I am leaving for San Antonio next Tuesday. This is the first time I've flown since 9/11--Heck, it's the first time I've flown in the last decade and a half! I'm not much of a traveler. I know one way to fly happily, and that involves alcohol. Help!
Can you call your doctor, explain the situation, and ask for some anti-anxiety medication at a low dose?
I get nervous flying, myself. It usually helps if you don't look out the windows until after the plane has finished take off. Also try to distract yourself with some weird mental task, such as reciting the alphabet, minus the vowels, BACKWARDS. You'll be so busy concentrating on that, you'll hardly notice you're in the air.
Thank you thank you thank you for coming down!!!! Doctors told me tonight that Dad has started exhibiting signs that his body is actively shutting down.
I've told you this, but here it is in writing :-) I like Dramamine, but that's better for a long flight where you're not about to have a layover. I also insist on having gum at takeoff and landing. It even occupies my mind to make sure I don't start chewing it so early that it loses its flavor before I hit the air. (See how simple I am?) Also, I love to look at flying as an adventure--something you don't get to do every day, and something some people never have a chance to do. It's a lot of fun to people watch at airports. It's also fun to look around in the stores and see what they're selling. For international flights, I like to wear a long sleeve shirt over a short sleeve one, so I know I'll be comfortable no matter what the temperature. Also, it's nice to have a little blanket. It just makes me feel a little cozier, even for a short flight, and they don't always provide them for short flights. I also really think you should take a little journal or notebook to write down your observations. That way you are occupying your mind, you'll remember any awesomeness you observe, and you can feel less lonely knowing you can tell Daddy or whoever all the things you were feeling once you get back on the ground. And don't forget the miracle that already happened to prepare for your trip--remember that one when you get scared, knowing that God prepared a place for you in San Antonio so you are sure you'll be getting there safely.
I'll look for links for what to pack, etc., and you know you can call Ashley if you have any questions about that stuff!! She deals with it every day, and even gets tested on it every few weeks.
And speaking of Ashley, she used to love to go to the airport just to hang out--to ride the escalators and watch the people and walk through the stores. (That was back when people could go all teh way to gates without a ticket.) It really is a fun place to be.
And speaking of gates, it's a lot of fun to watch reunions at the gate or at baggage claim!
after reading annie's home life article, i don't have much to say. mnaybe take a picture book of your grandkids to show your seat mate. books are great and i like the blankey iea, too. you and ann gave me a tiny rhinoceros the first time i ever flew and while the rhino had no significance--unless you all were telling me i had a big nose--the thoughts of people who loved me and vice versa kept me comforted. and God is good and doesn't want you to be afraid. we prayed for you tonight with cora. she said Jesus, help Granny as she travels. keep her safe." i believe God hears that sweet girl's prayers and will answer them.
Hey, don't know if you'll check comments from SA, but my first thought was, "and what's wrong with A LITTLE alcohol???" ;) Thinking of you and really thankful you can be there for Jenn.
6 comments:
Can you call your doctor, explain the situation, and ask for some anti-anxiety medication at a low dose?
I get nervous flying, myself. It usually helps if you don't look out the windows until after the plane has finished take off. Also try to distract yourself with some weird mental task, such as reciting the alphabet, minus the vowels, BACKWARDS. You'll be so busy concentrating on that, you'll hardly notice you're in the air.
Thank you thank you thank you for coming down!!!! Doctors told me tonight that Dad has started exhibiting signs that his body is actively shutting down.
Love you!
I usually take a book, but I also like to look out the window and watch the world fly by. I'm no help here.
I've told you this, but here it is in writing :-) I like Dramamine, but that's better for a long flight where you're not about to have a layover. I also insist on having gum at takeoff and landing. It even occupies my mind to make sure I don't start chewing it so early that it loses its flavor before I hit the air. (See how simple I am?) Also, I love to look at flying as an adventure--something you don't get to do every day, and something some people never have a chance to do. It's a lot of fun to people watch at airports. It's also fun to look around in the stores and see what they're selling. For international flights, I like to wear a long sleeve shirt over a short sleeve one, so I know I'll be comfortable no matter what the temperature. Also, it's nice to have a little blanket. It just makes me feel a little cozier, even for a short flight, and they don't always provide them for short flights. I also really think you should take a little journal or notebook to write down your observations. That way you are occupying your mind, you'll remember any awesomeness you observe, and you can feel less lonely knowing you can tell Daddy or whoever all the things you were feeling once you get back on the ground. And don't forget the miracle that already happened to prepare for your trip--remember that one when you get scared, knowing that God prepared a place for you in San Antonio so you are sure you'll be getting there safely.
I'll look for links for what to pack, etc., and you know you can call Ashley if you have any questions about that stuff!! She deals with it every day, and even gets tested on it every few weeks.
And speaking of Ashley, she used to love to go to the airport just to hang out--to ride the escalators and watch the people and walk through the stores. (That was back when people could go all teh way to gates without a ticket.) It really is a fun place to be.
And speaking of gates, it's a lot of fun to watch reunions at the gate or at baggage claim!
after reading annie's home life article, i don't have much to say. mnaybe take a picture book of your grandkids to show your seat mate. books are great and i like the blankey iea, too. you and ann gave me a tiny rhinoceros the first time i ever flew and while the rhino had no significance--unless you all were telling me i had a big nose--the thoughts of people who loved me and vice versa kept me comforted. and God is good and doesn't want you to be afraid. we prayed for you tonight with cora. she said Jesus, help Granny as she travels. keep her safe." i believe God hears that sweet girl's prayers and will answer them.
we all love you and will be praying for you.
lydia
mom, when was the last time you flew anywhere anyway?
Hey, don't know if you'll check comments from SA, but my first thought was, "and what's wrong with A LITTLE alcohol???" ;) Thinking of you and really thankful you can be there for Jenn.
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