An obscure sky hung clouds in the distance out the windshield of our car…a good Midwestern thunderstorm. The lightning flickered and rain came in a downpour like the dumping of old feed buckets. This was the only bad part of our family trip a few summers ago.
My dad, mom and I all packed in the car and drove across what felt like the globe, from Washington State to Missouri. We stopped along the way to visit several major landmarks such as Custer’s Last Stand, Mount Rushmore, and the Oklahoma City Memorial. I stood in silence and amazement seeing the lit chairs lining the grass, each representing someone lost in the bombing. It was incredible and definitely a tear-jerker. Having this tangible view of history is something I could never have gotten from a textbook or picture. Stopping along the way I experienced a hands on tour that I learned more from and will stick with me better than an in-class lesson which is something that worked out well. But we continued on our way to the planned destination.
After several days of driving we had made it into Monett, the little town where my mom grew up to visit family for a reunion. Seeing family was a very significant event for me. At the reunion I was able to see cousins I never knew, and connect with people that I saw when I was much younger. But I will never forget this trip for one reason: as I was walking towards a large wall next to the lot of grass the event was held on I stopped… I stopped to see my grandpa sitting next to my wheelchair bound Aunt Ruth for what might have been the last time. Things like this make you appreciate your family and good memories. After the reunion was over we headed into a much larger town and a famous one too, Saint Louis. Yes, that’s Cardinal heaven. Of course while we were there we saw the world from a different perspective…630 feet in the air from the Gateway Arch. Quite incredible seeing Busch Stadium from that high up. Traveling is like a whole different world; it gets you out of your comfort zone and pushes you to experience new things. Our family road trip to Missouri meant a lot to me because I was able to see first-hand other parts of the world and actually understand those pieces rather than a story or picture. Family is really important in life to have that support, so traveling to see them really made a connection that I will remember through life. I definitely will be returning to the Midwest to again visit family, this trip changed me in that I will remember how important it is to get out there and see new things but never forget your family roots.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
1 Reply to “Family Roots in Missouri”
Comment on this article
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Baby always being excited when we are talking about adventure..
Nice to hear from here. Thanks a lot.
to many papers for a simple trip… sometimes this situation will ruin all the fun and prefer to stay home.
I am planning for a tour in coming week and i will surely contact you for seeing you more.
Interesting!
I love wildlife and i want to know more about it. Please tell me when your next post will be publish..
This is a very good article.
This is such a great resource that you are providing and it's really easy for me to SEE what you were talking about.
well said …..Nepal the roof of world.
Great tips! I am glad you had such wonderful time in Jamaica!
Gorgeous info at your page! It is really helpful, That is what I need. Thanks very much!
Definitely plan on booking a trip like this for my family soon!!
Your publish are so perfect, I observed numerous intriguing things as part of your website specially its discussion. retain up the perfect function.
This is a great blog posting and very helpful. I really appreciate the research you put into this blog.
I am not sure if you know that the information you have shared above is unique and if you Google it, you would not find any similar! Thus such posts are very useful for many readers as I am! May I ask you, how do you choose topic for your writings and where do you get info’s for it? Thanks in advance.
Hey it is a real cool website
Great tips!!!
Sometimes i think that our home is sea)))
I prefer to travel without my children… just with my wife
Hi dear, For all type of information like travel guide, finance information, airlines, shipping companies, sports, golf, cricket, results, honeymoon destinations, rivers, national parks, banks, railways, transportation, USA states information and more visit “Altiusdirectory.comâ€.
We certainly understand your concerns because Lady Gaga's clothing and style can shock anyone of any age. However, you might not be aware that she is a champion fund raiser for AIDS Awareness, has been active in gay rights issues, actively supports our troops, and has been a philanthropist to all sorts of causes.
For many girls, as well, her outrageous style, fierce independence, intelligence and undeniable success are very inspiring. We believe the exhibits at Mme Tussauds will be a big success.
Do you individuals have a fb fan page? I looked for one on twitter but couldn't discover one, I would love to turn out to be a fan!
As a parent of two young boys I don't find anything positive about Lady Gaga. It is sad that FTF is promoting her. Her dress and her comments do more to harm young children then help.
It is understandable that the Brits would promote her but I guess I expected better from an organization like FTF.
Family travel forum gave me a lot of useful information for my intentions.
I wanted to thank you for this superb read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it smile I have you bookmarked to make sure out new things you post.
Great solution to everyday traveling problems. If you manage things on first hand they will be a lot more simple.
It doesnt' matter whether the driver is a teen or adult when a rental car is damaged. Both are covered by your automobile insurance or extra policy from the rental company. The difference is that teens and drivers under 26 in general have to pay more to get insurance on rental cars.
However, some companies like Budget now let teens rent for regular rates if they get a letter from an employer that they are using the car for work and that the employer has extra insurance for them.
What are the charges if the car will get some damage.
It would be really nice if you could make a post where this information would be displayed for the 10 most traveled countries. Just an idea. Best regards.
I'm planning a vacation on this beautiful country, I think its one amazing place that has to discover. Beaches, kind people and all that you can ask for!
Florentina – <a href="http://www.seecolombia.travel/">Colombia Vacation </a>
to many papers for a simple trip… sometimes this situation will ruin all the fun and prefer to stay home.
wow, hi there, this is so cool, I worked in this resort in 2000, when it was Summer Camp, great memories, it is good to see that is still there and Molly and K are still running the place,
all the best to them
Gabi
Cool these small games will surely save me a lot of money.
I'd love to go on such a trip with my family!
Way to focus and straight to your point, i love it.
That is quite a nice webpage for parents. But today it is easier to find this stuff, when the search engines are around.
well the Christmas celebration is over now…
Well …..i visited Thuringia market on 24th-dec-2010 ,, yup the day before last Christmas…A huge rush was there..
sometimes I prefer to stay home… we need so many papers to travel with our child.
This is a wonderfully thoughtful concept! What a charming git for an expectant mother. I know my wife really struggled with the stress and un-comfortability of her pregnancy and I often felt myself at a loss for what to do to help her relax. Now I guess I have my answer – a pregnancy spa holiday!
A good source for information about the LF1 North Sea Route from Boulogne (Fr) to Harlingen (NL) is http://lf1northsearoute.blogspot.com
I cycled parts of the route and the provided GPS tracks followed exactly the singposted route.
Fantastic article! I would like to also add that Spain is another great destination for the entire family. In particular Barcelona, as it provides services and facilities for every taste.
this may of use if you end up in Hollywood with the kids:
http://www.familydaysoutusa.com/kids-things-to-do/hollywood
There are cheap flights to Chicago from major UK airports and the duration is nearly 10 to 11 hours.
London to Chicago is less than 8 hours if you fly nonstop.
There are cheap flights to new york city from major UK airports and the duration is nearly 10 to 11 hours.
Book cheap dallas hotels today at lowest dallas hotel rates and get your dallas hotel reservation done at discounted rate
minimaxhotels.com offers you cheap hotels in dallas and discount hotels in dallas.
Quite a useful information on important documents. Thanks for it.
If you could e-mail me with a few suggestions on just how you made your blog look this excellent, I would be grateful.
It’s really a nice and helpful piece of information. I’m glad that you shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
Now Barcelonia is screaming at the youth come and visit me. I am alive, I am bright, I am fun. This is the town for families with teenagers. Oh you will have one happy family if you visit our Barcelonia.