No Grass is Greener, Just A Different Field When I got home, it was almost ten. The plane ride was pretty tiring, as we were delayed and the plane downsized. Some first-class passengers were "demoted" to economy plus. United Airlines is stingy with their perks. I've been trying to use my many-tens-of-thousand miles to upgrade the past couple of times, and first-class was often sold out or overbooked. On the flight last night, there was a small boy (maybe about two or three.) He suffered for four hours from Chicago to LAX. He had cried the entire time. He wasn't a screamer or wailer, and only cried in a low voice. I had my headphones on, and I wasn't bothered. I felt sorry that the child was suffering. This flight was so uncomfortable - cabin pressure, dry air, having to sit in the same seat for four hours - I couldn't imagine what it was like for a small child. Forty-five minutes from Los Angeles, the child finally threw up. I bet he felt much better after he vomited. The passengers on either side of the sick child and his mother were very patient. The man whom the child threw up on didn't even complain. He said that when he was on a plane for the first time, he also threw up. The mother thanked the two passengers for being so patient. This was the first time the child had been on the plane. Many people still think that children are lucky and that they don't know "how good they have it." Children get to eat, sleep, and play. Some people wished they were children again, so they could live the carefree life. I think children are often anxious to grow up because they have no control of their own destiny. They see adults holding the power to make decisions rather than being told what to do or what to think. There is a price to pay for all the "privileges" life has to offer. Most children can live a relatively carefree life (I know there are many unfortunate children, but that is another discussion) but they have no control over their own destiny because they are completely dependent on their caretakers. Adults can make their own decisions and how life turns for them (I know there are many adults who still act like children but that is for another discussion) but they have to take responsibility for their actions and decisions all the time. Which grass is greener? Copyright (c) 2001-2009 by Jane Chin, All Rights Reserved. Back to Rate of Attrition