Written by Online therapist Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst, Ph.D.

GRIEF AND HOPE

Loss, Flight, and the Courage to Rise Again

Grief grounds us. Hope lifts us. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how tragedy and resilience coexist, and how aviation safety and emotional recovery are intertwined in the wake of loss.

How do these two experiences go together?

I live outside of Washington, D.C., and I have flown in and out of the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport numerous times. The parking is horrible, but I never once worried about the flight, departure, or landing. In fact, I absolutely love watching the approach over the water out of the little window on the plane. The feeling of being a bird coming home is palpable.

I would like to know if I can do it again.

The recent crash of a plane and a helicopter. The loss of life. The long, lonely job of recovery.

I would like to know if I can board another flight and risk rising over that water again.

Todd Inman, the NTSB representative, has done an exceptional job on television of keeping the public informed and updated. I am impressed with his poise and compassion. Yes, he has given us the facts as they are known, but more importantly, to me, he has been caring and sensitive in his treatment of the victims and of their loved ones. He speaks with respect and compassion. His caring is evident in his words, his tone, and his posture. This man relates to the loss and takes his responsibility seriously.

At one point, early on, he briefly referenced the numerous recommendations that the NTSB has passed up the chain to be considered and implemented. His posture and facial expression communicated frustration with our government as he said this. He never spoke of this frustration, but his non-verbal’s were clear. The organization entrusted to research and make recommendations to increase safety and protect us has done its job and passed its recommendations along to the next level. Is the next level doing its job to take these recommendations seriously and make changes to provide the public with greater safety?

I wonder. I hope this loss will be the catalyst the NTSB needs.

Want to explore how aviation safety and emotional resilience intersect? Visit the Flight Safety Foundation’s Building Personal Resilience Program for aviation professionals, CommPRO’s interview with Rossana D’Antonio on grief and airline safety reform, and First Aviation Academy’s guide to pilot mental health.

If you’re navigating grief, fear, or emotional recovery, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support emotional resilience and trauma healing.