My father died 1,544 miles (by air) from home while on vacation with my mother. I was the only “child” able to leave my job to help our mother with the details etc. in a reasonable amount of time.
Perhaps you would have taken the train? Perhaps you would have bicycled.
“Will not submit” is a pretty boastful statement. I am as independent as anyone, but sometimes you have to do what you must.
I’m still mortified and thoroughly disgusted at how the TSA treats everyone EXCEPT muslims.
If in your situation, I would have done what was needed.
I don’t have to fly, so I don’t. I drive for vacations.
Fortunately, I like to drive.