Okay, I'm facing a hard decision. My daughter graduates from Navy bootcamp on December 12 (unless she's held back). The boot camp is near Chicago. She really wants me to go, but I am extremely fearful of flying in the winter. I'm marginal at best any other time, but I've never flown during the winter, and I've never wanted to fly during the winter.

My son was going to go with my DH, but it appears graduation is before the end of the college semester so my son won't be able to go. It's such a dilemma. I didn't feel as bad about not going since my son was going to go, but now that he can't, I'm in a quandry. I know I should face my fear and just do it. The last time I flew into Chicago was really, really scary (it was March, my first time ever on a plane, and there was incredible turbulence and fog) so maybe I'm even more fearful of flying into Chicago, although I will be there in June!

What to do, what to do? Any suggestions for conquering my fear?

Sheila, Is taking a train or driving an option? I've traveled on a train before and it's really a lot of fun.

Yes, I think you should go! It will mean a lot to both you and your daughter and that definitely makes it worthwhile.

Assuming you are flying and not doing alternate method, here are some thoughts:

1. Make sure you are on a big plane and not a regional jet or turboprop as they fly lower and are noiser and more prone to turbulence.

2. Often there is no turbulence or issues so do a best-case scenario in your head ahead of time (can't hurt !)

3. While I'm not wild on meds for every day of the week, I have friends who are nervous fliers and their doctors have given them something to take the edge off (xanax I think?) and that might be a good option.

Good luck!

Write down what your really afraid of, and figure out if these things are rational. If they are confront them, do research. Its usually the unknown that we really fear.

Chris

Have a shot before getting on the plane, hahahaha. Ok, don't do that.

Do not get a seat that is above the wings, you will feel every rumble of the plane. Take deep breaths & pray a lot. That is what I do. Also, bring gum & a bottle of water for your poor ears.

Chrisbaby, I LOVES the new hair!

go with the plane its the safest form of travel other than hovercraft. avoid trains i work on them trust me you don't wanna go on a train

i'm not fond of flying either. i usually get an aisle seat so that the window isn't very accessible. and i take my rosary [and yes, i say it, especially during takeoffs and landings].

and be sure to stay hydrated. for some reason, that's always helped me stay calm. and bring something distracting.. a good book, needlepoint, knitting, whatever it takes.

and one more point. grab the flight attendant and TELL him or her that you're a nervous flyer. they'll be extra kind to you and will check on you from time to time. at least, that's been my experience...

I hate to say it, but my vote is that you go. You'll feel so much better for having gone.

As far as how to get through the flight - I think everyone else has given you some pretty good advice.

I used to hate flying, but found myself in a situation where I had to do it almost once a month and just got used to it so it didn't bother me anymore. I still don't like the actual takeoff or landing, but I know in my brain that it's still the safest form of travel and, in particular, much safer than car travel. However, I do understand what you're saying...sometimes what your brain knows and what your stomach feels are two different things. I try to take a fatalistic viewpoint...if it's your time to go it's your time to go (hmmm....but what if it's the pilot's time to go???) Seriously...I say get on the plane - you'll be fine and if you don't go you might really regret it.

Okay, I made the hotel reservations at a place in Waukegan. It seemed pretty near the training center.

I thought long and hard about it, and what came up for me was that if the plane was going down, I'd rather be with my DH than the one left alone. How's that for selfish??

Not at all! I always think if DH was to die, who would do the laundry? I would spend all the insurance paying people to take care of me ;-)

Miss Chris