Readers of SKOTs: 
Eldon and I graduated high school together in 1952. He went into a field
that moved him to Washington D. C.. Following his work with the 
aerospace program, he and his wife retired and now live on the 22nd floor 
of a high-rise condo, on top of the Arlington Hilton Hotel. This will give 
you a personal and up close look through their eyes. Thanks !

His,
Ron Krantz

Over the years, it has been our custom to have a dish of ice cream before 
bedtime. And, since Arlene and I moved into our high-rise condo almost 12 
years ago, we often eat our ice cream on our balcony ... enjoying the 
nighttime view. We always see the planes arriving as they head into their 
pattern over the Potomac River and on into Reagan National Airport.

We will see a plane making its turn, shining its lights seemingly right at 
us, then heading into it final flight pattern. But, as it gets closer, we 
will see the lights of the next one in line in the distance. Another bite of 
ice cream and, if it is a clear night, we will see yet another even further 
off waiting its turn. Seemingly relentless, very dependable, like clockwork 
they always come. We have seen them fly in during perfect weather, during 
thunderstorms, lightning, hail, fog, and smog ... but they always come. They 
are planes which many of us have been on either returning to or just visiting 
the Washington area. They carry mail, financial certificates, gifts, and 
medical supplies ... and they always come.

Last night we ate our ice cream ... but the skies were silent ... very, very 
silent ...

The unthinkable had happened and the planes flew no more! Men filled with 
hate, likely never knowing in their lives any form of love, and without any 
concept of the value of human life, abused the use of our airplanes.

Last night we ate our ice cream, and we thought of the many whose lives were 
permanently changed. We ate our ice cream and remembered the many ... the 
very, very many ...

Last night we ate our ice cream and, perhaps more than ever before, were 
reminded that all of our blessings in abundance are very fragile. Even tall 
buildings, like the one in which Arlene and I live, made of steel or concrete 
and take years to build but can be destroyed in mere minutes. But we were 
also reminded of the One who is in supreme control. The God who gave us life 
eternal through His son, Jesus Christ, is also the author of perfect love and 
peace. We pray that those whose lives were devastated will somehow find this 
love and peace and Him who created it.

Last night we ate our ice cream ... and the skies were silent ... very, very 
silent.

Eldon.