Overcoming the Fear of Flying
Guest Submitted Post3 min read
This article may contain affiliate links. Learn more
Just a short post today between "trips". Last Thursday I arrived home after a week in California with my "Aspies". We journeyed West for a church conference. Four days of mingling with thousands of folks from our church was quite a social experience. I gave my girls the choice to go or stay home. They chose to go. Flying across the country for the first time was a "scary" new thing. Before we left I built up the experience and tried to explain what all would happen so there would be no surprises. I let them pack their own bags (When they weren't around I did a little re-packing :) My 16 years packed mostly sensory toys and her weighted blankets and pillows. :) We had a talk about how limited our luggage was so the blankets (except for a tiny one) stayed home. She could choose two sensory toys, ( a squish ball and a little plastic thing she could bend in all directions) It was a good trip!
I watched the look of terror on my 16 yr old's face as the pressure of the plane taking off pushed her back in her seat. Soon we were up in the air for a very smooth ride. She loved it. The three sisters shared a seat and tuned in to their i-pods. Now she's overcome her fear of flying and is quite proud of herself. :)
While in CA. around 2,000, mostly teens from our conference, gathered each evening at a school for planned activities, volley ball, go cart races, table tennis, camp fire sings, lots of free food and pop. The theme of the camp was "Soak up the SON" with a very spiritual emphasis. Each teen was given a pair of wild sun glasses to wear. My three girls stuck together and blended in with the crowd having a wonderful time, playing volley ball and singing. It was such a "normal" time, and we are all much richer for the experience.
Today my 21 year old and I are flying to Managua, Nicaragua for a week long mission trip in the jungle with a medical mission team of around 65. My 21 yr old will be handing out hot ramen noodles and popcorn to thousands of very poor nationals who walked and rode busses from villages all over the country for free medical, dental, spiritual, food and clothes etc. She is so excited about this opportunity and I believe she will do fine.
I am so ready for a break from my daily responsibilities. It will be hot, hard work but can't think of anything more rewarding or spiritually renewing. I come home from these trips tired but so refreshed. What I see in the poor villages of Nicaragua makes me realize that my load at home isn't quit as heavy as I thought.
Here's a little message that was sent to me by a friend. A good reminder to us Aspie moms, which left for my husband who will be staying home with the 16 and 15 year old
Good parents
Knows their children's weaknesses,
But emphasis their strengths.
Feels their fears,
But fortifies their faith.
See's their anxieties,
But frees their spirit.
Recognizes their disabilities,
But encourages their possibilities.
Do you have any problems flying in planes?Disclosure: Autisable.com participates in affiliate programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate advertising programs. This means we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
Comments
Join the community to leave a comment.
