Unaccompanied Minor

 

Adri deplaning in Dallas in 1994

Starting when she was five, Adri was able to fly to see me by herself, what the airlines call an unaccompanied minor. Prior to 9/11, at least, we could go into the plane with her and get her settled, but then she’d be by herself for the flight to and from. She’d get a necklace placard kind of thing, and a flight attendant would watch over her, but still. It had to be a lot, and it sort of amazes me that kids can fly solo at such a young age… but I was grateful.

The first time she was to fly to see me alone was in June 1993 right after her fifth birthday. I was worried that she’d be terrified and feel alone during the trip, so I had the sudden brainstorm to send her favorite doll that she kept in her Dallas home to her grandparents in Louisville with the suggestion that they give it to her as a surprise once she was seated in the plane. I hoped that this might help alleviate at least some trepidation and loneliness and make the flight at least somewhat bearable. 

Her grandparents thought it was a good idea and did this for me and her. They kept the doll under wraps until the last minute, and they said Adri beamed and smiled when she saw the doll, taking it and cradling it in her arms.

When I met her at the gate getting off the plane, she had doll in arms and her eyes lit up when she saw me. She was in a great mood and didn’t seem to be phased by the solo flight at all.

She excitedly told me about the flight, the meal she got, how the flight attendants were so nice, and asked if she would get to do that again.

The flight attendant told me she was the hit of the trip, talking with everyone, asking where they were going, making small talk with her seatmates, etc.

I really shouldn’t have been surprised or worried; Adri was the social animal that I only dreamed I could be. She was in her element, holding court at 30,000 feet with her doll on her lap and a glass of “free ginger ale, daddy!!” on her tray.

There would be other worries and concerns over the years, but at least I knew that flying back and forth solo several times a year would not be one of them.

|I had forgotten about sending the doll, but at Adrianna’s memorial service her grandmother reminded me of it. She told me that I’d always been such a good dad to Adri, and then proceeded to tell the story about the doll and how important and helpful it had been to her and them.

I needed to hear that on that day, and I’m thankful that they were able to tell me.

It’s been 8 months today.