Meet Meg, author of Airplane - Unaccompanied Minor, a true story based on her own childhood. “Unaccompanied Minor” is real and true, all the way down to Olivia’s name. I was flying with my own children that day, but they were seated far up in the plane, toward the front. Neither of them wanted the seat by the lavatories at the back, so I took it.

 

Obviously, Olivia was unexpected in so many ways. At moments, I felt such a tug of war within, because I really was exhausted and wanted to sleep. But the flight attendant kept checking on Olivia, so it became obvious quickly that she was alone, and I knew very well how that must feel.

 

When I deboarded, with my kiddos, I turned to my daughter immediately and told her all about it. I told her I had to write it, but that it had to be short—a flash piece.

 

So I did write it, then presented it at my MFA Residency to my workshop, where they provided some feedback. I have also given the story to my Composition I students to read as an example of a 1000-word personal narrative. It will be wonderful to share with them that it has been published." Well, we were happy to publish it. You can read it here, but first, be sure to read our full interview, Mom Talk with Meg, Here.