Route To Resilience

After her husband Rick is killed, photographer Kristine has lost her love, best friend, and her world as she knows it. She vows to handle her new life with some grace and make him proud. But this new reality and deep grief leave her feeling lost. Their 10-year wedding anniversary trip was on the horizon, a planned road trip from Chicago to Santa Monica on the iconic Route 66. After encouragement from their brothers, she takes to the open road to search for answers about how to proceed in her new life. Alongside the ghosts of history and travelers before her, she sets out in her classic car to take the ultimate road trip through rural America. This road that inspired so many before her, would become the backdrop for her healing journey. With her camera and journal, she explored the cities and towns that dot the country’ s maps. What began as a tribute to their anniversary turned into a trip filled with soul-searching, synchronicities, incredible locals, and others along the way who turned into characters in her story of connection. Filled with raw vulnerability, this story will inspire you to dig deep into your journey, find your own strength, and discover your route to resilience.

Kristine Cramer is a photographer and writer with a love of all things vintage, including cameras, cars, and the classic American road trip. Born in the great state of Wisconsin, she followed her dreams to California years ago, where she spent the majority of her adult life. Now you will find her traveling between, camera in hand, Converse on her feet, and rock n’ roll on her radio.