Enjoy this first of three parts of the last few weeks.
I am going to start off by saying this, I hate flying! Some know and some don’t, well now you do. Ever since I was about 7, I can admit that I am not the best flyer. One of the flights I was on at that age flying from Germany to Chicago, flew through an air pocket or something and my heart slipped into my stomach. Since that flight, I have used so many different techniques to get through any flight. My go to tools is a comforting phone call and a sleep aid. Usually the sleep aid kicks in before takeoff.
As I have gotten older the flights have become more bearable, but I look for every alternative before hopping on a flight. Being in Korea, flying is my only way to get to my babies and other family stateside. Purchasing a ticket home to surprise my kiddos snapped me out of my fear temporarily. The 28hrs of traveling was so worth it.
I had to get reacquainted with Incheon Airport in Seoul. Last time I was there I arrived in country worse for wear. I didn’t really pay attention to too much, just that I was here alone. Well, I should have glanced up at least one good time 6 months ago because I was lost trying to get to the right airline counter. I spent 34 minutes in the wrong terminal. 20 of those minutes I was trying to find someone that could point me in the right direction. Eventually, I made it to where I needed to be and also received a nice free upgrade.
It is safe to say after being seated I don’t remember much about the flight. Other than the flight attendants periodically waking me up out of concern for my snoring. Oops, I guess I was really tired, and the Dramamine really worked.
Going home for those two weeks was worth it, but tough. I didn’t want to interrupt the kids schedule and have them get use to me being home. My fear before walking through the front door that first day was how would I break it to them that I was only there for a little while. I cried thinking about them crying, but again, I didn’t give my kids enough credit. They were fine. Sometimes, I feel like the kid when dealing with them.
I had a good friend pick me up from the airport. It was so surreal coincidence, but while I waited on her to arrive, I happen to be in front of the very place I reenlisted 9 months ago to take me on this journey. It is always great to see a familiar face and catch up in person.
Outside of a handful of people, I kept my arrival a secret from the kids. I love surprises so I knew they would enjoy one too. I walked through the front door and wanted to cry from pure happiness.
I am so glad I didn’t let my fear of flying stop me from traveling. These were the hugs and the I love you, I needed to hear.
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