The Absent Uncle: Just a long drive

A month ago, I volunteered to organize my mother-in-law’s move back to southern California from the Houston area. She moved here two years ago after living in the San Diego area for most of her 89-year life.

She tried to assimilate into a totally foreign environment. She had her oldest daughter (my wife) and her favorite grandson as resources in her new community. But it just didn’t take. A beautiful one-bedroom apartment, access to family, and the opportunities to expand her horizons.

All family that visited said, It is so good to see mama’s personality in that apartment”.  

Just didn’t take root. 

She made the decision to move back. Most of the family disagreed. But at 89, she prevailed and said “she didn’t know why, but she needed to move back”.

As a good and dutiful son-in-law, I respectfully argued with her about the decision, but ultimately acquiesced and let her know I would plan the move with her available finances a clear limitation, even though I disagreed with her decision.

So, we rented a truck – way bigger than we needed, but again, it was the better deal. And we drove. She, I, and her dog. What a drive. Lots of conversations, some pretty good stories, and we made it. I have never felt good about her driving skills so I knew it was going to be up to me to do the driving. We did most of Texas on the first day, and from Van Horn, Texas to Campo, Calif., on the second. 

An adventure. Thankfully complete; safely. Contents of the truck unloaded and the truck returned unscathed.   

In reflection – I probably should have taken an additional day – but I will just say – for a lot of reasons – it was just a long drive.