In the middle of Iowa on this Monday afternoon, we carry baggage for a week.

We carry snacks for an army.

We carry two family members who are along for the ride, ready to offer emotional and physical support as needed this week.

We carry medicine, supplies, technology for work, and a small stack of books to continue learning about healthy eating and alternative cancer therapies.

We carry text messages from co-workers and friends, offering prayers of support and messages of encouragement.

We carry anxiety and worry.

We carry stress and sleepless exhaustion from an unexpected beginning to this week.

We carry a dented left front fender and a bug-spattered windshield.

We carry laughter and stories as we converse and reminisce about all the things.

But we also carry hope for a great week at Mayo and positive results.

We carry pictures of grandchildren, “hanitizer” for the sticky and the germy, and a hidden bag of M&Ms because be real.

We carry enjoyment of road trips and each other’s company.

We carry prayer for loved ones who need it, and prayer for the driver in the hospital.

And we carry gratitude for God’s protection last night, along with some ibuprofen for a stiff neck.