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I Put My Daughter On A Plane and I’m Okay

It was actually super fun to take the day off from work and the holiday rush and share this experience with her. She’s been planning her hair and wardrobe for days . . . ever since she heard that she was invited to fly by herself to visit Grammie for the weekend. I think she got a bit overzealous with the hair curlers, but what do I know, I’m just a mom.

ready to fly

We gave her that suitcase for her birthday. It was perfect for her needs this weekend, and I’m sure it will come in handy in the future!

We got to the airport and breezed through security. There was special paperwork I had to fill out, and I had my own ticket that allowed me to accompany her to the gate. They take their “unaccompanied minors” very seriously, which is good to know!!

We stocked up on gum and candy bars and gobbled some lunch before it was time for her to board the plane.

We grabbed this “selfie” while we waited at the gate. I love this photo to pieces.

C and mom

The next thing we knew, the woman at the gate called us over and introduced us to a flight attendant, who signed the paper and looked at me and said, “We’ll take good care of her!”

And she started to walk off. Just like that. No good-bye, no hug, nothing.

Um . . . can I get a hug?

I actually had to ask for a hug good-bye.

She dutifully leaned towards me so I could put an arm around her and kiss her forehead.

“I love you . . . have a great time!” I gushed as she lifted a hand in farewell and walked off with the flight attendant, out the door, across the tarmac to the waiting plane.

Then I had to sit and wait while everyone boarded, the bags were loaded, and the plane pulled away from the gate. I took this shot as the propellors started to wind up.

ready for takeoff

Then I sat for another 30 minutes, waiting to get word that the plane had indeed taken off. Finally I was told they were in the air, and I was good to go!

And that was that.

Miss Independence is in Virginia right now, living it up with her Grammie, I’m sure. I can’t wait to hear all about it when she gets back.

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5 Responses

  1. Good job Jo-Lynne! I’ve done this too… it was really hard work as a Mom. It’s important for our kids to grow when their ready though, and for them to feel our confidence in their ability to be independent. It sounds like you both did great. And I love the photos!

  2. I used to fly from GA to TX every summer to spend six weeks with my grands. Loved every minute of every flight and remember feeling so grown-up. Glad she had am great experience!

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