The Pause that Refreshes

One of the world’s best inventions has got to be “the vacation”. Hands down I cannot think of anything else that gives back so much and asks so little (besides time and money). Vacation is an opportunity to replenish, ignite the soul, refuel and rejuvenate. One can retreat for a day on the back deck or trek China for weeks to experience one of the world’s greatest archeological finds of the Xi’an Qin Terracotta Army burial grounds. A walk in the woods is gratis and can bring a well-deserved peace of mind or a month expedition to Nepal can be the trip of a lifetime and cost mucho dinero – and be worth every cent. You can escape by yourself, meet up with friends or bring your whole clan, including your husband, kids and dogs.

I knew there had to be a hitch to the serenity that was floating in a bubble atop my head with visions of me sitting alone at the beach, sipping strawberry daiquiris and paging through my trashy novels. Reality intrudes every year about this time when our academic advisors put forth an edict that mandates the release of the children back to their blood relation for seven days of fun-filled excitement and bonding. This translates into a major scramble for parents and grandparents to align their schedules for the well-being, redemption and exposure to all that the world holds for their children in one short week. This isn’t like a summer vacation where the time is relaxed and you go with the flow, this is an added bonus of attachment time that, like a horse at the starting gate, you prep your loved ones for a swift getaway to rush and get to your destination so you can slow down and smell the roses.

At the sound of the last bell before vacation the children catapult to freedom. Out of the clutches of teachers to the confines of the well-stocked traveling vehicle. Dogs, food and clothing each find their designated spot. My son grabs his Magic cards, Game Boy, and new books to settle in for a decadent afternoon of relaxed indulgence of usually forbidden fun. My love bunny takes the driving helm and the months of planning each and every detail begin to unfold rather unceremoniously. The destination is within our grasp and we make it there in record time. No potty stops for us – the investment of the RV is seen in every minute saved.

Time is of the essence and we hit the ground exploring. We are officially on vacation! The dogs scamper out to claim their spots and sniff up a storm. Hundreds of miles from home we are grateful to see others from our town who have already scoped things out and readily share their finds. Fresh air, meals cooked on an open flame, and a good nights sleep – it just doesn’t get much better than this. Even the demise of our RV’s batteries didn’t deter us from the spirit of the adventure. I was even able to sneak in an hour of self-indulgent time with my People magazine and pink lemonade as my knight in shining armor investigated some nearby caves with my son.

The time went too quickly as it usually does when you are having fun and in the company of those you choose to be with. I want to personally thank the school district for this superfluous opportunity that I get to spend with my child and know him even better. My mountain man was a joy and the dogs were on their best behavior – less the time a coyote was in camp, but that is understandable as they were acting like, well, dogs.

By the way, the best things did end up being free… the eating of the just picked blackberries, the amazement of my son and bunnykins when I successfully completed a rigorous 8 mile mountain hike and the smell of breakfast simmering in the morning air. Better start planning for next year and the new horizons my family can share (and packing the BenGay for the muscles I never even knew I had).

Cynthia A. McClelland, curious observer of the obvious with interpretations of the oddities of daily life. Mother, wife and lover of the furry, resides in the north Lake Tahoe area.

Cynthia A. McClelland © 2003-