Our Annual Tradition: A Cross-Country Adventure to My Mother-in-Law

For much of our careers, my spouse Aram and I had to allocate our holiday time carefully between personal vacations and visiting his mother outside of our state.

Since shifting to complete remote work in 2020, we've embraced a yearly journey from Los Angeles to a suburb near Detroit to spend a few months with Aram's mom, Elizabeth.

Though the almost 2,300-mile drive is more intensive than hopping on a plane for a few hours, it comes with benefits like unlimited luggage, blasting our favorite tunes, and discovering new sights across America.

These journeys provide invaluable opportunities to connect, both during our travels as a couple and upon reunion with family.

Keeping Our Cross-Country Trips Interesting

To prevent monotony, we vary our travel times and paths, even attempting iconic routes such as Route 66.

We adjust the length of our road trips each year according to our schedules. Last autumn, eager to reach Michigan quickly, we completed our drive in just three days and two nights.

Over time, our escapades have taken us through cities like Las Vegas, Tucson, and Santa Fe. We've enjoyed immersive experiences like a drive-through wildlife park in Arizona, relished culture at Utah's Shakespeare Festival, and unexpectedly attended a lakeside Bob Dylan concert in Colorado.

Embracing the Journey: Roadside Attractions and Unexpected Detours

Our chosen mode of travel allows us to indulge our curiosity. If an intriguing sign grabs our attention and we have the time, we stop for the adventure.

This spontaneous approach has led us to marvel at Missouri's Precious Moments Chapel, navigate the caverns of the Ozarks, and explore Casey, Illinois, home to giant novelty items.

Even refueling can be a delightful break. This year found us exploring Iowa 80's expansive truck stop—a unique experience in itself.

Our Home Away from Home with Elizabeth

Elizabeth generously offers us the upstairs portion of her three-bedroom house, a space we've adapted into both cozy living quarters and productive offices.

Settling in upon arrival, our work continues seamlessly, always enriched by her nearby presence, especially for Aram who cherishes their bond.

At 84, Elizabeth is far from idle. Her active social life and lively circle of friends keep her bustling. This energy brings joy into our visits.

Cherishing the Calm and Captivations of Michigan

Leaving the frenetic pace of Los Angeles behind, we savor the calmer ambiance Michigan offers.

Detroit's vibrant restaurants, historical sites, and cultural hotspots, like the Detroit Institute of Arts, are among the many joys we explore. Northern Michigan's picturesque lakeside towns also beckon us.

Besides, Elizabeth and I indulge in our treasured "girl time," be it through outings for live music and drinks, sharing the latest YouTube shows, or running errands.

Being meticulous, I help her tidy the pantry, streamline drawers, and refine her closet—a rewarding task that she appreciates.

Valuing Each Precious Moment Together

Spending vast stretches of time annually with my mother-in-law wasn't something Aram and I ever envisioned.

Nevertheless, while remote work allows, our cherished tradition endures.

Elizabeth's wisdom always lingers with us: life is a precious gift, and we must seize every opportunity to forge lasting memories.