'The wheels lifted off runway 4 and I heard the familiar sound of the landing gear retracting, followed by the slight feel of them tucking themselves into the wings. The takeoff felt smooth and perfect, and I reclined my seat just slightly to make a little more room to adjust to the confinement of a coach window seat'. 'Then I heard a noise I had never experienced before on a plane. It was like a thud of something impacting the fuselage somewhere, but exactly what it was or where it hit, I could not discern. Within an instant, I was jolted out of my quiet, personal sojourn by a loud explosion. I heard it come from the left, but it also seemed to be everywhere at the same time. The plane shook violently from side to side, and then settled back to normal. 3:27:32 New York TRACON: 'cactus fifteen forty nine turn left heading two seven zero'. 3:27:36 Captain Sullenberger: 'ah this is uh cactus fifteen thirty nine hit birds we lost thrust in both engines we're turning back towards Laguardia". Whether you are an aspiring Christian, Jew or Muslim, regardless of race or creed, I pray some part of this story may kindle a greater sense of hope in you toward man, and invite you to a deeper trust in the mercy of God. If you have found it hard to believe in a benevolent, loving Creator, then maybe you will find this a heartfelt opportunity to reconsider.