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When my BFF Sarah lived in Kansas, I would often fly down to visit. I treasured the take off, time in the air and landing. It still amazes me that planes can fly. I mean, those things are huge....(that's what she said)....seriously, and with all those people and all that luggage.....AND it stays in the air for a LONG time (I said it once and I'm not saying it again).....I could sit at an airport and watch planes take off and land all day long.
However, in 2006, when our family first flew together, flying was no longer relaxing. About a week before the flight I had a horrible dream that something was wrong with the plane and the plane was going to crash. Now, it's not uncommon for me to have dreams that come true.....usually, I have a 'feeling' and kind of 'know' which ones are warnings of sorts. I knew this one was one of those. Being a superstitious/paranoid/worrisome/anxious person, I didn't want to tell ANYONE about the dream, fearing that would somehow 'make' it come true. I prayed a lot about it, then decided to tell my mother-in-law, so she could pray as well.
On the day of our flight, we checked in, went through security and sat for a bit. We were then informed that our flight was going to be delayed. We waited eight hours for them to find a different plane, they had to fly it in from somewhere else. Turned out, they found some huge issue with the plane....serious enough to ground it. So, ever since that day, I've been more nervous flying.
Last weekend, Luke and I went to Arizona, without the kids. I was pretty busy right up until we boarded and didn't have much time to stress about the actual flight. Luke and I didn't get to sit together because of an Expedia mix-up, but I was just glad to be on the plane and finally headed to warmer weather. The flight was uneventful and went rather smoothly.
Then came the flight home. We got to sit next to each other, so that was good.....the take off....not so much. It felt like we couldn't get air under us. We flew low for a LONG time and there was a lot of turbulance. Panic set in as I nervously watched to see if we were going down. I was sick to my stomach and inside was shaking. I hid it well, Luke had no idea. Once were finally up, I was exhausted from worrying so much, but was able to somewhat relax......not too much though, because I knew we were about to fly into some bad weather and could have to land in it.
When the flight started, the pilot mentioned it would be about a 2 hour and 45 minute flight. Sounded great, until we began the descent. I am not kidding.....it took at LEAST 45 minutes for us to land. We were flying super low, I could see a plane off to the side, there was a lot of turbulence, we kept flying in circles, all the while listening to the landing gear go up and down. Of course, no one telling us anything.
Remember this? It wasn't that long ago....but I remember watching it and being nervous for the people.
So, at this point I'm picturing my poor kids watching, whatever is happening with our plane, unfold. I'm also watching us fly over the lake, wondering if we're dropping fuel or maybe we have to land, a la Sully Sullenberger......and I can't go onto my wi-fi because at this point "all electronic devices must be turned off." It was awful.
Once we finally did land, I was so thankful. We never did find out any info on what happened. Plus, you know how the pilots usually stand near the cockpit and say good-bye to you? They didn't even come out.
Will I ever be able to enjoy flying again?!
