Can You Identify U

Journey to Illinois and Lake Michigan

• Gramps and Gram are traveling from Kentucky to Idaho, crossing the Illinois state line.
• The pronunciation of "Illinois" as "Ill-ah-no-way" reflects regional dialect and nostalgia for home.
• They have already passed through Indiana, specifically Elkhart and South Bend, earlier in their journey.
• A surprising bend in the road reveals the expansive and colorful Lake Michigan, prompting questions about the ocean.
• Gramps humorously corrects Gram, pointing out they are at Lake Michigan, triggering excitement as they quickly stop to enjoy the water.

Reflections on Change and Family

• The family travels to Chicago for an overnight stay, with contrasting landscapes making it feel distant from home.
• The narrator grapples with feelings of loss and nostalgia related to their mother’s departure for Lewiston, Idaho.
• Initially, the narrator feels numb after their mother's departure, uncertain about their emotions.
• A moment observing a newborn calf brings an unexpected sense of happiness, indicating the narrator’s emotional growth.

Connection with Grandpa and Gram

• Gram's offer to contact the narrator's father reflects familial concern and emphasizes the theme of support during tough transitions.
• The narrator declines the offer to call their dad, feeling that it may seem premature.
• The scent of baby powder on Gram evokes mixed feelings of sadness, indicating deeper emotions tied to family memories.

Travel Plans and Anticipation

• The next morning, they get lost while leaving Chicago, leading to a prayer for safety.
• Gramps has a clear travel plan to cross several states (Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana) on the way to Idaho.
• Excitement builds around specific attractions such as the Badlands and the Black Hills, which are tied to the mother's past and her journey.