Throughout the majority of our professional careers, my husband Aram and I were accustomed to carefully splitting our limited vacation days between traveling for our own enjoyment and fulfilling our family commitments by visiting his relatives who live out of state. For years, this scheduling dance was the only way we could balance our desire to rest and explore with our responsibility to maintain meaningful family ties. However, everything began to change in 2020, when both of us transitioned to fully remote work. Suddenly, the boundaries of time and distance seemed to loosen. Freed from the constraints of a traditional office, we discovered that we could turn our annual visit to Aram’s mother, Elizabeth, into something far more substantial. Each year since, we have embarked on a memorable cross-country journey from Los Angeles to the suburbs of Detroit, spending several months at a time immersed in her company and rhythm of life.
The drive itself—spanning nearly 2,300 miles—is no small undertaking. It inevitably requires more endurance, patience, and planning than a roughly four-hour flight would. Yet, in spite of the demanding nature of these odysseys, the drive has its own undeniable rewards. Traveling by car allows us an almost luxurious freedom: the ability to pack our vehicle with as many belongings as we please, to set our schedule without the tyranny of departure boards, to listen to our favorite playlists as loud as our spirits dictate, and to meander through parts of the country that we might otherwise only have seen as names on a map. These long drives are more than just a way to get from one place to another—they are opportunities to deepen our connection as a couple on the open road while also strengthening our bond with family once we reach our destination. There’s something deeply gratifying about seeing the beauty of America unfold mile by mile, in ways a plane window could never capture.
One of our most delightful discoveries on a past road trip was the Precious Moments Chapel and Gardens in Missouri, an unexpected and whimsical stop that filled an otherwise ordinary afternoon with art, color, and laughter. To keep each journey feeling fresh and invigorating, we make a deliberate effort to travel at different times of year, varying our routes and occasionally incorporating the legendary stretches of Route 66. Sometimes we linger for weeks, allowing ourselves to experience the slower rhythm of the road. Other times, when our schedules are less forgiving, we transform the expedition into a brisk three-day drive, covering the distance in just two nights of rest. Over the years, our road trips have brought us to a stunning variety of locations—Las Vegas with its frenetic energy, Tucson’s desert charm, the artsy allure of Santa Fe, Oklahoma City’s historic roots, the mountain beauty of Boulder and Breckenridge, the cultural richness of St. Louis, and the friendly calm of Des Moines.
Along the way, we’ve found ourselves attending experiences we could never have planned. We once visited a drive-through wildlife park in Arizona, found ourselves drawn into the theatrical spirit of the Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City, and, by sheer coincidence, attended a lakeside Bob Dylan concert in Dillon, Colorado—a spontaneous gift from the road. As a writer, I’ve also developed a particular fondness for quirky roadside attractions, those wonderfully peculiar landmarks that celebrate creativity in unexpected forms. I still remember the excitement of stopping in Casey, Illinois, to see one of the world’s largest pencils, and our fascination with the enormous rocking chair that made the same small town famous. For us, part of the joy of driving instead of flying lies in this spontaneity—if a billboard catches our attention and we have a little time to spare, we’ll pull over and see what awaits. These detours have led us to explore caves hidden in the Ozarks, rediscover the Precious Moments Chapel, and wander through midwestern towns that feel preserved in time. Even ordinary tasks—like refueling the car—can turn into miniature adventures. During one trip, we delighted in stopping at Iowa 80, acclaimed as the world’s largest truck stop, where grabbing a coffee and wandering its aisles felt almost ceremonial.
Once we finally arrive in Michigan, the journey evolves into an entirely different kind of experience—one filled with family, routine, and comfort. Elizabeth, my mother-in-law, resides independently in a cozy three-bedroom house, and with her characteristic generosity, she has allowed Aram and me to transform the upstairs floor into something like our own mini apartment, complete with workspaces that double as home offices. Within days, we fall into a gentle routine of work and shared life, finding small pleasures in the nearness of family. For Aram, whose bond with his mother has always been exceptionally close, the comfort of her presence is deeply reassuring. Yet Elizabeth is far from a passive host. At eighty-four, her social life is more vibrant than ours. She possesses an infectious energy, an openness that seems to draw people to her, and a wide circle of friends who fill her home with liveliness and warmth.
Beyond the domestic joy of being close to family, we revel in the change of pace that Michigan offers. After the relentless bustle of Los Angeles, the more measured rhythm of Midwestern life feels like a breath of calm. We love delving into Detroit’s evolving cultural scene—from its legendary music history to its diverse restaurants and the masterpieces displayed in the Detroit Institute of Arts. Occasionally, we take short trips north to explore the charming lakeside towns scattered across Northern Michigan, where quaint shops and peaceful shorelines seem to slow time itself. Meanwhile, Elizabeth and I carve out what we affectionately call our ‘girl time.’ Sometimes we head out for happy hour and live music, other times we sit together watching fashion shows and travel videos, sharing laughter over YouTube clips. Even the simplest acts—running errands together or tidying up her home—have a sweetness of their own. Being something of a neat freak, I find real satisfaction in helping her reorganize the pantry, declutter drawers, and curate her closets. It’s our version of year-round spring cleaning, and she’s always appreciative of the renewed order it brings.
What began as a pragmatic decision—making the most of our remote work situation—has evolved into one of the most cherished traditions of our lives. Each year, as we drive across the vast expanse of the country, we recognize how precious time with family truly is. We are acutely aware that life moves quickly, and these moments together are finite. So we embrace each mile, each shared breakfast, each memory made in the in-between spaces of work and living. As Elizabeth often reminds us with her characteristic wisdom, life itself is a gift, and it’s up to us to make it rich with experiences and memories. As long as our remote lifestyle allows, Aram and I fully intend to continue this annual pilgrimage of family, discovery, and love—year after year, mile after meaningful mile.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/live-with-mother-in-law-months-every-year-across-country-2025-11
