An evocative paradox. I feel it keenly after taking my three kids to Montana by myself for the first time. 2.5 hour drive to Pittsburgh, two connecting flights, and a 3 hour drive at the end to my parents' house = 15 hours travel each way. Worth it on the way out, but it rather unravels all your recovery on the way back!
One thing I'd add, that I believe transcends the exhaustion, is that vacation often creates memories that become cornerstone family stories. My pilgrimages to Montana are much more than opportunities to recharge, as I'll write about for next Tuesday. My eldest daughter was terrified of my rock jumping at a swimming hole during our last visit three years ago, and this year she tried it herself. 20 jumps later, we finally dragged her away. I love it when I can share something from my youth that becomes woven into my children's own sense memories. The taste of huckleberries straight from the bush. The self-respect earned after a long hike. The jolt of a trout on your line. The color scheme of rock against a thick blanket of fir and spruce.
After this last trip, I know that each of my three children came away with a piece of Montana lodged deep within them. And that's worth every sticky step in an airport.
Josh, I wanted to add that your trip was likely a gift for your parents. I recently read Wendell Berry: Hannah Coulter, Nathan Coulter, and Jayber Crow -- and Jayber Crow has a part in it that says that says something about how life for the young all time and no memory but as you get much older you realize that all you have is memory and no time. I notice my mother reliving moments through my young kids. New experiences join with old memories to create a powerful form of Recollection.
Yes, it had been 3 years since our last visit. So quite meaningful for family. We spent quality time with my 94-yr-old grandmother. Perhaps the last time my kids will see her alive.
I cannot wait to read your post on this. Yes, 15 hours of travel is really hard, but those memories are so precious, especially when they are hard earned or test our mettle in some way. I am glad your daughter got over her fear. It reminds me of a poem by AE Stalings. Here it is: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/53376/fear-of-happiness
As I Am Sure is everyone else in your family.
An evocative paradox. I feel it keenly after taking my three kids to Montana by myself for the first time. 2.5 hour drive to Pittsburgh, two connecting flights, and a 3 hour drive at the end to my parents' house = 15 hours travel each way. Worth it on the way out, but it rather unravels all your recovery on the way back!
One thing I'd add, that I believe transcends the exhaustion, is that vacation often creates memories that become cornerstone family stories. My pilgrimages to Montana are much more than opportunities to recharge, as I'll write about for next Tuesday. My eldest daughter was terrified of my rock jumping at a swimming hole during our last visit three years ago, and this year she tried it herself. 20 jumps later, we finally dragged her away. I love it when I can share something from my youth that becomes woven into my children's own sense memories. The taste of huckleberries straight from the bush. The self-respect earned after a long hike. The jolt of a trout on your line. The color scheme of rock against a thick blanket of fir and spruce.
After this last trip, I know that each of my three children came away with a piece of Montana lodged deep within them. And that's worth every sticky step in an airport.
Josh, I wanted to add that your trip was likely a gift for your parents. I recently read Wendell Berry: Hannah Coulter, Nathan Coulter, and Jayber Crow -- and Jayber Crow has a part in it that says that says something about how life for the young all time and no memory but as you get much older you realize that all you have is memory and no time. I notice my mother reliving moments through my young kids. New experiences join with old memories to create a powerful form of Recollection.
Yes, it had been 3 years since our last visit. So quite meaningful for family. We spent quality time with my 94-yr-old grandmother. Perhaps the last time my kids will see her alive.
I cannot wait to read your post on this. Yes, 15 hours of travel is really hard, but those memories are so precious, especially when they are hard earned or test our mettle in some way. I am glad your daughter got over her fear. It reminds me of a poem by AE Stalings. Here it is: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/53376/fear-of-happiness
Just emailed you, too -- please let me know if you don't see it!
A vacation is both "a vacation and a forced evacuation for the mental health of your family"
Yup. I guess it’s both. Just wish it were an easier evacuation.
Whew! I'm tired just reading this!
The way you described the rain was so beautiful. You are a true talent.
Thank you so much! Well, it was such a stunningly wet day. It was quite beautiful in its own way.