This is a very stressful time for all of us in the country, and particularly for our FlyerTalk Community. Many of us are stranded, and all of us are scared of how easily it could have been us.

Thanks so much to those who are contributing and in particular to those who are letting our friends vent these emotions. This should be a safe place for us to come together and share what we're feeling.

For those few threads that are seeing some back and forth, I ask that you try to understand how the other people are dealing with this and be understanding.

Some of us need to talk about trivial things, and some of us need to just be angry. Please let them and give them the support to get through this.

Thanks

I posted this reply on another thread, but it seemed appropriate to place it here as well.
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I second the motion that we all give each other the benefit of doubt. In a tragedy like this, people's reactions vary widely. Some focus on the ordinary - something which is understandable to them ( as opposed to the tragedy which is NOT understandable). Much as when my father died at 38 of a heart attack and my mother's first action when she got home was to clean toilets because "people will be coming by".. she wasn't callous - she was simply focusing on something she felt she had control over. A shock reaction.
The fact is that many of us are in conflict. Travel plans, market changes, job impacts - all are issues we have to deal with. And considering how this tragedy will affect those very things doesn't make us insensitive, uncaring souls. But looking for something we understand and that we might be able to control is a natural reaction in a situation where you feel very much out of control.

Please let's not take our anger at the situation out on each other. That would only compound the tragedy.

I would like to add my agreement to the above. Let's give each other plenty of space and leeway in these difficult days.

May I also add: Please be aware that even if you were in no way personally involved with anything or anyone in this tragedy, you STILL may be emotionally affected by it, and without your knowing so.

If you find yourself doing inappropriate things or being in retrospect overly excitable or emotional over seemingly trivial things; have trouble focusing on things; are more forgetful than usual, you, too, may be in some kind of shock. Watch out, and think about talking to a professional--whether it be your local minister/rabbi/priest/etc., grief counsellor, or whomever, DON'T HESITATE.

We are all, I think, in shock to one degree or another over this.

May God bless...

...us all

This tragedy has touched us all in ways we cannot yet comprehend.