I just got back from several days in Houston. I have visited my sister and her husband there many times, but this time was very different. I went with my dad, who had not been on a plane in over 60 years.

Since retiring, my dad’s ability to travel at all had been limited by my mom’s health. Since her passing several months ago, he has made a few roadtrips, but I was surprised when he agreed to fly to Houston with me.

My two sisters and I did our best to prepare him for the new experience. Air travel has changed a lot since his last flight, when he was in the Army. He was nervous and excited as the trip approached.

The experience could not have been smoother. Heading to Houston, there were exactly four people in line at security. We breezed through and got to the gate two hours early. On the return trip, there was no line at security, and again we got to our gate very early. Both flights arrived early (despite the return flight being delayed for twenty minutes due to engine problems).

He was amazed at how so many factors came together to make the airport function smoothly. He was impressed with the courtesy of the airport staff, as well as the crew at United. As expected, he enjoyed looking out the window in flight.

It was fun seeing my dad take in all of the new experiences and sights. He had to be on sensory overload, but he handled it all well. I am glad he is catching up a bit on lost travel opportunities. Not only does it give him new memories, it helps him cope with the loss of my mom.

— John Wroblewski, distribution specialist