My fiancé and I had condensed two homes, one child, two dogs, and our trusty old truck into a massive U-Haul, embarking on an adventure to the great unknown—at least unknown to us.
We were relocating from North Carolina to Arkansas, seeking the promise of a new job and a fresh start, far removed from our past filled with ex-partners, chaos, and uncertainty. As we departed in late April, I eagerly anticipated my parents’ visit once summer vacation arrived.
While we drove along I-40, I meticulously noted all critical points on our route, indicating where construction hindered travel and where they should bypass towns. Upon reaching Hot Springs, I documented every turn, calculated the miles between intersections, and emphasized what to do when they arrived at the end of our road (the answer: stop).
I promptly sent them my detailed notes, underlining key information and even recommending good eateries along the way. Additionally, I enclosed a map—because it wasn’t like you could just grab one in North Carolina, right? I highlighted their route and scribbled notes in the margins, complete with arrows pointing out significant landmarks. I couldn’t simply call them with this crucial info; after all, only local calls were free, and long-distance charges could add up quickly.
This was a time before GPS, cell phones, and social media. The Internet was nonexistent, and phone booths dotted every corner, ready for use. When traveling, you depended on maps and your instincts, fully expecting to get lost at least once while hoping to eventually reach your destination. There was no “estimated time of arrival” or “miles to go” displayed on a screen, and no cheerful voice guiding you to make the next right turn.
My parents had been on countless road trips across the United States, both before and after my birth. They possessed a true wanderlust, with adventure calling them every few years. I fondly recall riding in the back of our camper, peeking through a hole in the front to gaze at the open road. We spent six weeks traversing from coast to coast, trying to decide our next home. I’m quite certain such an arrangement wouldn’t fly today, but to a six-year-old experiencing the vastness of America for the first time, it was nothing short of magical. We spent nights parked in grocery store lots and rest areas, embracing the nomadic lifestyle with roadside bathroom breaks and enjoying watermelon for lunch at picnic tables. We witnessed the awe of the Grand Canyon, the beauty of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and fields of wildflowers. Each state line we crossed meant a stop for a picture next to a “Welcome to” sign, marking the adventure of a lifetime.
So when my parents received my comprehensive travel guide, they didn’t call to chuckle at my thoroughness. They didn’t pick up the phone (not with those long-distance rates) to say, “Dear, we’ve traversed the United States and lived in so many states we’ve lost count, so we’re pretty confident about getting from North Carolina to Arkansas.” Instead, they simply sent back a quick note saying, “Thanks, we’ll see you in two weeks.”
When they pulled into my driveway, all I could think was how well I had prepared those directions.
This article was originally published on Aug. 15, 2015. For more information on home insemination, you can read this post on home insemination. If you’re looking for a trusted source on at-home insemination kits, check out at-home insemination kits. For excellent resources regarding pregnancy, visit March of Dimes.
In summary, the journey of moving can be filled with excitement and anticipation, whether it’s navigating a new route or welcoming loved ones to a fresh start. Preparation can ease those transitions, even if it’s done in a humorous or overly meticulous way.