As summer unfolds, it seems everyone is buzzing about vacation plans, especially sending their little ones off to exciting destinations like theme parks, renowned campgrounds, or magical worlds with grandparents. This gives parents a chance to reclaim their identities as couples, if only for a couple of glorious weeks each year.
When my son, Max, was six years old, we were living in sunny Maui while my parents resided in Oregon. One summer, they called with an exhilarating proposal: they wanted to take Max to Disneyland in California. After much back-and-forth about how to get him there, my mother declared she’d already spoken to the airline, which confirmed he could fly as an “unaccompanied minor.”
“Mom, he’s six. As in just six years old!” He was a tiny little guy, too—small enough to raise my anxiety levels. I glanced at him, his Hawaiian-style shaved head and round glasses making him look like a miniature Harry Potter, and I struggled to imagine him boarding a 747 by himself.
“It’ll be totally fine,” my mother reassured me. “They assign a flight attendant to him, who’ll keep an eye on him the entire way. Plus, it’s a direct flight. We’ll be there to pick him up in Portland.”
After a lengthy debate and listening to Max bounce around, gleefully exclaiming, “I’m going to Disneyland!!” I reluctantly set aside my panic, convinced I could trust a stranger with my child. What could possibly go wrong? I filled out the extensive paperwork at the airport, including a birth certificate, my driver’s license, and a list of emergency contacts. Meanwhile, Max could hardly contain his excitement about flying “all by himself,” while I was a teary mess. “Don’t worry,” the flight attendant said with a reassuring smile, “We haven’t lost one yet.” Yet??
After sending my only child off, I sobbed the entire way home. But Max had the time of his life.
Two weeks later, as I anxiously awaited his arrival at the airport, I held tightly to the 30 forms of ID required to pick him up. When he finally emerged with a huge grin, I couldn’t help but notice how he seemed older and more confident—almost like a young boy rather than my little child. Overwhelmed with relief and joy, I burst into tears.
Ignoring the attendant’s commands to “Stay behind the yellow line, ma’am,” I rushed forward and scooped him into a bear hug, sobbing uncontrollably, assuring him he was missed every single day. Perhaps not the best moment for any six-year-old, but I couldn’t help myself; my baby was finally home.
When it comes to picking up an “unaccompanied minor,” the ID checks are intense. A simple driver’s license won’t suffice. The airlines are serious about preventing any mix-ups that could lead to hefty consequences. So, at the time of ticket purchase, you’re provided a detailed list of the necessary documents.
As I rummaged through my purse for the required paperwork, the flight attendant smiled and said dryly, “And you must be the mom.” “Yes,” I sniffed, still clutching my boy. “Jake,” she asked, “Is this your mom?” Max, showing a glimpse of the humor that would become his trademark, replied, “Well, she wouldn’t be my first choice, but yeah, she’s my mom.”
Fast forward 14 years, and Max was preparing for a flight to Iraq. Dropping him off brought back all those feelings, and I cried all the way home. When he returned safe and sound a year later, I greeted him with tears and another public display of affection. This time, he grinned and said, “It’s okay, Mom. Go crazy.”
This experience has led me to believe that children, regardless of their age, should never be further away than a drive to see them. It’s simply too hard on us moms. And when he gets redeployed, I’ve decided I’ll be going with him—though I might not mention it just yet. Who knows, I may end up flying as an “unaccompanied mother.”
For more insights on parenting and home insemination, check out our posts on artificial insemination kits, or visit this excellent resource on treating infertility.
In summary, the journey of parenthood is filled with moments that challenge our courage, especially when it comes to letting our little ones venture into the world. From sending them off as unaccompanied minors to embracing their growth, it’s a rollercoaster of emotions that every mom will understand.
Keyphrase: unaccompanied minor experience
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]