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Journal entry 11/16/96

"A few minutes ago a pilot returned my telephone call. He was extremely helpful as he explained what I have found to be so captivating. He told me that it is a lake-effect storm and he answered my curiosity about what it is like flying inside of those clouds.

1.) The atmosphere is very thick---like being in a very, very, thick fog.

2.) A pilot has zero visibility so his own flying ability is useless. The pilot

must rely completely on the airplanes instruments to guide him.

3.) There is rarely any turbulence at all inside of those clouds.

4.) These kinds of storms are not very high. A beautiful sky---the light---is always close.

5.) That ominous black layer of clouds looks beautifully white and fluffy from the top.

Last night I heard a newscaster interview some people in Michigan who live in cities under that black blanket of clouds that has not moved in days. With over four feet of snow in twenty-four hours, and with two more days of snow predicted, the storm has caused mass frustration, discouragement, and impatience. The people were unable to see what I have observed...the brilliant blue sky above their darkness and the edge of the cloud wall---the end of the storm in sight.

I am remembering a time when I felt what those folks expressed to that newscaster. The moment that our son Joe was diagnosed with a brain tumor our family passed through the wall of a storm in to the dense fog of very dark clouds. For months we could not see the sun and turquoise blue skies just above us. We like the folks in Michigan experienced some discouragement, frustration, and impatience.

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