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Have you ever had one of those moments where everything goes wrong… and somehow, it all goes right?

I had a couple of experiences, both involved unexpected disasters.
Both taught me the same lesson.
And both reminded me why gratitude is the lightest thing we can pack — on any journey.

Let me tell you what happened.

Last Sunday on my way to church, I was driving and listening to the radio.

The first song reminded me of people I love who are going through really hard trials. Then the next song came on — "Grateful" — and it had this rocking drum beat.

I turned the volume up and just let the music lift my spirits.

Right before I got off the freeway, the drums got way louder.

I turned the volume down… but the drums kept beating harder and harder.

Then I saw a warning light come on.

I turned the radio off…

Thump, thump, thump.

I drove super slow into an IHOP parking lot, got out, and sure enough — a really bad flat tire.

Sometimes the unexpected helps us recognize the tender mercies in our lives.

As I sat in church that morning, I didn't feel frustrated.
I felt peace — because my heart was full of gratitude for that flat tire.

Grateful that my mom had taken my same route to church that morning — so she picked me up in less than two minutes. She usually takes a completely different, more direct route.

Grateful that church friends immediately offered to help me with the tire.

Grateful that we have AAA — and the guy who showed up was super nice and went above and beyond for me that day.

Grateful that, by some miracle, my tire didn't blow out on the freeway while I was driving 75 mph.

Grateful that I was safe.

Sometimes the unexpected comes with a warning.
Sometimes it doesn't.

But here's what I learned sitting in that pew with a banged-up tire in a parking lot less than two miles away:

And here's the part that hit me the hardest — people around us, including our kids, are watching the way we handle the things that come up.

When something goes sideways, do we blow up?
Or do we ride nice and easy when challenges show up?

Our kids — especially our kids who experience the world differently — they're reading us before they read the situation.

If we meet the unexpected with calm and gratitude, we're showing them it's safe to do the same.

So the next time life gives you a flat tire — literal or not — take a breath. Look around. Count what and who showed up for you, not just what went wrong.

You might be surprised how full your heart feels in an “Flat tire” moment. 🫶

I lived in Osaka, Japan for almost 18 months on a religious mission.

When it was time to come home, my mom and sister flew over to pick me up — and they learned two Japanese phrases very well:

"Dōmo arigatō" (Thank you)
"Tasukete kudasai" (Help, please)

I had collected a lot of beautiful Japanese souvenirs, including a porcelain china set. My two huge suitcases were heavy.

After traveling throughout Japan, our last stop was Tokyo. I can still picture that long staircase at the train station — one more flight of stairs and we'd reach our final hotel.

I'd been doing pretty well handling my luggage… until that last stop.

I turned to a guy standing next to me and said, "Tasukete kudasai."

This super nice young and fit man started lifting my suitcase with sumo wrestler strength.

Then—

SNAP!!!

My bungee cord broke.

And then… I saw the blood on his cheek.
The end of the cord had slashed him.

I felt so, so, soooo bad.

Once we reached the top, I frantically offered tissues. He smiled, waved me off, even thanked me… and disappeared into the Tokyo crowd.

We stumbled on a magical moment — a beautiful bride and groom taking wedding photos near our hotel.

Imagine my shock when I saw the groom… with a fresh scab on his cheek.

Oh no. I ruined this groom's wedding pictures.

I am not kidding.
It was the same guy.

Every trip. Every time.

You may not have the same cheek-slashing experience I had, but you will save your back — and sometimes, you'll save the beautiful cobblestone ancient cities too.

I can only imagine the damage that wheels on heavy suitcases make on:

Your luggage doesn't just weigh you down — it wears down the places we love. Next week I will go in more detail on this luggage issues!

Here are some strategies savvy travelers use — especially helpful when traveling with kids who need predictability, comfort, and flexibility:

The less you carry, the more present you can be.

You're not wrestling suitcases up stairs.
You're not stressing about lost bags.
You're not accidentally injuring grooms before their wedding. 😅

You're free to focus on what matters: your family, the moment, and the memories you're gathering.

And when your child needs you in a meltdown moment — or a magical moment — your hands are free to hold theirs.

We're not close to Thanksgiving, but my heart has been overflowing with gratitude this week.

And it got me thinking about Mother's Day (just past) and Father's Day (coming up)… and how even our adult kids sometimes struggle to say thank you or express gratitude at all.

I don't have all the answers for why this is hard — especially for our neurodivergent kids who might feel gratitude deeply but can't always find the words or gestures to show it.

But I do know this:
We can model it. We can practice it. And we can make it easier.

1. Make gratitude visual, not just verbal

Some kids can't say "thank you" easily, but they can point to a picture, give a thumbs up, or place a token in a "gratitude jar."

Try this: Create a simple visual gratitude board with photos of people, places, or things your child loves. Let them point or add stickers when they feel grateful.

2. Celebrate "noticing" as gratitude

Your child doesn't have to say thank you to feel it. When they notice something kind someone did, that's gratitude in action.

Try this: Ask, "What did you notice today that made you feel good?" Honor the noticing — that's where gratitude starts.

3. Model messy, real-life gratitude

Kids learn gratitude by watching us. When I chose gratitude over frustration with that flat tire, I wasn't performing — I was practicing.

Try this: Say your gratitude out loud, even when it's awkward.
"I'm frustrated this line is long, but I'm grateful we're together."
Let them hear your process.

4. Don't force the words — honor the feelings

Pushing a scripted "thank you" can backfire, especially with kids who struggle with social scripts. Gratitude isn't a performance.

Try this: Let gratitude show up in their language — a hug, a drawing, helping without being asked, choosing to be near you. That counts.

5. Create gratitude rituals, not obligations

Gratitude works best when it's predictable and low-pressure.

Try this:

If you're tired of carrying the weight of "what if" and "what could go wrong" on your family travels…

If you want to create memories where gratitude — not anxiety — is what you pack first…

Let's talk.

I help autism families plan trips where you can breathe, be present, and gather the moments that matter most.

📅 Book your free discovery call

Let's explore what's possible when you travel lighter — physically and emotionally.

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