another only child here, my mom wasn't to keen on the idea of me flying either. all the worry, especially after 9/11 of her only "baby" getting hurt or something. dad is cool with it, he always wanted to be a jet mechanic but went for the college route instead and became an engineer. makes good money, but he hates it...always says, "•ing cubicals suck, never work in a cubical!". even after i spent $$$ on a 4-year degree and decided to be a pilot he was cool about it. he brought ma along to, shes much more into the idea, especially after i told her eventually she'll get free airline tickets through me when i make it that far. she really liked that idea. the rest of my family is a lot less supportive though, they support me cause they love me, but i can tell they don't understand why i would get a degree and then do this. but i don't much care, someday they'll see why i did this and they'll understand.
i guess you just have to make yourself happy, do your thing, and let the rest of um understand why later.