My son offered me a free trip

My son called me today and wants to take me to Vegas the day after Christmas. I always have the whole family here Christmas day and it usually lasts until at least midnight at the earliest. I don't like to fly in the winter, and it is about 2 hours to the aiport-winter in Wi. is weird. He is a teacher so he can only go certain times. I will treat him in the summer when he can go, but am I being mean for not going?

 

You're not being mean.
Maybe explain to him and say you'd like to accept his offer but at a different time of the year when
it's good for both of you.

 

Thank you Ardee, that's pretty much what I said.

 

I certainly can’t speak for your circumstances, but this is a mazel: to go to a favorite place with your son. Sorry, but I’m not buying what you’re selling: staying up till midnight on Christmas Day with your family and leaving in the morning for a two hour drive to the airport.

An invitation is not an obligation, but unless I had prior commitments, I would go for it. Tempus fugit.

 

I’m not sure what was said in the last post but I think I agree with it . It may be inconvenient but at the end of the long road, wouldn’t you feel better had you gone and spent some quality time with your son? That’s what he will remember for a long time afterwards...the time pop and I went to Vegas after Christmas. I suppose I’m just sentimental as I’m thinking about bringing my pop on my next trip. I know he’ll say he has to work or do something else but I wish he took more breaks.

 

You should never turn down an opportunity to go to Vegas.

 

My kids are only 17 and 18 but if they ever invite me or want to take me with them on their travels I’m going to drop everything and go.

 

If I were your son, I would feel that is a bit of a weak excuse. I'm flying out with my dad tomorrow, and am really looking forward to it as we haven't gone together over 10 years, and you never know what the future may hold. If going to Vegas is going to cause you to miss other family activities during this Christmas season, or it doesn't work out for you financially or something along those lines then I would understand, but for the reasons you gave I would be a bit disappointed.

 

Another reason for my comment is that I lost my Dad 30 years ago, he died suddenly in his early sixties. I still get a little verklempt when I think of him. I was single and into having fun with my friends, never took a one on one trip with him. I rarely look at the past with regret, but this is an exception.

Don’t put off till tomorrow what you can do today.

 

Sounds like you just do not want to go. The reasons given are a bit weak in my book. It is okay if you don't want to go of course.

 

Sounds like you have a great son to get an invitation like that, @Miller12pack!
I won't be able to make it until summer either.
Perhaps I'll see you there!

RICHARD

 

Do IT! Life is short, and you are not promised tomorrow. Enjoy yourself, sleep on the plane...

 

I agree with that one. If you don't want to go, just say so.

 

To each their own it time spent with children on their invite (and dime) would be hard for me to say no. Family will understand if you cut things a bit short and I'm sure would want you to go.

Whatever your decision, it's up to only you. Make it, stand by it and don't look back.

 

Why dont you kick the family out early? They will all know why and hopefully be understanding. That way you could have more sleep time and be more refreshed for the morning flight.

 

Problem solved. We are going during his spring break. He pays airfare, I take care of the rooms. Works for both of us. We have been to Vegas several times together, so this will be another memory maker.

 

That's wonderful, @Miller12pack.
Planning and anticipation will be part of the fun til you both get there.
Wishing you a fantastic trip filled with great memories.

 

Twenty years ago my brother and I were going to Vegas the first time together. He suggested that we take our father along, who had never flown before. I said let's do it next year. Next year never happened because he got colon cancer that year and 10 months later also had bone cancer. Two months after the bone cancer he died. I never ever forgive myself for not having that week with my dad in Vegas. Now I try to do things while I can, I think you should too.

 

That's a good compromise - not too far in the future, but enough to build the anticipation nicely!

 

So glad it worked out timing wise for both of you @Miller12pack ! Lucky dogs!! Best of luck!!