Some Lights Shine Brighter

On October 31, 2000, Singapore Airlines Flight 006, a Boeing 747 bound for Los Angeles, attempted takeoff from Taipei during the passing of a typhoon. On board were 179 souls—passengers and crew alike. Tragically, the plane mistakenly used a closed runway, colliding with construction equipment at high speed.

The crash claimed 83 lives, including four crew members and 79 passengers. Among the survivors was John Diaz, a man whose life would be forever changed—not just by surviving, but by what he witnessed in those final, chaotic moments.

In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, John reflected on the experience, offering a raw and deeply moving perspective on what allowed him to survive—and what he believes he saw as life slipped away from those around him.

Oprah: “What do you think it was that allowed you to survive that night? Was it where you were sitting on the plane?”

John Diaz: “Yes, I think it might have been my position on the plane—and also my quick thinking. I didn’t stop moving.”

(Diaz had been seated in first class, on the right side, next to an exit door.)

Oprah: “You don’t consider yourself a religious man. Do you think there was any sort of divine intervention involved?”

John Diaz: “No, I’m not a religious person. I don’t believe it was anything divine. I don’t believe that. But... I did see something.”

“As I was knocked back into the plane, it looked like Dante’s Inferno. People were still strapped into their seats—burning. And as I turned to look back, it seemed like there was a light rising out of the tops of their heads.

I guess you could call it an aura. And some of the lights were brighter than others.

So that’s one of the major things that has changed with me. It changed, it changed me in a way. I now believe—somehow, I don’t know how—but somehow life continues on, through that light.

I’m not religious, but I remember thinking: maybe the brightness or dimness of those lights reflected the way people had lived their lives so to speak. That thought stuck with me. And since then, I’ve wanted to live my life in a way that, when my aura leaves—it’s one of the brightest ones.”

Often, after days like these—experiences that feel deeply life-changing—I’m reminded of the interview and story above. It left a lasting impact on me and the way I see the world. Personally, I believe it’s moments like these—traveling, meeting strangers from different cultures, learning new languages, and witnessing the sheer majesty of God’s creation—that become the ingredients of a life well lived. Maybe even the reason some lights shine brighter than others.

A very special shout out to a fantastic guide, Mac and my amazing kayak captain, Sherif. Talk about amazing energy and knowledge, I was blown away. If you’d like to have this experience while in Thailand (Phuket) you can book it with Klook, like I did, HERE.