Yesterday I had the privilege of picking Bill up at the airport in MSP and taking him to RNH to claim his pickup truck and belongings. He has quite a story to tell. Your posting, John, is particularly important in Bill's survival story...emergency egress out of a capsizing, upside down aircraft. I learned a great deal over a great hamburger, onion rings and waffle fries, listening to his experience. His ability to stay calm and utilize his survival training seems to have played a major role in his survival.
He drove home last night and plans on spending a couple of days in his man cave, sorting out his thoughts, "looking for the Lord's direction" (my paraphrasing). Bill is considering all his options, and is grateful for all support he has received from this group of people. We sat there remarking about how comforting it is to have so many people concerned about him, sending messages of support. In this world of impersonal connections (texting, IM, etc), how fortunate it is that we are able to cross paths electronically and be able to effectively communicate our feelings of joy and sadness, hope and loss, to each other. From all walks of life. What a rich quiltwork we weave here with each other.
I think it really important that people here have refrained from asking too many questions, speculating too much, as we wait for Bill to describe what he learned from this experience. For one thing, he is still traumatized by the experience, trying to sort out all the events of the last 7 days. Secondly, he undoubtedly is under scrutiny by the FAA and we must ALL be careful what we post here. It is also appreciated that the vast majority of posts have been supportive, sparing Bill from any "horror stories" out there involving difficulties with insurance companies, the feds, etc. He is quite aware of the legalities with which he must deal, and with insurance issues.
I look forward to reading what Bill will have to write and share with us, and wish him the best with getting his plan together.
Randy
