As college students prepare to return home for the holidays, the experience can often lead to heightened anxiety for both them and their parents. After years of enjoying the mild climate of California, I found winter travel to be particularly daunting. So, when my son, Jake, had to make the journey home from the University of Wisconsin for his first Christmas break, my overprotective instincts kicked in.
Like any caring parent, I began by checking the weather forecast for his journey. However, my approach was slightly excessive: I started monitoring the weather two weeks in advance, multiple times each day. For those who truly need to know these details—pilots, sailors, or long-haul truck drivers—the minute-by-minute forecasts are invaluable. But for someone like me, it becomes a different story.
With December in full swing, it was hardly shocking that a snowstorm was predicted for several states in the Midwest, and naturally, my anxiety began to escalate. A week prior to Jake’s flight, I was glued to the hourly forecast for Madison, Wisconsin, where he was located. I also kept tabs on the weather in Denver, where he would have a layover, and Monterey, California, his final destination. I was acutely aware of temperatures, wind speeds, humidity levels, and the probability of precipitation, all while imagining the potential problems he might face.
This behavior, I realized, was likely more hazardous than the weather itself. I often questioned whether my worrying could somehow influence the universe—was I somehow responsible for the delays? It seemed so, when I learned that Jake arrived at the airport only to discover that all flights were canceled for the day.
Fortunately, my neurotic tendencies paid off. While Jake was busy with his final exam, oblivious to my frenetic energy, I devised a backup plan. I managed to snag the last ticket on a flight from Chicago to the West Coast. This new route involved a quick taxi ride from his dorm to Madison’s airport, followed by a 3-hour bus journey to O’Hare in Chicago.
I informed Jake of the new plan, confident that as a responsible young man, he would handle it well. However, my overactive mind continued to race. The internet can be a treacherous place for those prone to anxiety, offering an abundance of information that can easily spiral into worry. I noticed some flights in Chicago were delayed, coupled with fog warnings that could create issues not only for the airport but also on the highways where Jake’s bus would be traveling. With the additional worry of heavy holiday traffic, I couldn’t help but envision potential accidents.
I considered whether Jake might be better off staying an extra day in Madison to avoid the perilous journey. (Thank goodness I don’t live in a snowy area; the mental strain would be overwhelming!) Aware of the dangers of over-parenting, I tried to limit my communications with him since he had mentioned that his phone battery was running low.
Yet, mere hours after our last exchange, I found myself caving to anxiety. I texted him, suggesting he wait in Madison until the fog lifted, opting to return home the next day. When there was no immediate response, my mind spiraled. Was he still in Madison? On the bus? Or possibly stuck in an accident?
An additional half hour passed without any word from him. In an effort to sound calm, I sent another text, stating that I wasn’t panicking yet. Meanwhile, I continued scouring the internet, checking Chicago’s weather, his flight status, and even contemplating calling the Wisconsin Highway Patrol.
At last, Jake responded. He had fallen asleep on the bus and hadn’t seen my texts until he woke up at O’Hare, waiting to board his flight home. He had done what any reasonable young adult would do, and I finally acted like a normal mother, assuring him I would see him at the San Jose airport that evening.
In summary, the experience of holiday travel can elicit significant stress for parents, especially when compounded by concerns about weather and safety. It’s a reminder that while parental instincts are often rooted in love, they can sometimes lead to unnecessary worry. For those interested in fertility and family planning resources, you can explore topics like supplements to boost fertility or learn more about at-home insemination kits at Cryobaby.
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