Sunday, April 6, 2008

Life Under Thundering Jet Engines

When my family moved to suburban Chicago in 1969, O'Hare International was the world's busiest airport.  While our house was miles from O'Hare, low altitude airliners as large as Boeing 747s roared over us more often than one plane per minute, all day, every day.  We also lived near a Naval Air Base.  On some days fighter jets rumbled loudly over our house as they maneuvered to land at the Navy base.  At first the unceasing noise of military and commercial jets was deafening, and we thought we would lose our minds.  But after six months we somehow had learned to tune out the majority of the constant roaring.  This may seem hard to believe, but human beings can adjust to almost anything, given time.  If I stopped and deliberately listened for the airplane engines, I could hear them clearly. Even so the noise didn't seem as loud as it had when we first moved in.   
 
We made many sightseeing trips to O'Hare during the three years we lived in Illinois.  As a boy who hoped to be a professional pilot some day, these trips were a much anticipated joy.  Certain areas of the airport had huge windows where we spent many hours over the years watching airliners take off and land.  The massive jets would accelerate rapidly down the runways before slowly and with great effort becoming airborne.  Once off the ground, the planes soared quickly upward and out of sight.  But I was especially in awe of how pilots could bring a jumbo jet safely down from miles above the ground and place it almost gently on a runway.  The descending planes appeared to land in slow motion even though they were moving quite rapidly.  I also enjoyed watching planes taxi to and from arrival and departure gates.  This allowed me to view these large airliners close up. 
 
 Sometimes on Saturday afternoons during the summer months, we drove near the ends of departure runways at O'Hare where we could watch planes take off as closely as possible.  At these locations there were hot dogs stands that did a surprisingly good business.  We would have hot dogs and drinks while enormous jets thundered directly overhead, seemingly low enough to reach up and touch.  We not only heard but also felt the almost painful roaring of full throttle engines.  This variety of Saturday supper may not be for everyone, but for those of us who enjoyed the novelty, such an exhilarating meal was a unique experience. 
 
While I never realized my dream of becoming a pilot, the ambition led me to many fascinating childhood adventures.  Even though I've kept both feet planted firmly on the ground, I will always have my memories of those three years in the shadow of O'Hare Airport.  My childhood was deeply enriched by the presence of those thundering aircraft.

49 comments:

  1. We did the same thing....only at Los Angeles International Airport! The planes take off over the ocean, and there was a hill that we could park at and the planes would take off directly over us. My Dad would take us there and we'd watch one plane after another. We could see the landing gear closing as the planes lifted.

    Then, when we got older, we would drive ourselves to this place and watch. Now the area is closed and you can't see the planes so close up anymore. Sad, too. It was definitely something to see. We always wondered if they closed it because of safety reasons. I mean, IF a plane malfunctioned and crashed, the people there on that hill would not have a chance to live at all.
    Thanks for bringing back that memory for me!
    Pam

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  2. Johnb enjoyed reading your journal it sure brought back membories of our time in the Chicago suburbs in the 70's.  Thanks for the memories.  Have a great day.  Arlene (AJ)

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  3. (((((((((((((((((((((((((JOHN))))))))))))))))))))))Very intresting to read.We also live near an air port and you would see and hear all kinds of big huge planes flying over,sometimes almost afarid they would hit the house.Because they wouls come so low.And still do.

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  4. John, you wrote this so well; I thought I was actually there with you listening to and seeing those airplanes flying in and out of O'Hare as well as the army base! Its amazing that you could get used to such a noise!!! And I bet the planes flew day and night; now it seems they close airports from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. from planes landing or taking off to help with noise control

    great memory; I enjoyed reading this very much :)

    betty

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  5. Interesting, John. I once stayed in a flat under an airport runway, with a jet every 3 minutes - dawn till dusk.

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  6. How cool, John.  I don't know if I ever would have gotten to such a noise overhead.  LOL  Neat memories.  Nice read.  Love, Val xox
    http://journals.aol.com/valphish/ThereisaSeason

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  7. i love this story:) thanks for sharing

    Deb

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  8. I enjoyed this!  -  Barbara

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  9. John, so sorry to hear about your mom. What a wonderful time she is having! Tammy

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  10. John dear, I'm sure sorry about your mom's passing and am praying for you as you begin working through the grieving process.  I have grieved for my mama and my hubby's and I know it's hard.
    loving you
    karyl

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  11. John,

    I was reading Krissy's journal and heard about your mom passing.

    I am so sorry for your loss.

    Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.


    I love you guys.

    Kate

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  12. John, I'm so sorry about your mom, it is so hard to lose your mom, I understand the grief you are feeling

    here's a scripture that comforted me when my mom died last year

    Psalm 116:15 "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints"

    The Lord was there welcoming your mom home

    and Psalm 139:16 "All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be"

    The Lord knew yesterday would be the day he called your mom home even before the beginning of time; trust in him, he will be with you through your grief

    when you are ready and you can, I want to hear all the wonderful things about your mom; I am sure she was a very special lady

    hugs to you, John

    betty

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  13.  John, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother.  Your in my prayers.

