Stress is a sneaky beast. It creeps in like a heat-seeking missile, silently searching for its target.

It wasn’t until CC and I were sitting at the gate, waiting for our flight from YYC to YVR, that I felt its presence. Tears welled up in my eyes, and a heavy feeling settled in my heart. Getting to the airport, returning the rental car, checking in, and navigating security takes twice as long when your travel companion is struggling to breathe, unable to carry anything, and needs to stop for a puff on his inhaler, even in a wheelchair.

But none of that was as stress-inducing as realizing I’d left my backpack at my daughter’s house. Inside were my laptop, phone charger, earbuds, and carry-on cosmetics.

The thought of it at my daughter’s house was the real stressor. Had I taken it inside, or had I left it by the back door, visible and easily accessible from the street? If I hadn’t been pushing CC’s wheelchair, I might have grabbed a cab back to retrieve it. And then I realized I didn’t even have a house key. The uncertainty was agonizing.

Fortunately, my daughter’s neighbor graciously offered to check. The photo he sent of it lying safely inside by the back door was a wave of relief. The urge to cry subsided.

As CC and I navigate this trip, focusing on his comfort, I realize I need to work on staying present, alert, focused, and compassionate. When the neighbor helped, I felt such gratitude. I replied with a big smiley face and a heartfelt “Thank you so much.”

Same as with the Air Canada attendants. I don’t know if they sensed my stress, but their kindness and accommodation were amazing. Im allowing gratitude as my North star.

I also know I need to consciously ground myself in grace. I need to focus on being present and exploring new ways to manage the stress of travel, to navigate it without losing my mind or my sense of direction.

Just like my backpack, forgotten by the back door of my daughter’s house, I need to hold onto my peace of mind. I can’t let stress steal it or make me forget to pack all the things I need for a smooth, stress-free trip, especially when traveling with my beloved who needs me to be there with him in love and grace.

First step is to get uber organized with a list of all the bags we’re bringing with us.

Step two. Pause and breathe. Take a mental inventory of what we’re carrying and checking. do it more than once.

Step three. slow down. I can take a lesson from my husband who has been forced to learn the art of slowing down due to COPD.

Step four. Give myself lots of room for grace. I’m doing my best and my best is good enough.