"oh my God, what am I going to do? Is this the end for me? I still have things I need to do and things I need to say, oh my, why is this happening now. This was never how I envisioned the end of life! Oh no my Abigail, I can't believe it, it's finally the end for me"....
These thoughts and many more flashed before my eyes, as I gasped desperately for air with both hands tightly gripping a seat handle. I am currently on a plane, home bound from a business trip held in New York.
The pilot had just announced total engine failure caused by a thunderstorm and we were dropping fast from cruising altitude.
I closed my eyes as I began to recollect the events of the previous week. I had been called to my boss's office. Mr Alex, the Executive Director of AL & Sons international company. He told me about a business conference in New York, that we had been invited to.
He also said that I had been chosen to represent the company at this conference. It would be a 2 day conference running over the weekend, and the company would be taking care of the expenses.
"As the project manager of this company, I believe you are the best person for this assignment. Now Jenny, are you up for it? He asked me"
"Of course sir, I would be honored to undertake this task. I'll start making arrangements for the trip" I said.
"That's great Jenny, and I know that you will do a good job as always. You can take the day off so you can go put things in order at home, your flight tickets will be ready tomorrow, so you can travel".
"Ok sir, thank you for this opportunity". I said and left his office. I walked to my office picked up my bag and told my secretary the good news. She congratulated me and told me to have fun to which I replied, "I will".
At 9 a.m Wednesday morning, I was at the Muritala International airport awaiting my flight. There was a delay but I was not bothered seeing as I was traveling a day early. Soon my flight was announced and I boarded. Though the flight was lengthy, I had a great time.
I arrived safely and quickly took a taxi to the hotel my company had made reservations at. I got my room key, had a quick dinner a nice hot shower and decided to sleep off the jet lag.
Friday, the day of the conference came and I found myself in the midst of other managers and directors from so many countries who had all attended as representatives of their respective companies. I did my best to engage in small chit chats and got to know about other companies and their strategies. The 2-day conference was a success as new innovative ways for business growth was revealed to us.
The conference came to a close on Saturday eve. I sent in my report via my laptop to Mr Alex assuring him of the successful meetings I had. I face timed my daughter, Abigail and told her how my stay in New York had been and how successful the conference was. We chatted for a while and I ended the call after assuring her that I would be back in Nigeria by Monday. I also promised to get her lots of things as I know she likes gifts a lot.
The next day was a Sunday and since I had nothing to do, I slept in. I Woke up at about 12 noon, had my brunch and off I went to shop and feed my eyes. After shopping and sight seeing, I got back to the hotel room at about 5pm and decided to pack up as my return flight was the next day.
8 a.m Monday morning, I was already at the airport ready to board a flight back to Lagos, Nigeria. The flight number was called and I boarded the plane. The plane took off and after the pilot announced that we were at cruising altitude, I laid back from typing and decided to nap a little.
Suddenly, a loud bang was heard like an explosion which shook the plane. An air hostess quickly announced to the passengers to remain calmly seated and to fasten our seatbelts. She said that we were currently experiencing a thunder storm and the pilots are doing their best to manuever the plane to a stable altitude and terrain. I was worried, as I knew that bad weather conditions were not safe for flights, nevertheless I followed the instructions of the air hostess and tried to remain calm.
Few minutes later the pilot announced that two engines had been struck and damaged and that they had lost communication signal with air traffic control and that we were literally flying blind.
What the hell! I said as panicked voices rose around me from nearby passengers. I became scared at this point and restless. I didn't know what to do.
Another explosion sound was heard coupled with a violent jerking of the plane. Some passengers hit their heads and sustained bruises on their heads. I ducked as I saw a bag flying towards my direction, it unfortunately hit the passenger behind me.
Before we could regain our composure, the pilot's voice was heard and the only thing I heard was prepare for the worst. My mind began to spin and buzz at the same time. No, no,no this can't be happening.
Oh God no, no, no. I was already in tears. Other passengers had already begun to pray to whatever they believed in. I was a crying mess. I didn't know what to do. The only thing that filled my mind was my daughter.
If I die now,who is going to take care of my Abigail. Her dad is no more and I have been her only family.
My thoughts were cut short when another violent jerking occurred and it seemed like the plane collided with something.
A little girl of about 6 years old was crying because her mother had passed out beside her and she was scared. My motherly instincts kicked in when I saw her calling out for her mum.
I left my seat to go to her, half way to where this little girl was, another collision occurred and I was thrown away by the impact. I hit my head, felt the blood dipping out from it and slumped.
So this is how it's going to end for me,😥😥😥 oh no, not like this. I need more time. Then I did the only thing I could think of, I brought out my phone and typed in this words.
My darling Abigail, I love you so much my darling. I want you to be strong and to live your life with joy and happiness. I will miss you and I know that you will miss me too but what's happening cannot be helped, I wish I could, I am so sorry baby, I will always be with you. I love you forever.
First time posting in this community.
Images used are mine.
Thanks for your time here on my blog.....Shalom