Flying Solo +

Every time I fly I think of my dad.  I remember every apect of traveling with him.  The drive with 'classic' music we would sing along to, unloading at the paking spot where my dad would flag down the driver, as if he didn't see us in the designated pick up spot.  Then he would proceed to talk to everyone on the bus giving them our whole life story.  Funny, people would usually tell us there's.  We would then check in and hit security which was always fun because dad would always be pulled aside and hassled.  We joked that he fit some sort of criminal description.  We totally looked suspicious.  After we boarded the plane he would tell some jokes and familiarize himself with everyone within a 10ft radius and become best friends with the flight staff.  As a benefit, I got to see more cockpits than most children.  When we took off and landed my ears would hurt with the air pressure.  Dad would distract me by talking about our trip and hold my hand.

Today I, like so many times in my adulthood, did it all myself.  I listen to music on the drive, drop my car off at valet, ride the bus, check in, clear security and get on the plane.  I do it all confidently and like I've done it a million times, because I have.  It's just not as good.  As I sit down in my seat, I think of him.  Maybe I should make conversation.  I look at the guy sitting next to me who looks like a hipster with a beard.  He already has his headphones on and is asleep with his mouth open.  Lovely.  No thanks.  I put my headphones on and I'm a million miles away.  What's this? I can actually think continuous thoughts.  I think about the kids, my friends, my life.  It's not so bad.  To anyone from the outside it may seem like the bees knees.  The trouble is, it's just not as good.  My personal struggle lies with wishing for lost time.  Not such a bad thing but it can sometimes make it hard to appreciate the now.  And the now is important. It's right now and you have to deal with it.  If you don't focus on it you can miss its greatness and your own personal accomplishments.  Like you're a confident person that can get on a plane headed for adventure, flying solo like you own it.  

Thanks dad.  I take you everywhere I go.