Road trip with grandma, making memories that will last a lifetime!

Traveling is an amazing experience. I had no idea that this mini vacation could have such an impact on my life. A simple trip to Omaha, NE and Council Bluffs, IA was perfect get away for me and my family. Making as many memories as possible was a high priority for this vacation.

Last summer was very hard on my family.  My grandpa was diagnosed with cancer and passed away December 1^st.  Losing someone so close to you makes you realize how important memories and relationships are. When this summer started my grandma wanted to plan a trip with my brother and me. At first I was apprehensive because of my busy schedule. I work at Fareway and also volunteer at day camps. It’s hard to find time for anything else but I knew how important this vacation was to my grandma.  I decided to take a few days off and I am glad I did.

What started out as a trip to make memories, turned into something much more. I am going to be a senior at Clarke next year and am really nervous. After high school I plan on attending Northwest Missouri State University. I am excited and scared to begin the next chapter of my life. After this mini vacation I have realized no matter where l am I will always have memories to look back on.

Our journey began as the tires of my grandma’s Chevrolet Colorado hit the road. We left Osceola, IA on June 10^th and started our drive to Council Bluffs, IA. Before leaving for our trip we booked a room at Microtel. We spent two nights there and came home on the 13^th. The air conditioning quit working on the way there; so it was a scorching ride. We didn’t let the heat stop us though.  With the windows rolled down, we kept on driving.

During our adventure we went to the Omaha Zoo, drove through the Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari, watched Madagascar at AMC Theaters, swam in the hotel pool and visited the Bass Pro Shop. In general, this vacation revolved around animals and making memories. My camera was attached to my hand the whole time. We tried to fit in as much as we could in the amount of time that we had. The zoo was my favorite attraction during this vacation.

As I strolled around the Omaha Zoo, with my grandma and brother by my side, I was amazed at how many different animals surrounded me. I began to wonder what their travels and journeys were like. Just like people, animals also have stories. I realized these animals were taken from their homes and had to start a new life. In that moment my fear and anxiety of starting a new journey disappeared. I decided if the animals in the zoo can do it, surely I can too! I am no longer scared when I think about my future.   

I know life can be taken from you in an instant so I want to enjoy my journey while I can. Traveling allows me to experience new things and open my eyes to different perspectives. I also believe that the people you travel with are important too. I was fortunate enough to travel with my brother and grandma. No matter where life takes us, we will always share these wonderful memories. Traveling has changed my life and I believe it can change yours too if you give it the opportunity. Work can wait, enjoy life while you can!