If you missed 60 Minutes tonight (as we did, ’cause we don’t have a TV) you need to go watch the story of Flight 1549 that landed in the Hudson River. It’s in 3 parts: Sully talks about the flight and landing; the crew talks about getting the people out after the landing; and a reunion between the crew and passengers, many of which will bring tears to your eyes.

The story detailed Sully’s experience: Air Force fighter pilot, 30 years flying commercial airplanes, specialized in accident investigation, and instructed flight crews how to respond to crises in the air.

The thing that struck me was this statement by Sully:

I think in many ways, as it turned out, my entire life up to that moment had been a preparation to handle that moment.

Do you see a hand larger than Sully’s in that statement, an acknowledgement that God had orchestrated his life so he would be prepared for that particular flight? How can you not thank God for having Sully in the cockpit of Flight 1549?

Yowser! Mrs. Mecomber gave my blog an award, and here it is:

Is that cool, or what?

She said it’s “A great blog, with insightful and meaningful posts.” (She must have missed the one about synchronized squeaky balls!) In any event, thank you, Mrs. M. I am truly honored.

More important, I now get to pass this award along, according to these rules:

1. The winner can put the logo on his/her blog.
2. Link the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of the people you’ve nominated

1. and 2. are done, but now for 3. The pressure is great, but I am committed, so here goes:

1. New York Traveler – a cornucopia of topics, with many excellent photos

2. Upstream – my reliable source for local politics, and lots of other interesting topics

3. Meet the Founding Fathers – host of FFQF, and a gold mine of information

4. Northview Diary – entertaining tales of life in general, and farm life in specific, with great pix

5. Cato of Utica – one of the few who spend as much time thinking “deep thoughts” as I do

6. The Phoenix Dreamer – a creative, young friend who is taking (and posting) at least one photo a day

7. Brainbiter – I only go here when I don’t have fibrofog – it makes you think!

Ta, da! I’ve done it. Congratulations to all my winners!

A curious phenomenon occurred when Jesse Helms died – he became a saint. I know this often happens, but I still don’t understand it, especially in this case. Here are a couple of his statements from the NY Times:

”To rob the Negro of his reputation of thinking through a problem in his own fashion is about the same as trying to pretend that he doesn’t have a natural instinct for rhythm and for singing and dancing.” — on criticism that a fictional character in his newspaper column was offensive, 1956

”The Negro cannot count forever on the kind of restraint that has thus far left him free to clog the streets, disrupt traffic and commerce and interfere with other men’s rights.” — television interview, 1963

As a Christian, I believe that Helms eternal fate was sealed at his death, either to heaven if he trusted in Jesus for his salvation, or to hell if he didn’t, so I will not pray for his soul. At the same time, I will not rewrite history to honor the man simply because he died, but, in my case, that costs me nothing.

L.F. Eason III in Raleigh, NC, also refused to honor Helms - and lost the only job he ever had. Head of a state lab, he refused to lower the flag to half-staff, as ordered by a directive from the governor. After some email wrangling, he was issued an ultimatum: do it or retire. He retired, and gave America a glimpse of of what she was founded on: a man who is willing to stand up for his principles, no matter the cost.

Bravo, Mr. Eason. You are in my prayers.

P.S. If any readers would like to comment to Mr. Eason’s bosses, you may send an email from here.