Friday, January 11, 2008

Mommy's Afraid to Fly?

I recently received some feedback on the blog, along the lines of, "Gee, doesn't anything ever go wrong in your hunky dory life?" Of course, and although nobody wants to read a blog full of negativity, there is something to be said about being honest, and conceding, "These are the challenges I'm facing right now, and this is what I'm going to do about it."

So, that being said, let me tell you that I just broke down in tears.
Sadly, this happens every time I book a ticket for air travel. Well, not exactly when I book it, but several days before departure. It's a Mom thing... it didn't happen when I traveled solo around the world, or with my husband Tobi, for that matter. It's the idea of traveling with my son that gets me.

It may sound horrible (especially to non-parents), but I can honestly say that that is the most precious cargo that I have ever, or will ever travel with. If I had to fly across the Atlantic with a suitcase full of cash, or gold for that matter, I would be less apprehensive than I am traveling with my son. And as he gets older, my emotions get stronger. I don't know if it's the fact that I love him more every day (especially as his little character develops), or if it's the idea of him being more conscious of what's going on (if something terrible happened, what would I tell him?).

But the real question is, why this topic is taboo? Why can't we acknowledge these fears, and discuss them openly? I suspect that many parents share this apprehensiveness, but are too ashamed to talk about it.

I, for one, actually consider cancelling my trip every time. I know that more fatalities occur in car accidents than in plane crashes, but if something happens in a plane, it's just a bit more final.

In any case, I'm glad to have that off my chest. You may find it silly for someone who's traveled around the world, and back, but the world is changing, and so am I.

But fears be damned, I have a suitcase that needs packing.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Elise, THANK YOU for your honesty in that last entry! I am one of those parents who have never talked about that fear and truly thought that I was one of the few who had it. I often see friends travel w/their kids, and they seem so at-ease. Perhaps they are - but, now I know that perhaps they're not. I find it comforting to know that I'm not strange or alone in this apprehension. I have to say that I have already benefited from your new-found 'openness' - but, I have to admit that I've been learning from you for a long time.

Love,
Beth

Anonymous said...

Elise ("Liz"),

Your honesty is always authentic and has always been refreshing. To some others, you're positivity may seem ingenuine but to those that have known you for your entire life, we all know that those wonderful characteristics you possess are true to your core and something we all admire about you and from which we can all learn.

Love,
Mom/Denise