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Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsMy son's best friend just made me cry.
My son moved to MO a year ago with his wife. His bf from the Marines had gotten him a job there. I was supposed to go see them this summer with a side trip to Chicago to see my sister, but the money gods had other plans. I miss them so much it hurts. On top of that, life has just been downright disappointing, lately. I've been freakin' sad.
His buddy just texted me and asked if I could get a long weekend for my son's upcoming birthday. He wants to buy me a plane ticket.
Damnit. I don't know what to do. His buddy just bought a house, a new dog, a new bike, etc. I hate thinking of him paying, but even $281 is a lot of money for me, at the moment. I was also (lying to myself) and saying that I would save up the money to take a week off and see them next spring and then drive over to see my sister. This would sort of negate that whole scenario.
I need some happy in my life. I don't know what to do. Crap.
CaliforniaPeggy
(149,791 posts)He offered it, for crissakes!
And have a great time!
Wait Wut
(8,492 posts)The hardest part is not being able to get my sister to meet me there. Her health has been really crappy and I know it would break her heart not to see us. I'm trying to figure out a way to get her there.
Thank you.
KatyaR
(3,447 posts)This is a true gift--things will work out. Go and enjoy yourself!
Xyzse
(8,217 posts)Think of this coming from a son who wants to do something nice for their mother.
However, I may be reading this wrong.
If I have a significant other, and she would be having a milestone birthday, I would see if I can fly their parents to us if possible, as a surprise.
So, for me, I would love to be able to do something like this for a person I care about. I would do so in a heartbeat.
That might be the reason he would offer such a thing.
Life to me is about the experiences I can have.
Add this to your memories.
Wait Wut
(8,492 posts)I just can't afford to, anymore. I think that's what's making it a difficult decision. Being on the receiving end.
Y'know, all my life I've been grateful for such an amazing son. Then, I was grateful for a beautiful, compassionate and caring daughter-in-law. Now, I'm grateful for the people my son has chosen as friends. Sometimes I need a reminder that I'm luckier than a lot of people.
Xyzse
(8,217 posts)Thing is though, you do have to learn how to accept too.
Have fun!
antiquie
(4,299 posts)you will take both trips.
Wait Wut
(8,492 posts)That would be perfect!!!
Callmecrazy
(3,065 posts)if you don't take that plane ticket and go see your kid.
Don't try to rationalize your way out of it. They want you there. You're going to ruin a great party if you don't go. You wouldn't want to hurt their feelings would you?
Some might call you a terrible parent if you decline. (Yes, I'm shaming you into accepting now.)
Gimme his number. I'll text him back for you since you've suddenly become a techno-ninny. Do we have to send someone over to pack your bag too?
Wait Wut
(8,492 posts)Techno-ninny...
You're probably right. I just need to see if I can convince my sister to meet me there.
arcane1
(38,613 posts)Wait Wut
(8,492 posts)By 'kid' I mean 31 year old man.
Skittles
(153,298 posts)my guess is he can afford it and wants you and your son to be happy - you can always insist on paying him back if the means become available
do it
Wait Wut
(8,492 posts)Thank you. Maybe I can swing half now and half later.
Skittles
(153,298 posts)and have fun!
In_The_Wind
(72,300 posts)Wait Wut
(8,492 posts)I need to talk to my sister, or at least see if I can swing a drive out to see her.
In_The_Wind
(72,300 posts)marzipanni
(6,011 posts)Train trips are fun, and relaxing!
http://www.amtrak.com/ccurl/666/370/Illinois-Missouri-Schedule-060914.pdf
panader0
(25,816 posts)All of my kids make more than I do at this point. They flew me to Alaska and back last summer. I had a blast, except for how small the plane seats are now.
Lochloosa
(16,083 posts)iscooterliberally
(2,865 posts)Sometimes the best part of a vacation is just booking the damn thing so you have something to look forward too. I hope you get to go see your family and that everyone has a great time!
