For moms in full-on parent mode, the goal isn’t to be flying around—it’s about lifelong responsibility and knowing your kids need you for a long time. That’s what I believed, right up until I turned 43. Then, one fine day, I had to board a plane, and it changed my life forever.
The Night Before Departure
I panicked and quickly made a verbal last will, as if the world was ending the next day. Funny enough, my flight was booked for the very day my ancestors declared the end of the world. Excited and nearly fainting, I watched the countdown to my London trip. The thought that I might meet my end midair made me shudder.
In a rush, I gathered my thoughts and, standing in the middle of the room at goodbye, delivered my last will to my kids like a seasoned speaker. They looked at me as confused as a horse staring at an ashtray. Meanwhile, all I could think about were the Airport movies and The Langoliers.
Safety First
After imagining the time-eaters nibbling on the plane and even my toes, I started weighing my chances. I tried to figure out which part of the plane was safest. I hoped I wouldn’t be sitting over the fuel tank but rather near the black box.
Because when someone disappears and is presumed dead, they stop searching—but every airline makes it a point of pride to find the black box.
Honestly, I don’t get why, if the black box always stays almost intact, they don’t make the whole plane out of that material.
I just hoped I wouldn’t meet my end mid-journey like a mail carrier...
Last Will
“You’ll find lots of old papers and little things among my stuff that belonged to my grandparents. Pack them carefully; don’t throw them away. On top of the piano is a lacquered piece of grapevine—that was my grandfather’s. Nail it to the wall under the crucifix... it always had its place in the old apartment. The plane ticket comes with insurance—use that to pay off the bank debt, and with the rest, buy some land. Don’t waste the money.
And free grandma from the urn cemetery and scatter her ashes from a plane... -
“Why from a plane?” came the question. “Because she never flew, so at least now she will.” Do exactly as I say, because I’ll come back from the afterlife—and you know how stubborn I am, I’ll make the impossible happen—I’ll be back.”
Packing
Since my London trip was just two days, I only spent a little time packing at first. I chose not to bring anything my kids might need if gravity turned out stronger than science. Spare socks, underwear, meds, documents, a collection of Maupassant short stories, and a neck brace just in case, for the fall.
Since I forbade my kids from crying if I died, saying I’d lived fully and wanted everything I could, I was relatively calm. About as calm as a rabbit caught in a trap.
The Wonder of Flying
Sitting on the plane, I thought nothing mattered anymore—I even forgot to pray. Only one thing interested me: where to find the barf bag, which seasoned flyers say legendary things about. I listened to music and gripped the armrest like I was in labor.
Then came the miracle: acceleration. I thought it was just a guy thing, but apparently, it’s mine now too. I had no time to panic—just to enjoy the rush. When takeoff ended, I almost shouted, “More, more, more!” Flying into the cottony clouds, soaring through the endless sky felt like getting closer to God.
The Journey
When the horizon disappears around a bend or suddenly rises above eye level, it’s an indescribable feeling. Meanwhile, tons of metal roar and shake beneath you. This is one of humanity’s greatest inventions. I thought of Leonardo da Vinci and his dream of flying.
My lofty thoughts weren’t disturbed even when the older lady next to me took off her shoes, crossed her legs right under my nose, and pulled a banana from her purse, munching away with delight. For a moment, I wondered if that banana had magically appeared in the last half hour or if her purse was lead-lined to hide the fruit from security.
I’d make flying mandatory for everyone. It’s a freeing feeling you never forget. And hey, the world didn’t end—maybe because no one cared enough. We landed safely. The saying seems true: love is just a moment. I fell in love with flying...
