Parenting
You Can’t Get There From Here
My soon-to-be husband and I crammed two households, a child, two dogs, and a well-worn truck into one massive U-Haul as we set off for parts unknown—at least to us. We were making the leap from North Carolina to Arkansas, seeking a fresh start far removed from our past filled with ex-partners, drama, and chaos. Late April marked our departure, and I eagerly anticipated my parents’ visit when summer vacation arrived.
As we cruised down I-40, I diligently took notes, marking areas where roadwork was underway and suggesting they take bypasses instead of navigating through towns. Upon reaching Hot Springs, I meticulously noted every turn, the distances between landmarks, and provided clear instructions for the end of our road (the answer was simply to stop).
I then mailed my meticulously crafted notes, underlining key points and even highlighting some great dining options along their route. I included a map (which, believe it or not, was hard to come by in North Carolina), with the recommended path marked and annotations in the margins, complete with arrows pointing to the places I mentioned. Calling them with all this vital information was out of the question, as only local calls were free and long-distance charges could add up quickly.
This was a time before GPS, cell phones, and social media—when the internet was virtually non-existent and payphones dotted every corner and gas station. Travelers relied on maps and their memories, expecting to get lost at least once and hoping to eventually reach their destination. There was no “estimated time of arrival” or “miles to your destination” to glance at, waiting for “Susan” or “Mark” to announce, “Right turn ahead in two miles.”
It’s worth mentioning that my parents were seasoned travelers, having roamed across the United States both before and after my arrival. They had wanderlust in their veins, regularly seeking new adventures. I remember being a child, peering out of a camper with a hole cut into the front of the truck, enjoying the thrill of our six-week journey from coast to coast as they contemplated where to settle next. I doubt such a setup would be allowed today, but to my six-year-old self, experiencing new places for the first time was pure magic!
We spent nights parked in grocery store lots and rest areas, fully embracing the nomadic lifestyle with roadside bathroom breaks and watermelon picnics. We visited iconic sites like the Grand Canyon, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and fields of wildflowers. Each state line we crossed was an occasion for a photo op next to a “Welcome to” sign. It was undoubtedly the most adventurous time of my life.
So when my parents received my detailed map, notes, and recommendations (let’s be honest, it was more like: “STOP HERE!”), they didn’t mock me or roll their eyes. They didn’t pick up the phone (not with those long-distance rates) to say, “Honey, we’ve driven across the country and lived in so many places we’ve lost count, so we’re confident we can navigate from North Carolina to Arkansas.” Instead, they simply sent back a quick note saying, “Thanks, we’ll see you in two weeks.”
When they arrived at my home, all I could think was how well I had done with those directions.
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Summary:
In this nostalgic reflection, Jenna Lang recounts a family road trip from North Carolina to Arkansas, highlighting the joys and challenges of navigating without modern technology. As she reminisces about her adventurous childhood and the meticulous planning for her parents’ visit, she emphasizes the importance of family and the thrill of exploration. This piece serves as a reminder of simpler times and the bonds that form through shared experiences.
Keyphrase: road trip nostalgia
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