On the Road Again

When I was a kid, I absolutely hated road trips.

I distinctly remember when my grandmother died, my mom and I flew to Louisiana for the funeral.

When it was time to leave, we got on our plane and as soon as we took off there was a mechanical issue with one of the engines. We had to do an emergency landing and my mom called my dad frantically to come back to the airport to get us, as soon as we were safely on the ground. The airline had offered to put us on another flight, but my mom would not get on another plane. She said we were going to drive back to Colorado with my dad.

Reflecting on it now, I completely understand where she was coming from, but back then, my younger self was so mad. I hated being in the car. I hated being in the car with my parents. It was so boring and I felt like we were never going to get back home.

This was only one of many road trips I took as a kid, but each one felt the same. Long and arduous. Unproductive. I preferred flying, and figured I would always feel that way.

…

When I was diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension, I knew travel was always going to look different for me. Due to my decreased oxygen levels, being in the air requires supplemental oxygen. At the time of diagnosis, I hadn’t been on a plane in a couple years anyways due to COVID and general lack of desire to travel.

When I finally ventured onto a plane it was in May of 2022 to come visit Tennessee and determine whether or not I wanted to move here. I had never flown with oxygen before. People gave me dirty looks as I boarded the plane first. They looked at me oddly when I put my cannula on. A flight attendant fussed at me halfway through the flight for sitting on the aisle. Apparently, oxygen users have to sit next to a window. (How was I supposed to know?) The whole experience made me feel very uncomfortable.

I flew one time solo after that and had an equally unpleasant experience.

So the next time I wanted to travel, I thought, why not drive?

…

In May of 2023, I took my first solo road trip to Gulf Shores, AL.

Since then, I have completed 9 road trips by myself.

They have been the most liberating trips, and not once have I missed flight attendants or boarding passes or airport security.

These road trips have changed my perspective on travel and on life.

They have helped me connect with God and my dad and nature in a way that flying never could.

Even though they may take a bit longer, I learn so much more along the way, and without people kicking my seat or people giving me dirty looks because I look too young to have a medical need for oxygen.

Will I ever fly again? I’m sure. But until then, I have no problem setting out on the open road.

…

In just a couple weeks, I will be embarking on my 10th solo road trip and it seems fitting it will be the longest one yet. I will be taking 3 weeks to visit family, friends, and sacred places throughout Texas and Colorado.

I don’t know what this next trip will hold. Lord knows there will be plenty of surprises along the way. But it’s coming at a time where choices need to be made and destinies need to be stepped into and life has to shift.

Willie was never more correct then when he wrote those lyrics. I can’t wait to get on the road again and I pray that this trip, just like all the others, will reveal what comes next.

❤