Buffalo plane tragedy hits home
Beth Kushner, a former resident of Eden N.Y., died when Continental Connection Flight 3407 crashed into a Clarence Center home on Feb. 12, approximately five miles from its intended landing strip at Buffalo Niagara International Airport. She was 19. Like Beth, I too hail from Eden N.Y. Beth’s brother, Joe, was my teammate on the high school basketball team. It’s in this capacity that connects me to the tragedy that’s been dubbed “The Buffalo Crash.”
I first knew of the incident after finding the story reported on buffalonews.com that Thursday evening. There weren’t many details revealed when the story broke and, while I was concerned, decided to tune back in the following day. It wasn’t until 24 hours after the incident when I found out Beth was a victim.
I didn’t know how to react. But I immediately thought of Joe and his family. I think tragedies generally follow a pattern of emotion. There are usually stages of anger, depression, sadness and a feeling of “how could this happen.” But this was different. For me, these feelings were wrapped in one tight knot at the pit of my stomach, and I couldn’t decipher which feeling I wanted to express. At the same time, I didn’t even know if I needed to express anything. I was crushed and confused.
One second I wanted to cry, the next I wanted to punch a wall and the next I just stared at the photos of the victims families in disbelief. But regardless of whether I wanted to act out or not, it bothered me a great deal to know that someone in my community suffered such a tremendous loss in the most unexpected circumstances.
No single phrase or word would wrap this piece poetically nor was it my intention. I just think it’s pertinent to point out the larger story from instances such as flight 3407. Sometimes we all believe we’re invisible -that we are unaware to our own mortality. I don’t like to necessarily ponder mine, but awful events that strike the same zip code, even if it’s indirect leave a profound impact. It at least reminds us of that proverbial phrase, “just how valuable life is.”
Of course, we don’t go through our robust, daily lives wondering if this is the last apple I’m going to bite into, or this is the last soccer game I’m going to play. And, I don’t think we should. But, I want to look at the positives out of a dreadful situation. If anyone finds this story so compelling that they’re inspired to live a better life or, at the very least, a life they want, then those people, including Beth, didn’t parish for nothing. Since I’ve followed this story, it’s changed me. Feb. 12 2009 will be in my mind, and it’s already altered my approach towards living.
Flight 3407 opened my eyes. It’s readily apparent that tragedy can strike anywhere, at any time.
Unfortunately, sometimes reminders are the toughest to swallow.
My sympathies go to those families affected. May the Kushners find comfort in the company of their friends and family. I know Eden would say the same.
