Has anyone else noticed Captain Chesley (Sulley) Sullenberger's eyes?
You know, the hero of the Miracle on the Hudson. Depending on how recently the photo was taken, his eyes, to me at least, look flat and dead. They look like someone saying, "Please, just give me 10 minutes to absorb what I've been through. What I had to pull off in mere seconds, with all those lives depending on me. Do you have any clue what kind of toll that would take on a human being? But no, here comes another interview. Larry King again? Sure. 60 Minutes? No problem. Book offer? Of course. Jam that mic in my face, and turn on the Kleig lights. I'm absolutely fine."
But his eyes are dead. His voice has no emotion as he keeps reciting the details of the events. He's not taking in all the accolades about his courage. He's having flashbacks.
He was included in the set of people featured on the cover of Parade magazine on April 12, the issue reporting on "What People Earn." According to Parade, Captain Sullenberger earned $100,000 last year. Is that enough to bring his eyes back to life?
I doubt anyone will read this who has the power to stop the feeding frenzy long enough to get the man the Post-Traumatic Stress counseling he desperately needs. He seems like an incredibly stable man, with a supportive wife.
Still I pray he does not crash with his own life before he takes the time to recover. Let him get over his flashbacks--stop making him relive them.
Memo to media: Give the man some time off.
11 years ago
I hear your concern. His background of being an Air Force officer is what will save him in the end, if he does not get the rest he needs and deserves. His eyes and lack of emotion, actually, show that he is put together better than you might think. He's in what I call the military mode or train of thought. It's a mode for protection and survival. It will save him.
ReplyDeleteWe should pray for his support team. His wife, whom he is very close and devoted to, will be the one who takes most of the stress. She'll take it when he cannot hold it together any longer. That's what a former officer's wife does.
However, rest is what he deserves and I'm sure he's longed for that from day one. Let's pray that God gives him the peace beyond understanding and for his life to slow down. He does have PTS. No doubt.
Let's pray for him and his family.
--Storiesbystacy