                             Julie

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  14. John,
    I fust recieved the word about your dear Mother. Please accept my condolences, & know my prayers are with you & the family.
    God bless,
    Sugar

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  15. john....just wanted to stop by and let you know you and krissy will be in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time.  at least you have a promise and know you'll see her again.  God bless you during this tough time.
    gina

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  16. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
    So sorry for you on the loss of your Mom.
    Sending big hugs to you.
    Carolxx

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  17. I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother hon. I'm keeping you in my prayers on the smoke during this time of sadness. Having known the love of your mother is the greatest legacy she left you. Stay safe and loved all of us here in J-land are with you in spirit. (Hugs) Indigo

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  18. John, I am so, so sorry about your mom.  I am here for you.  I love you.  Val xox

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  19. Hi John, I am so sorry to hear about your Mom.  You have my sincerest sympathy.  The way you write, I know that you honored your entire family always.  PLease know that I am sincerely sorry for your loss, and you and your entire family WILL be in my prayers.  God bless you ALL.  Merry

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  20. John you are in my thoughts and prayers with hearing that your Mom passed.  May all the special times shared and memories you made with her bring some peace to your heart.  Bless you.  Arlene (AJ)

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  21. Sending you my heartfelt condolences and prayers.
    connie

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  22. John,
    I was told in the Call for Support journal that your mother passed away. I would like to offer my condolences to yourself and Krissy at this very sad time, and hope you can find solace in the knowledge that your mom is now in a place without pain. I wish you and your family strength at this juncture.

    Guido

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  23. SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL.  JUST LOST MY DADDY

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  24. Dear John  I am so sorry for your loss and will pray for you and Krissy at this time of great sorrow.  'On Ya'-ma

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  25. John, Heard about the passing of your dear mother from Krissy.  Please accept my sincere sympathy.  It's so hard to loose our parents....the last link to our childhood.  My dear mother passed away in 1987 and there's not a day goes by that I don't think of her and miss her.  And like Krissy said...I too am happy to know that Heaven is a real place & I know she & my dad are there and I'll see them again.  Take care....Linda in Washington state  

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  26. My condolences to you, Krissy and the rest of your family if you have any. May God give you comfort and the strength along with a peaceful feeling to see you through this. No more sorrow or no more pain will there be for her. Helen

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  27. So sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. My deepest condolences.
    Martha

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  28. Sorry to hear about your loss. Our heartfelt condolences. May your mother rest in peace.

    Vish

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  29. John,
    I am sorry to hear of your mother's death. My sympathy to you.
    Jan the Gryphon

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  30. Stopping by via Krissy's journal to say I'm very sorry to hear about the death of your mum :(  My thoughts are with you and your family xx

    Jenny

    http://journals.aol.co.uk/Jmoqueen/MyLife

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  31. John i just heard the sad news :( i am so sorry for the loss of your mom. keeping you in prayer

    Deb

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  32. John I just heard the news... I am so sorry for your loss.  Sending prayers and strength.
    hugs
    d

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  33. I'm so sorry...
    Special thoughts...
    Linda...

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  34. Hi John,  I'm so sorry to hear the news of your Mom's death.
    Big hugs,  Bethe  of  

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  35. John~ I am so sorry about the loss of your mom. ((((((((((John &Krissy)))))))))) my prayers to you and your family. You will be in my thoughts.

    Tawnya

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  36. I am sorry to hear about your loss..
    hugs
    Sherry

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  37. John... God be with you and your family at this time in your life and always... Be comforted by the fact that your beloved Mother is in the loving arms of our Lord. ~Journey

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  38. So sorry to hear of your loss, John.Deepest condolences and prayer all the way from the tiny island of Singapore.

    Jama Hameed
    http://mummyjam.blogspot.com

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  39. Sending my deepest sympathy.  So sorry to hear about your mom, John.  May you feel the comfort and peace of God.  Chris

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  40. John, I'm so very sorry for the loss of your mother.... I pray that you are comforted by the thoughts of seeing her again one day.  She is comfortable and at peace.

    Joann

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  41. My condolences to you John!  I'm so sorry to hear about your mom.  Prayers are with you family.  

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  42. John, I was saddened to hear about the loss of your mum. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love Pam xx
    http://journals.aol.co.uk/pamal3/almost-40/

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  43. So sorry to hear about your mum John.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.
    Dawn          
    http://journals.aol.com/adlessor/ACoupleofNomads/

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  44. John,
    I am sorry to hear about the passing of your mom.
    My thoughts and prayers are with you, Krissy and family.

    Gem

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  45. Dearest John~I send my most heartfelt hug of consolation to you for the passing of your Mom. This is something we all have faced or will face and is just plain hard, no matter which way you look at it. I love you and Krissy~Deborah

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  46. So sorry for your loss.  My prayers are with you :o)

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  47. John, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you.

    Beth

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  48. Please accept my condolences John.  
    An old song I sang as a child had a line in it.."For when you loose your mother...you loose a heart of gold".
    God bless her.  Praying for the repose of her soul and your comfort.

    Jeanie  

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  49. I am so very sorry to hear about your mum. My thoughts and prayers are with you

    Jayne

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