Sometimes, you just need to hit the road, even if spontaneity feels foreign. As a mother of two young men—22 and 20 years old—I’ve transitioned from discussing distant futures to cherishing the present moment. With one son freshly graduated and the other navigating his junior year without parental oversight, I find myself savoring life’s smaller moments and embracing new adventures.
Recently, while other parents busily checked off school supply lists, my partner and I impulsively decided to journey to Santa Fe, a destination we had long dreamed of exploring. We set aside four and a half days for the trip, not just to escape our routine, but to celebrate my tenth anniversary as a breast cancer survivor and my birthday, which fortuitously fall on the same day.
As we departed Dallas, the urban sprawl faded away, giving way to the stunning landscapes of the West. I lost myself in the shifting scenery and the rhythmic hum of the highway, reflecting on everything and nothing. Our first stop was Clovis, New Mexico, where we crossed into a new time zone. Watching my phone adjust the time felt exhilarating—like I had the ability to manipulate time itself, slowing down and speeding up the moments of my life.
The next day, we continued our journey, with me snapping photos, passing out snacks, and belting out tunes from The Temptations to Cat Stevens. Colorful trains rushed by, their horns blaring, while I found myself in a comfortable silence with my husband, where the vast sky spoke volumes.
On my birthday in Santa Fe, we encountered a touch of altitude sickness, but that didn’t stop us from exploring. The highlights included an amusing encounter at dinner with a young couple struggling to manage their baby. I felt a wave of nostalgia when I watched them juggle parenthood. I wanted to reassure them that they were doing great, just as I once sought validation during my own parenting journey.
The following day, we spotted the same mom, completely engrossed in a moment with her little one, radiating joy and wonder. It reminded me of the beauty and excitement that comes with every new stage of life.
Our trip was filled with delightful explorations, including a drive through rain-soaked vistas and spontaneous conversations with friendly strangers. On the return journey to Texas, we enjoyed the peacefulness of the road again, listening to an engaging audiobook and laughing together, a shared joy that comes from years of partnership.
The landscapes were so breathtaking that I felt an urge to leap out of the car and roll in the clouds. I realized how long I had neglected to appreciate such moments. Aging, I discovered, offers countless opportunities to retain a sense of youth, as long as one is open to new experiences and transitions.
This road trip rekindled the childlike spirit within me. I played with time, chased trains, sang nostalgic songs, and marveled at nature. All in all, it was an unforgettable four and a half days, proving that spontaneity can lead to profound revelations. As Cat Stevens so aptly put it, “You’re only dancing on this earth for a short while.”
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In summary, this journey not only revitalized my spirit but also highlighted the importance of embracing life at every stage.