into the arms of their King and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace, one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face. And...as if He could read all the questions she had He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad. “then He looked down on earth, the world far below He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe, then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand, “Let My power and presence re-enter this land! “May this country be delivered from the hands of fools” “I’m taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools! “Then He and the children stood up without a sound. “Come now my children let me show you around. “Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran. All displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can. And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight, “in the midst of this darkness,” I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

—Anonymous





I would also like to dedicate this post to the thousands of men and women in uniform around the globe who are missing their loved ones this Christmas season so that we may be secure.




——————————————



CLICK HERE to support the victims of Sandy Hook via United Way!


——————————————


More relevant passages and beautiful tributes to those lost...

"Hallelujah"sung by the cast and crew of The Voice:


"Heaven help us All"sung by author Tawni Waters:


A beautiful passage from "Charlie Brown Christmas" (1965):




My favorite song of all time, sung by an amazingly graceful young man: 


Another hero who visits kids (visit superheroesforkids.org):


——————————————

——————————————





 NOTE: This post marks the 1 year anniversary of this blog.  In the words of emergency chute-sliding JetBlue flight attendant Steve Slater, "It's been a wild ride!"

Cap'n Aux endures an excruciating overnight in PVR, Christmas eve, 2011 

May your 2013 be safe, happy, prosperous, and full of adventure!

17 comments:

  1. Hi there, so many different themes it's difficult to know where to start......

    A fun day at the hospital - so good to see you guys there, it really does put your own life into some sort of perspective....

    I have no kids but I found it so hard to see the reports of the unfolding tradegy at Sandy Hook without a tear welling up - my heartfelt sorrow to all touched by it..


    And to finish on a happy note, yep, a year of blogging and some great stuff and variety - hopefully the first year of many and I am looking forward to reading your book - 69 days to my vacation and counting, I hope it's sand resistant!!

    Thanks for all your efforts this past year Eric, it's a pleasure to know you and participate..

    All the very best to you and your followers for Christmas and the new year!

    Dave from the UK :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Dave! So great to always see you here.

      Tough, tough subject matter this season, but I think we can all honor the victims, learn to move forward from this tragedy, and most importantly turn toward our faith to get through it!

      Thanks for your comments, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

      Delete
  2. Nice memorial and tribute. Heart warming.

    DJ PHX

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, DJ. Thank you for being a regular reader, and especially for commenting. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, my friend!

      Delete
  3. What a beautiful post. And I love the poem.
    You are right... There is a lot of good in the world. And the message is to continue and carry on. For everyone's sake.
    Tomorrow night is my Pilot for kids adventure. But I don't want to carry my cold into the hospital. So I may just be the behind the scenes support. Tomorrow will tell.
    Until then, and beyond, I will share your message.
    Happy Holidays!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the post,

      I found your blog via Karlene’s site. You have a great site and with your permission, I would like to become a follower.

      I am sure it will be tough, enjoying the Holidays from poolside. But only a few adventurous souls are call to this career! Ha Ha.

      Rob Akers

      Delete
    2. Karlene, thanks so much for commenting and sharing! So glad you could partake of the PFK adventure, even if only in Logistical Support this year. My next 2 posts will be all about YOU--how's them apples?!?!?

      Delete
    3. Rob Akers, Welcome Aboard! It's an honor to have a fellow pilot-author (along with Karlene), from over at http://robakers.wordpress.com/ !

      I hope you were able to become a member/follower here; there should be no restrictions. Let me know if you have issues, I know several have.

      Yes, this time I hit PVR the day BEFORE Christmas...and then hit Cancun the day AFTER! WOE IS ME!!!

      Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

      PS: LOVE your concept for your "SOG" story. Let me know when it's out--I'd like to read and review it and then FEATURE it here!!

      Delete
    4. PS All: Karlene's site can be found at http://karlenepetitt.com !

      Delete
  4. Oh Dear Cappy,........What a Lovely "Post"......!!!!
    Of all days......There you are giving out the prezzie's to baby 'Bumpkins'......they are so much more 'Braver' than us......adults......!!!And it's on their shoulders........we can always find a place of rest!!!!!!
    Thank You....Cappy.......for being one of the 'Good Guys'.....!!!!!

    So a 'Year' huh....already......Well, I don't know how you found my humble blog.......but I am so glad you did........We sure have had some 'Fun'....this last year........and I've enjoyed your 'Posts'...almost as much as I enjoy giving you a hard time........LOL........
    I hope we have many more years to come.....having fun in our Aviation World........and it's so Awesome sharing with you..and all your 'followers' as well.....!!!!!!
    Thanks Cappy for all the hard work you put in.......here at "Adventure's of Cap'n Aux!!!!.........
    and ya know.....it's so nice.......that you don't mind hanging out with us lowlife "Aviation Geeks".........LOL.......!!!
    I admire you.......very much...but the best part is .....We also have become good friends......and it's that 'Friendship' I Treasure more than anything.......!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Oh and btw.....I want that Damn pilot Hat.....!!!!
    so step aside........and hand it over.............;)))))

    Merry Christmas to you....Cap....and to all of your followers and friends alike!!!!!!!!!!!!

    MissTWA

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hmm, sorry dear, I replied to this days ago, but apparently my iPad had other thoughts in mind than actually publishing it!!

      You're ALWAYS welcome to share my pics n info from my site! This was a tough post, esp. for the season we're in, but I think it's an important point to make. You may very well get this pilot hat...it's my OLD one and the new one's on the way. Besides, I only wear it for ONE THING: handing out prezzies to kiddies!!!

      It's been an honor and a joy to be "roasted" by you here all year! LUV YA DEAR!!!

      Delete
  5. I just wanted to say that it really touched my heart when I saw the "Pilot for Kids" photos. Eric, you are a very good man.

    Have a fantastic Christmas surrounded by people you love...

    GG

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, GG! I'm always happy when you & Miss T post here!

      I wish you a very Merry Christmas!

      Delete
  6. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I thank Laurmar737 for the comment, but it was intended for a different post and discussion, so I removed it here ;-)

      Delete
  7. You may remark on the request arrangement of the blog. You should visit it's unbelievable. Your blog review would swell up your guests. In this game sims 4 cheats you can fitness, it's available on Xbox one.

    ReplyDelete

Sorry, folks, due to more spamming, Word Verification is back on. If you have trouble posting, please email your comments to me and I will post it for you!

capnaux@gmail.com