Shockingly, I didn’t pass out
My dad, notoriously in love with things that transport people, is currently into planes. And has friends that are into planes. Who fly planes. Who wanted to take my son on a plane. Their plane. Their tiny, itty bitty plane.
I LET HIM.
I couldn’t tell a thirteen year old kid, “No. You cannot do this super duper cool thing because mommy is scared that you will die.”
“Now, go back to your bubble and shush.”
I just couldn’t do it. He was so excited when heard he was offered a flight. Repeated flights if he wanted.
So he flew. I didn’t go watch him. I couldn’t. I knew I’d sit there and worry us all into a tizzy and he’d never get on that flight…or maybe he would and I would have a heart attack. Noooo, better to let Grandpa take him and have him feel full on excitement with just a touch of the scared.
(I possibly had him call right before and right after his flight. He possibly told me that, “No, Mom. I am not splattered on the ground in a million bloody pieces.” I possibly did cry when he was back on the ground. To myself. Am dork.)
He loved it. LOVED it. Loved it. Worth it.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
This actually started bringing tears to MY eyes. This perfectly describes one of those parenting moments where you decide to let your kid LIVE, despite your fears.
Just remember, we all survived! Well, I’m speaking for myself here, of course…not that there was ever any reason to be concerned, or anything.
May 7th, 2008 at 2:21 am
My Dad took me up in a little plane like that one day. It’s one of my best memories. I’m glad you were able to give him that. ;)
May 7th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
I went on a little plane…I was 16 and on this camp trip thing to Florida. I told my mom about the plane AFTER I did it..cause I’m 41 now and if my husband and I go anywhere or if I take a business trip I have to call my mom as SOON as the plane lands.
May 7th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
Oh, how awesome!
Truth be told, I often feel safer in itty bitty planes than on big jetliners. And they are way cooler, too, of course. :)
May 9th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
A few years back, they were having some sort of camp…something like the little Blue Eagles or something, over at the airport. I thought it would be just watching movies all day, looking in and around the planes that kind of thing. Imagine my horror when the announced all the events and included a ride around the city in this little Cesna….
I think this was news to several of the other parents because with all the kids (my son included)yelling and whooping it up, several parents had this look on their faces like ‘WHAT????’
I of course let my son do it but it was definetly one of those, ‘I’ve got to let him experience life’ moments I’ve never regretted.
I think we parents have our own growing pains, LOL
May 9th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
What a cool experience. I wouldn’t be able to watch either. I would have freaked out. But am so glad you let him go. Am betting the experience will be one of his most treasured memories!