Leaving On A Jet Plane

Photo by: Jeff Evans
Current Location: Windsor, Ontario, Canada / 42° 19′ 60 N, 83° 1′ 60 W

For fretful fliers like myself, getting there isn't half the fun--it's half the battle. Beleive it or not, I'm afraid of flying. Yup, my stomach churns during takeoff, turbulence turns my breath shallow and palms sweaty; my heart races at any mechanical noise. My mind flashes back to media images of plunging planes and horrific crashes. Sometimes, I even try to calm myself with a drink, yet the closer we get to touchdown, the higher my anxiety climbs. What if the pilot loses control? What if we can't get out?

I think my fear of flying comes from years of bad experiences and near chaotic moments, both on the ground and in the air.

Ever had a fellow passenger die in the seat in front of you while in mid air? I have.

Ever had to make an emergency landing because of a 'mechanical' problem? I have.

Ever had to make an emergency landing because a bird cracked the windshield while in mid air? I have.

Ever had a drunk passenger recite to you all the names on his family tree...in Russian? I have.

Ever sat beside a mother with a baby that won't stop crying...and the mother is asleep? I have!!!

I can't wait til they invent the tele-porter!

...10 Hours to departure.