The Thanksgiving season was unfolding. Ross and I packed up the car. We then embarked on a journey from the bayous of Baton Rouge to the vast fields of Minnesota. Ross’ parents, the Withers Originals, took over at home. They managed our lively crew of four kids. Meanwhile, we set off on a 2,200-mile round trip road trip. The week was filled with unexpected delays. We experienced memorable moments. Through it all, we felt a deep sense of gratitude for the road we’re traveling together.
The Road Trip That Almost Wasn’t
No trip is complete without a few travel hiccups, right? Our travel hiccup began about an hour and thirty minutes into the drive. Our trusty sedan decided to light up a dashboard warning. We had recently replaced a tire with a slow leak. We thought a quick trip back to Baton Rouge would resolve the issue. We needed to check the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Spoiler alert: It didn’t resolve the issue. The mechanic assured us the warning light would stop showing after 50 miles… but it kept going, much like our determination.
Once we grabbed an early lunch (since it was now 11 a.m. instead of 6 a.m.), we hit the road with the goal of powering through as much of the 17-hour drive as possible. Originally, we planned to stop near St. Louis, but with our delayed start, those plans adjusted. We made it to Cracker Barrel for dinner and found a Holiday Inn Express just off the exit. Ross tested the pancake machine the next morning (quality control is important), and we were back on the road.
Day one took us through Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, and into Missouri. By day two, we were cruising through Missouri, Iowa, and finally into Minnesota. Along the way, Ross kept raising eyebrows at travel plazas and gas stations in his signature t-shirt and shorts. “Aren’t you cold?” they asked. Not yet, our Midwestern friends. Not yet.
Car Troubles (Again) and Cow Car Games
Halfway through day two, the car decided to remind us that adventures aren’t free of challenges. The battery—likely tired of being asked to do its job—gave up. We made a pit stop at Walmart’s auto center, paced the aisles, and eventually got back on track.
Back on the road, to pass the time, I taught Ross a cow game where you call out “My Cows!” whenever you see cows, double them when you spot a church (“Marry my cows!”), halve your opponent’s score at a cemetery (“Bury your cows!”), and turn your cows into burgers at fast-food joints (“Cash in my cows!”). Ross, ever the strategist, quickly mastered the game. Turns out, Minnesota has a lot of cows.
We stopped for Philly cheesesteaks and sidewinder fries before pushing on somewhere in Missouri or Iowa. By the time we crossed into Minnesota, the blinking red lights of windmills stretched across the horizon. Google confirmed it—wind energy was alive and well in the North.
A Dose of Hope
Arriving at Even Hotels (which we laughed at for its minimalist vibe and in-room exercise equipment), we collapsed into bed. Day three was all about appointments at the Mayo Clinic. Ross had pictures taken (no awkward prom poses with Lenny) and met with Dr. Dalvin’s team. Fadhi, part of the clinical trial team, kept us laughing with his sharp wit. I finally met Renee, another member of the team, in person after months of communication.
The highlight? Ross received his first doses of Darovasertib! He was instructed to wait until the next day. He needed to take the medication under supervision. It felt like a significant step forward in this almost four-month journey. We’ve been in this since August, folks!
Delays, Turkey Sandwiches, and Homeward Bound
Day four was supposed to be a quick appointment day. However, in true road-trip fashion, it turned into a four-hour observation. It was filled with ECGs and blood pressure checks. Now we know what that visit is. And that’s okay, the Mayo Clinic is nothing if not thorough. Ross enjoyed a complementary turkey sandwich during the wait and Megann was able to work remotely! We eventually hit the road again. We stopped at a Steak ‘n Shake for the first time. There, we kid you not, we watched two horses casually strolling through town with their police escorts. I briefly considered adopting one as a friend for our Great Dane, Lebowski. However, our sedan might have had issues with the logistics.
@idgivemyrteye4that We encountered this at a gas station in Iowa. What appears to be happening here is that the horses are enjoying a night on the town, complete with police escort. #WildHorses#Horses#policeescourt#IOWA♬ Wild Horses – The Sundays
We spent another night at a Holiday Inn Express, then made the final leg of the journey home on Thanksgiving Day. Dominique at the continental breakfast was a ray of sunshine to start the journey with hope and strong coffee. Not much was open, but that didn’t matter—we were home, safe and sound, just in time to collapse into bed.
A Thanksgiving Surprise
The next day, we woke to the smell of a Thanksgiving feast. Ross’ mom had cooked a full meal, a gesture that warmed our hearts and filled our bellies. After a week of fast food and road-trip snacks, it was a gift we deeply appreciated.
Gratitude for the Journey
This Thanksgiving, we are filled with gratitude for God’s guidance and gift of abundance. We are thankful for the opportunities presented through Ross’ treatment. We appreciate the support of family, friends, and all of you who follow our journey. Your prayers, messages, and love remind us that we are never alone on this path.
From our house to yours, we wish you a happy Thanksgiving filled with love and laughter. May you find the kind of peace that comes from knowing you are exactly where you need to be.
Until next time,
The Traveling Withers
thetravelingwithers.com 
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