Last week I had a wonderful experience. My mom and I went on a spontaneous road-trip; just the two of us. My mom had told me she had it all planned out, after researching different places for our destination, she found the perfect location; a resort called Oglebay in Wheeling, West Virginia. Once I realized we were headed in that direction, I began to get even more excited. After spending the weekend at the resort back in winter of 2011, I knew it would be the perfect get away to read, relax by the pool, take hikes, and fine dining. But I left Oglebay three days later with many more memories than I could have ever planned and a closer relationship with my mom.

My mom and I had planned to take a vacation because we both knew we deserved it. I was graduating from high school and she hadn’t been on a vacation with me since I was five. So a month after I threw my cap in the air and walked out of my high school as an alumna, we packed our suit cases and took off for a three-hour car ride to our destination. When we got to our perfect little resort center, we both took a sigh of relief and could feel the weights coming off our shoulders. We made it.

During our mini vacation, we spent our days sleeping in, watching the deer run across the hills, taking long walks (where she seriously showed me up on from taking all of those exercise classes), strolling the streets of downtown Wheeling, taking endless selfies, pigging out to all of our favorite desserts, and just spending time together. I learned so much about my mother as we spent time together. We talked about everything and I could feel myself opening up to her as a friend. Since we had both been so busy for several years before, it was hard to find time for each other. This was our time as catching up with one another. We bonded over doing things we shared interest in and things we didn’t; learning new things about each other. The time we spent at Oglebay has strengthened our relationship. It helps that we are alike in many ways, but I believe all mothers and daughters can do it.

We both came home as a different mother and daughter. I believe that all moms and daughters should take the time to connect and spend time with one another. Before we know it, I will be living in my dorm room, attending college an hour away from my mom. I will always cherish the memories I made with my mother at Oglebay. I can’t wait to come back a third time with her.