Day 7: Off to the Grand Canyon

I experienced the Grand Canyon for the first time in 1971 at the age of 19. I was on a road trip with my parents the summer after my freshman year in college, a trip they insisted I go on with them. I was much too cool to be on a road trip with my parents; so, reluctantly, I joined them, and I sat in the back seat with my brother, Lou, staring out the window, acting unimpressed with all the sights from New Jersey to the midwest. Future generations of teenagers would have the convenience of earbuds to block out their parents’ enthusiasm, but in 1971, I had no such convenience.

I recall getting out of the car to take a glimpse of this big hole in the ground. It’s not a cliche when I say it took my breath away. As I stood at the edge of the canyon, I was awed by its magnificence.

Now, 48 years later, I’m again in the backseat of a car on my way to the Grand Canyon, this time with Cathay and Cheryl. For all you Thelma and Louise fans, notice I said we’re going to the Grand Canyon, not into the Grand Canyon.

As I think back to that summer in 1971, I wish that I had known the joy of living in the moment. Now that my mother is gone and my dad will soon celebrate his 95th birthday, I realize what a gift that road trip was. I’m older and wiser now. Well, I’m older anyway. And I’m enjoying every moment of this journey and the two friends traveling with me.