Mornings and Mementos of a Family Road Trip

“Fill your life with adventures, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show.”

— Unknown

I got up at 4:45 this morning. This has only happened a few times in my life. I once got up at that hour to give birth to a child. I also got up at that hour for the same child’s emergency appendectomy twenty years later. And a couple times I’ve been forced to catch a flight at a similarly ungodly hour. Otherwise you’ll find me in bed before 8 a.m. It is a well established fact — I have NEVER been a morning person.

This morning was special. It was our last morning in Jackson, Wyoming. My son, an aspiring photographer, had gone out at dawn with my husband two days before to capture the morning light on the Tetons. Upon returning to our condo, he discovered that one of his camera settings was wrong. I thought his photos were beautiful, but he was disappointed. He wanted to try again and assured me that rising before dawn to join him would be worth the experience. Well, what can you say to that?

He was right. Wrapped in my favorite red blanket and wishing I had worn socks, I watched as the first timid light touched the tips of the jagged peaks and gradually transformed the mountains into golden cathedrals. I heard the haunting call of a sandhill crane, stood transfixed as mist rose from Flat Creek, and watched my son engage with his passion. It was a morning I will never forget.

We began our road trip in early July and won’t return home until early August. Some might think a month-long family road trip is only for the truly insane. Perhaps. But before you conjure up images of the Griswold family’s epic journey west, let me assure you the Masons always get along. There has been absolutely no bickering, grumbling, or bloodthirsty battles for shotgun. I promise. Peace and harmony reign supreme. And I also saw a purple dinosaur in Yellowstone.

Humor aside, this year has been, umm, different. All of our summer plans were turned upside down, so we decided to seize an opportunity that may not come around again. Our kids are 18 and 20, and the time is coming when they will have responsibilities that do not allow for lengthy family vacations. This unique window of time is truly a gift in the months before my husband and I become empty nesters. My husband reminded me tonight that this extra time with our kids is something for which he has been praying; and we are cherishing these days with all of their ups and downs. Several friends have said to us, “One day your kids will be telling stories about this trip to their kids and grandkids.” I love the idea of this time being passed down through the generations as a lasting blessing. And it is not only the stories, but also the relationships, that will endure.

Genuine relationship is where we learn to love and be loved — a gift that lasts for eternity. Sadly, such relationships seem scarce in our social media era, but I believe a little intentionality in this area goes a long way. Your family’s way of doing it doesn’t have to look anything like mine. Just ask yourself what you all love to do together and make time for it.

Decades from now, I want to look back and know that I was present in these moments. I want to remember the serious conversations, the outbursts of laughter, and the shared appreciation for God’s creation. I want to remember my son’s first impression upon seeing the Tetons and my daughter’s awe at encountering Zion Canyon. Above all, I want to know my children’s hearts.

Sure, there will always be things that seem more pressing — work that needs to be done, plans that need to be made. But seizing the moments you are given with your loved ones and making the most of them is something you will never regret…even if it means dragging yourself out of bed at 4:45.

Top photo credit: Abigail Mason

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