Lessons in Resilience from Wrong-Way Corrigan
Today is Wrong Way Corrigan Day, and it has a lot of great lessons for those of us Plan B parents trying to weave love, patience, and resilience into our families’ stories. Douglas Corrigan, a 1930s pilot, became famous for flying from New York to Ireland instead of California, claiming it was a navigational error. The tale offers surprising wisdom for those of us navigating the unpredictable world of being a Plan B parent.
Facts
I’ve always had a soft spot for Wrong Way Corrigan because it’s not clear whether his detour was a mistake, as he claimed, or a deliberate end-run around rules. In 1938, Daniel Corrigan was an airplane mechanic with a 1929 jalopy of an airplane that authorities repeatedly said was not airworthy. He flew non-stop from California to New York, where he applied for permission to replicate the famous trip of his hero, Charles Lindbergh, to Ireland. Authorities denied permission saying that his airplane wasn’t safe. So, he told them he was going back to California and set out on July 17, 1938. The next time anyone heard from him, he had landed in Ireland, 28 hours later.
Corrigan said that the cloud cover when he set out threw off his navigation and he misread his magnetic compass because it was after dark. Aviation authorities didn’t believe him and suspended his license for 14 days. Corrigan never varied from his story, no matter how many people questioned him. The press dubbed him “Wrong Way Corrigan,” and he briefly became famous. He wrote a book, endorsed products, and starred in a movie about his flight. He likely earned far more from those ventures than he ever did as an airplane mechanic.
The story, whether it was a deliberate stunt or honest mistake, has some intriguing lessons for those of us raising other people’s children.
1. Take Control of Your Family’s Story
Was Corrigan’s “wrong way” flight an accident? Historians debate the question: his plane lacked a radio, and navigation tools were rudimentary, so a mistake was possible. But his grin and lack of shock when he landed suggest he might’ve followed his dream, rules be damned.
The lesson for us is to take control of our story, even if it means bending the rules. As foster or stepparents, you will face rigid systems—caseworker protocols or custody orders or societal norms about “perfect” families. Like Corrigan, carve your own path. Maybe you find a way to work within foster care rules to meet your kid’s needs or redefine family traditions to include everyone. Be bold in shaping your family’s story, even if it looks like a “mistake” to others.
2. Embrace the Unexpected Detours
Corrigan set out for California but landed in Ireland. Sound familiar? As Plan B parents, our families often veer off the map—maybe a foster placement brings unforeseen challenges or blending families feels like herding cats. Like Corrigan, embrace those detours. They can lead to beautiful moments, like when a tough day with a kid turns into a bonding session over ice cream. The unexpected is often where the magic happens.
3. Trust Your Instincts, Even When Others Doubt
Corrigan’s transatlantic flight raised eyebrows, with officials skeptical of his claim that it was all a big mistake. You’ll face doubters too—maybe a caseworker questions your approach or a relative side-eyes your blended family dynamic. Trust your gut. You know your kids best. Corrigan didn’t let naysayers stop him, and neither should you. Keep advocating for your family.
4. Find Humor in the Chaos
Corrigan’s “whoops, wrong continent” tale is fun because it’s funny. Plan B can feel like landing on Mars some days—schedules collide, emotions flare, and chaos reigns. Find the humor when your kid “redecorates” the walls with markers or calls you by the wrong name again. Humor keeps you grounded and shows kids it’s okay to be human.
5. Own Your Story, Mistakes and All
Whether Corrigan’s flight was a stunt or an honest mistake, he owned the narrative and became a legend. You’ll mess up as a parent—maybe you misread a kid’s mood or snapped during a stressful day. Own it. Apologize, learn, and move on. Your mistakes don’t define you; your honesty does.
6. Keep Flying, No Matter the Weather
Corrigan flew through fog and uncertainty, landing safely against the odds. Plan B parenting can feel like a storm—court dates, emotional outbursts, or clashing traditions test your resolve. Keep going. Your consistency builds trust for kids who need it most. Persistence is your superpower.
7. Celebrate the Journey, Not Just the Destination
Corrigan’s flight was a failure by navigation standards, but it became an epic tale. Your parenting journey won’t always look like a perfect family sitcom, and that’s okay. Celebrate the small wins—when your stepkid joins game night or a foster kid shares a quiet smile. These are your Ireland, proof you’re making a difference. The destination (a “perfect” family) isn’t the goal; the journey—messy, loving, and real—is the point of family.
Conclusion
Wrong Way Corrigan’s flight, celebrated every July 17, reminds us that life’s best moments often come from unexpected paths. As Plan B parents, we’re charting uncharted skies. Embrace detours, trust your instincts, laugh through chaos, own your mistakes, keep flying, shape your narrative, and celebrate every step. You’re not just parenting—you’re crafting a legacy of love, one “wrong way” adventure at a time.
Interested in learning more?
- Download my free e-book to learn how to stop being the villain in your child’s story.
- Learn more principles of foster parenting and step-parenting from my online courses at YSO Academy.
- Buy my book, Raising Other People’s Children, for more thoughts about being the person who’s not supposed to be there.
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