From Fear To Peace

I was traveling with a reputed airline a few weeks ago when halfway through the journey there was an announcement that the aircraft has developed a technical glitch. The lights and the air conditioning were turned off. Silence engulfed the cabin. Instantly my handheld my son tight and I got him on my lap. I noticed everyone. Some continued their reading or eating. Some went back to their slumber. Some stopped their activities and sat focused on nothing. I saw the lady sitting next to me and we exchanged a smile.

Technical glitch. I don't know what it meant, but it bought a series of fearful thoughts in my mind. Of the aircraft crashing somewhere, catching fire or making an emergency landing en route, etc, etc.

But above all, it made me fear for my son. I did not fear death. But I feared for his safe return. Several negative thoughts started crossing my mind. Because I had read about incidents where children are the only survivors of fatal accidents when all others collapse.

My heart was beating fast. I didn't want to panic. I started praying for his safe return. I feared how he will return home. I prayed he should not get stranded. He should not get lost. He should not get scared. I prayed that someone should notice him and return him home safely. I wrote down his name, our address, and phone number on a paper and kept in his trouser.

In moments like these, you find your mind completely blank. No desires or dreams about the future. No regrets about the past. Only this moment and this present time. All I wanted was to switch on my phone and call all my family, relatives, and friends to hear them once and say that I love them.

I cuddled my son tight and told him that I love him. He kissed me back and jumped back to his seat near the window and yelled, "Mom, look, look, we are flying above the clouds".

I felt a complete surrender. A strange sense of peace. From the fear of the unknown to known courage. An inner strength that told me everything is fine. Will be fine.

I shifted to his seat, held him tight and smiled, and hi-fived him. That day I really enjoyed the clouds too.

And we landed safely. At our destination.

Well, the story does not end.

"Mom, next time can we break the window and bring some clouds with us?".

" Hello, NOOOO!!!!!"