She just sent me these websites about Flight 401. I was mesmerized and read every word, feeling very emotional, and of course, knowing what the outcome was going to be at the end of the account. Viewing photos of beautiful people, whose lives were going to end....so very sad.
Eastern Airlines called me in December 1972, telling me that my cousin had been in a plane crash and had survived, and was in a hospital in Miami. Would I like to fly there, with a companion, all expenses paid, to see Francoise? Of course I wanted to. Eastern had contacted us, because we were the next of kin, in the USA.
Her parents lived in France.
My Mother and I flew to Florida, and had a couple of days to visit with Francoise. She had burns on her arms and face, plus a badly fractured pelvis. She seemed to be in a hazed and shocked state, understandably so.
But the good thing, she was going to physically be OK, mentally I can't imagine what lay ahead for her. What a terrible experience to deal with, knowing so many people weren't as lucky. She hasn't flown again in many years.
I can remember shopping for her, she had no clothes or toiletries. Everything was gone.
Eastern Airlines was very generous and kind to my Mother and me, and we were glad to to have the opportunity to go and be with her.
Francoise had told us that the fact that she sat in a seat that was in line with the wing of the plane, probably helped her survive. Only her seat with the wing were intact together, this kept her from sinking into the mud and water, keeping her aloft.
Our hearts go out to everyone who lost a loved one that day.
Thanks Francoise for sharing this.
your cousin,
Susanne
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