Teen travels build bonds, make lasting memories

“Because I Said So” column for The Commercial Appeal

Oct. 13, 2011

When I was 13 years old, I took a road trip to Naperville, Ill., with my aunt Carol. She was returning home from a visit and didn’t want to make the drive alone with the Great Dane puppy she’d impulsively adopted while in Memphis. I wasn’t much help on that drive, I’m afraid. I had no license and was put in charge of the puppy and the music. There was one cassette I liked and we listened to one side, and then the other, for more than 500 miles. I fed the dog Doritos.

Carol never complained.

At some point she was pulled over for speeding and had me lie down on the back seat. “Sorry, officer,” she said, “I guess I was paying more attention to my nephew, who’s feeling sick, than the speed limit.” There was no sympathy and she got the ticket anyway, along with a bit of karmic justice when the puppy threw up all over the back of the car 10 minutes later.

As trips go, it wasn’t the farthest I’ve traveled. It wasn’t the most expensive or tropical trip. There is little glamour in Naperville, Ill. But it was an adventure nonetheless, and the bonding experience was immeasurable … (read more)