I'm sorry to see that you go through so much trouble to travel. I've done this, and will do it again: buy a $50-100 Southwest refundable ticket online (30-60 seconds), print the receipt (5-10 seconds), go to airport, meet friend/family at the gate, go home. Call up at a later time/date and request the refund (30-60 seconds).

This definitely beats sitting outside in your car being harrassed by the airport cops or standing in the concourse (where, bizarrely, they never have any seats). You can relax, get some coffee and a paper, and wait for the plane (just like the old days). And, it really is a nice surprise if they don't expect it. Good for you, BooBooKitty.