Your cart is currently empty!
A Journey on the Open Road with My Father: A Reflection
Last summer, I embarked on a solo road trip from Pennsylvania to Texas, accompanied by my two children, aged 9 and 12. Surprisingly, every moment of the 48-hour journey proved to be a cherished experience. When questioned about my motivation for such an adventure, I often find myself attributing it to my father. It was he who instilled in me a love for the open road, igniting a desire to travel whenever the days grew longer and the weather turned warm. The scent of hot asphalt transports me back to our family vacations, and every visit to a convenience store on a scorching day, with the cool blast of air conditioning and the aroma of fresh coffee, reminds me of the road trips we shared.
Some of my fondest childhood memories revolve around sitting in the middle seat between my tall brothers, with the classic Oldies music playing through open windows. Each summer, my father would take the wheel of our compact blue station wagon, leading us on two-week vacations that allowed us to explore the entire continental United States. He dedicated months to planning these adventures, all while sitting on the toilet, armed with his trusty Rand McNally map. I hope to create similar memories for my children.
When I first proposed the idea of a cross-country road trip, my husband was hesitant. Due to limited vacation time, he couldn’t join us, leaving me to navigate the journey alone with our kids. I had contemplated the drive to my mother’s home in Texas for years, and last summer felt like the perfect opportunity. Having traveled this route numerous times with my father, his absence weighed heavily on me. He passed away in October 2012, and as I prepared to make the journey, I found comfort in the memories we shared.
In anticipation of the trip, I organized travel games and snacks, alongside my father’s vintage Rand McNally. I mapped out our route, reserved accommodations, and hoped that my decision was sound. The night before departure, anxiety surged within me as I questioned my ability to manage the 1,600-mile trek. In that moment of uncertainty, I recalled my father’s familiar advice from the passenger seat: “Just keep your hands at 10 and 2, be courteous to truckers, and don’t get caught speeding.” With these words in mind, I set off early on a dewy summer morning, hands firmly gripping the wheel.
As we began our journey, we spotted an Idaho license plate—an unusual sight in our small Pennsylvania town. My son smiled and remarked, “Poppy is with us,” and thus began our license plate game. Over the four-day trip, we spotted plates from 38 states. The rolling hills of western Pennsylvania and the mountains of Virginia and Tennessee flashed by our windows as we laughed, shared stories, and listened to Harry Potter audiobooks.
The drive allowed me to be fully present with my children. No distractions from texting, emails, or phone calls. As we traveled, I embraced each moment, realizing that my father likely experienced similar joy while listening to our chatter from the backseat. Along the way, we marveled at the breathtaking beauty of our country, and the kids expressed their surprise that states weren’t divided by fences or dotted lines. Each hotel and rest stop provided friendly faces willing to assist a traveling mother, a comforting reminder of my father’s influence as he managed my journey from afar. A particularly memorable moment occurred when a generous restaurant manager in Nashville treated us to dessert simply because we were heading to his hometown—a coincidence that I knew would have delighted my father.
Upon arriving at my mother’s home, exhausted yet exhilarated, I felt the absence of my dad acutely. I could almost hear him saying, “1,595 miles in 23 hours and 17 minutes. You did good, kid.” Indeed, we did, Dad.
For those contemplating their own journeys or interested in learning about at-home insemination options, consider exploring resources like this informative blog post or this authoritative website. Additionally, WebMD provides excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, my road trip served as a poignant reminder of the bond I shared with my father and the memories I wish to create for my children. It highlighted the beauty of the journey, both literally and metaphorically, teaching us the value of connection and adventure.