Today I put my soon to be 19 year old on a plane to take him to another city to write exams. To say it's a wee bit stressful is an understatement. I haven't flown in over 20 years so I might as well just go ahead and say out loud I have no clue about flying. I don't even know what how to advise him. Though that hasn't stopped me from yapping out loud and making the poor kid crazy. Having him on standby is adding to the mix. As is being a person who likes all my ducks in a row. Standby is not having one's ducks all in a row, let me tell you.
My list of anxiety is growing as the time draws nearer. He'll not only be navigating the airport, thank you Lord that it's a small terminal, not the big one, but taxi's and paying them when he get's there, checking in and out of the hotel on his own, being there an extra day on his own till he can catch another standby flight back home, to say nothing of two days worth of exams.
But he seems to be taking it all in stride, staying on an even keel, unlike his detail oriented, some would say neurotic, mom. I think he has so much more of a handle on this than I do:
"Cast all your care (anxiety) upon Him for He cares for you" I Peter 5:7
I could learn a lesson from from young wise son.
10 comments:
I feel your pain. Seeing each child through some of those transitions -- it never gets easier yet it is so necessary for them.
I'm amazed, though, that he has to have exams in a place far enough away he has to fly there.
Nevertheless, I'm praying for you!
My 25 year old is on the way across the country changing planes to get to her final destination. I'll pray that all the anxiety gets cast away and that the boy will take a few more successful steps in becoming a confident man! :o)
Praying all goes well, Susanne!
Oh I am a seasoned stand-by traveler and it never gets any easier, does it?
He'll be fine. Kids are so much better at this stuff than we are.
Hugs!
Your son will be fine. Can't say the same about you, Susanne, but he will be just fine! :) Kids can navigate places like nobody's business. When I've taken my daughters on trips, they usually end up telling me where we need to go. They must actually read signs. Hm. Go figure.
Being a parent does not stop when turn 18. In fact, although the day to day stuff is easier, the problems are so much bigger as they become adults. One of the hardest things is to let them go... let them make decisions.... let them move on away from us.
I understand your anxiety.
BUT. As one who has put my teenagers on airplanes more than once....I can assure you that he is FAR more able to cope than you think. He'll be fine.
And as one who recently took the fearful step to travel internationally all alone.... it is not as difficult as you think.
Rest and Trust in the one who loves your son even more than you do. That's all a parent can do.
Awww big hugs Susanne anywhere local ;-)
I've never had to put one of my daughters on a plane alone but my "baby" is going off on her first youth group retreat.....my 12 year old....I know that doesn't compare to flying but.....it's still hard! I always worry about "what if she breaks a leg while tubing, what if she gets sick...she'll only be 2 hours north but still!! I'll be repeating that same Scripture over and over, Susanne!
And I"ll pray for you and your son....I am betting he will be just fine!!
Amazing how much we can learn from these kids that God placed in our care. I'd be nervous too, but I'm sure all will be well.
Lol ! I never (fortunately) had this feeling, I knew he would go along alone very well.
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