Pilgrimage

My husband, Chuck, was born and raised in southern California. One of the advantages of this was eating at the original In-N-Out Burger in Baldwin Park. He and his siblings were In-N-Out connoisseurs long before the rest of the West (only as far as Texas) knew about this hamburger phenomenon.

(Chuck, in one of his many In-N-Out t-shirts with his siblings: Dave, Teresa, Vicki, and Mary.)

Chuck LOVED In-N-Out Burgers. If any member of his family was near one, they would buy him a hamburger and bring it to him. This was usually during one of his stays in the hospital. It didn't matter to him if it was hours cold. It would bring him great joy, and many of his remarkable recoveries were due to the double cheeseburger.

On a trip to California early in our marriage, I was taken to one of these sacred places. I must admit that I did not see what all the hype was about. "It's a hamburger," I said. They did not dignify my ignorance with a response. I was dealing with gall bladder issues at the time, and promptly threw up the hamburger. (Yes, I am a Philistine, but they graciously allowed me to stay in the family.) Since then, I have come to appreciate the simplicity of the In-N-Out business model. This is what we offer. Simplicity and quality. Take it or leave it. I no longer throw them up either.

Chuck's birthday is early in January. After his passing, we decided that we would celebrate his birthday by going to eat at In-N-Out. This involves a pilgrimage as the closest restaurant is over 200 miles away. We can't always celebrate on his birthday, but we get close. His family is invited, and they join us when they can. With Leslie living in Virginia, she has to attend in spirit.

This year, we traveled to Prescott, Arizona, to celebrate. (Thomas has on an In-N-Out shirt, but his hand is over the logo.) My dear friend, Liza, lives in Prescott and was able to join us this year. (She took the pictures.) An In-N-Out is being built in Flagstaff and will be open by next January. So, save the date, and we hope to see you there. Chuck will appreciate your presence as will we.