From OC to New Orleans to say farewell to Bà Nội

Introduction

Friday, August 1st, 2025—a day which will live in personal infamy.

Right after receiving news of a game-changing job offer, I learned that my paternal grandmother (bà nội) had passed away. How cruel the irony of the timing: as one door opened, another closed forever.

And what's heartbreaking is that I had planned on visiting her very soon, after I kept thinking about her after eating an omelette onigiri in Japan a few months ago.

If I could offer anyone some timeless advice: it's best to call, visit, or tell your family you love them now—instead than later. Don't procrastinate on expressing love to your loved ones. Visit them. Call them. Now.

The funeral service is scheduled for Friday evening, August 8th, in Louisiana. With last-minute flight prices prohibiting budget travel and layovers that would make the journey futile, I made the decision to drive.

My car is high-efficiency, making it an ironically economical alternative to flying despite the 3,800-mile round trip. It's a fitting opportunity to be quiet and drive (far away). And if I leave Weds evening, I can make it there Friday morning, with time to sleep for at least 8 hours over the 32 hour drive.

Everytime I drive far away, I can't help but think of old Americana. Deep-seated reflection. Empty-minded thoughtfulness.

Reflection

This isn't just a road trip—it's a pilgrimage. Every mile driven is a mile closer to saying goodbye to someone you love.

I'm driving through some of the most extreme heat zones in the country during the hottest month of the year. The desert will be unforgiving, and my car's air conditioning will be working overtime. But there's something poetic about crossing the country in a car that gets 43 mpg—a small act of defiance against the high cost of grief.

The timing is cruel but somehow perfect. It's as if the universe is testing my resolve, asking: "How far will you go to honor someone you love?"

The road ahead is long, hot, and uncertain. But sometimes the most strenuous journey is the most imperative one—and for a well-traveled soul, the wanderlust itch is endless.