My dad has a mental illness, and as a result, our relationship has been strained in the past, although it's starting to get better. Another result of his illness is that he isn't really able to travel or attend family gatherings. Going through airport security would be overwhelming for him, but he's afraid to drive long distances and doesn't have a decent car. I knew all this when we decided to have the wedding here in Atlanta, about 10 hours away from my hometown. I had accepted that my dad probably wouldn't make it regardless of where we held the wedding, and I don't feel sorry for myself not having him there. But I feel really bad for him missing it. Due to his illness (as well as some deliberate choices) he spends every holiday and special occasion alone, which breaks my heart. He keeps talking about wanting to come for the wedding, and I hoped that maybe I could work something out for him to travel with my favorite uncle (the only other person my dad is close with) but deep down I've known that it isn't going to happen.
So tonight I mentioned to FI that my uncle and aunt booked their plane tickets for the wedding. Then FI asked about my dad, and I connected the dots that this meant no way my dad would be able to come. I told FI everything above, and he offered to fly to Missouri, rent a car, and drive my dad back to Atlanta two days before the wedding. It was so sweet I wanted to cry. But even if he did that...I don't know if my dad would agree. He has this irrational fear of being out on the highway (part of his illness) and there's no way to talk to him logically about it. Besides, that still leaves the issue of getting him home, and we both have to go back to work right after the wedding, so driving him isn't feasible. I called Southwest to ask about their Non-Passenger Escort deal and it sounds like I may be able to take him to the airport and walk him through security and up to the gate, if he's willing. I don't know if he will be, though. I'm calling my uncle tomorrow to ask his thoughts and I'm sure he'll give me a reality check.
I know my dad wants to come but he just can't, and I know he will feel terrible being home alone while the rest of the family is at the wedding. And FI is ready to do whatever it takes to get him there, but I have to tell him it just won't work. This all just sucks so much. Thanks for letting me vent.