Raine1967
(11,589 posts)I have been in your place before. This is a little bit of happy you need in your life.
hibbing
(10,113 posts)I too say go for it. His friend would feel good by giving you this wonderful gift, you would get to see your son, your son would get to see you, it is a win win win.
On edit, I always get a great deal of satisfaction from giving what I can to causes or people, or doing favors, big or small.
Peace
TeamPooka
(24,292 posts)fizzgig
(24,146 posts)it's hard for me to take help from others, but you just have to accept it when the universe presents such an opportunity.
go. see your son. be happy.
mnhtnbb
(31,415 posts)Have a good time.
Smarmie Doofus
(14,498 posts)IdaBriggs
(10,559 posts)And then, in the future, you pay it forward.
You also find a gracious way of doing something to make sure he knows how much this means to you -- when you put the pictures on Facebook, you make sure everyone references what an amazing person the BF is, and then you knit him a baby blanket for his first born or some other total "mom/grandma" thing -- paint a picture, make a scrapbook, whatever your hobby is -- and you celebrate the time with your son....
Once, when I was in a poor spot, both financially and emotionally, I ended up having SIX FUNERALS in SIX WEEKS. One of the hardest ones was across the country, and it did not look like I was going to be able to be there for somebody who meant a lot to me. Some online DU friends - who I had never met in real life - sent me a plane ticket, and I was able to make the funeral. I've never forgotten that, and have tried to pay it forward appropriately. It also let me say goodbye. It has been nearly a decade, and I still tear up when I think about that trip. (On a funny note, I picked the cheapest hotel due to finances, and discovered the door had bullet holes in it -- a little scary! And it was where military folk were hanging out while they were waiting to get sent places.)
So, have a fun trip!!!
Le Taz Hot
(22,271 posts)when times were better. This is your good karma coming back to you. You gave graciously, now accept graciously.
Lydia Leftcoast
(48,217 posts)If it will make someone happy to do something for you, don't argue!
Avalux
(35,015 posts)You need some happy?
Don't worry about what you should or shouldn't do, do what you FEEL like doing. Your son's best friend loves him so much he is offering to get you there so that everyone can be happy and enjoy a great time. How can you refuse that?
redwitch
(14,954 posts)Or Skittles will kick your ass! Seriously though, you know it will make you happy to go, your son happy to see you and his friend happy that he can do something so nice for his friend. Everybody wins!
do it. WWMFMD? huh!?
rug
(82,333 posts)You deserve this.
3catwoman3
(24,109 posts)If your son were in the position to do the same thing for someone else, wouldn't you want him to, and be very proud of him when he did.
Tsiyu
(18,186 posts)to let a couple hundred dollars stand between you and those you love.
Money can be made again, over and over.
Moments with our kids can not be.
GO!111!!!11!!!!
hopemountain
(3,919 posts)please accept and have a great time
WilliamPitt
(58,179 posts)Karma is a wheel. It will come around.
Go.
Nothing...NOTHING takes the place of a son, and you need to see him.
Ron Obvious
(6,261 posts)As someone who's been in that young man's position, I can tell you that you will make him (and yourself) most happy by accepting his offer.
antiquie
(4,299 posts)Did you go?
Wait Wut
(8,492 posts)I think I've decided to hold off until spring. Missouri in December sounds horrible, plus it would only be for a few days, so I really wouldn't have time to do much. If I wait until spring, I can plan a drive to Chicago to see my sister. If I go in December, I won't be able to afford to go in the spring.
Instead, my husband offered to take me to NM for my 50th bday and our 5th anniversary. We've never taken a 'real' vacation and we both need to get away and relax.
Thank you for thinking about me, though!
antiquie
(4,299 posts)In my imagination it was last weekend.
Happy Annabirthersary
Wait Wut
(8,492 posts)...Annihallowirthday! My bday is Nov 4 and we were married on Halloween...unintentionally, I swear!
Liberal_in_LA
(44,397 posts)Generic Brad
(14,276 posts)What a generous gift! By all means - go and gratefully enjoy.