As my partner and I prepared for a fresh start, we packed up two homes, one child, two dogs, and a well-worn truck into a massive moving vehicle and set off for unfamiliar territories. Our destination? A new life in Arkansas, far removed from the shadows of ex-partners and past turmoil. We departed in late April, eagerly counting down the days until my parents could visit during summer vacation.
While traveling along I-40, I took meticulous notes to guide them. I marked construction zones and advised them on the best bypasses to take. When we reached Hot Springs, I documented every turn, noting the distances between roads and the pivotal moment they’d need to stop at the end of our street. (The answer, in case you’re wondering, was simply to stop.)
Afterward, I mailed them my detailed notes, underlining crucial details and highlighting great dining spots along their journey. I included a hand-drawn map, as GPS was a luxury we didn’t have access to in those days, and cell phones were rare. Back then, we relied heavily on physical maps and our instincts, accepting that getting lost was part of the adventure. There were no voice-guided directions or estimated arrival times—just the thrill of discovery.
It’s worth mentioning that my parents had traveled extensively across the United States, both before I came along and after. They had the spirit of wanderers, always yearning for new experiences. I fondly recall riding in a camper as a child, peering through a hole cut into the front of the truck, taking in the sights as we journeyed from coast to coast. Those trips were filled with memorable stops, from grocery store parking lots to breathtaking national parks.
When my parents received my overly detailed travel advice, they opted not to call and chuckle at my concerns. Instead, they simply replied with a note saying, “Thanks, we’ll see you in two weeks.” When they finally arrived at my home, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride in my preparations.
For those interested in exploring more about home insemination options, this blog post provides helpful insights, and you can find additional resources at Women’s Health. For those considering at-home insemination kits, I recommend checking out Make a Mom’s guide for an authoritative perspective. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out through this link for more information.
Summary
This narrative chronicles a couple’s move from North Carolina to Arkansas, highlighting the experiences encountered along the way, including detailed preparations made for a family visit. It captures the essence of adventure in travel before modern technology, while also providing resources for individuals interested in home insemination.