Like many people, Jim and Phyllis Knubel are planning to see the touring company of Come from Away, but their experience watching the musical will differ from that of most audience members. Eighteen years ago, the Knubels were two of the “plane people” helped by the kindness of the people of Newfoundland when their flight from Amsterdam was grounded in Gander because of the closure of US airspace due to the terrorist attacks of 9/11.
The Knubels spent 4 days stranded in Gander – four of their favorite days, reports Lawrence Toppman for the Charlotte Observer.
“They gave us food. They gave us medication. And they wouldn’t let us pay for anything,” Phyllis said. “Are we sorry we didn’t get on that flight the day before? I have to say no. We would have gotten home faster, but we wouldn’t have had any of those amazing experiences.”
