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Sheri Handel's avatar

What a beautiful story, Salwa! You two are quite the team, and I'm so glad to know that you not only made it through a travel abroad but had some moments of joy! I loved reading this! ❤️

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

Thank you so much Sheri ❤️ It really did feel like a team effort…navigating the unknown together and finding joy along the way. I’m so glad you enjoyed reading it!

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Laura Avery's avatar

“challenge can coexist with joy” a beautiful takeaway 🤍 Just reading your holiday memory made me so happy for you guys!

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

Thank you so much! That balance…allowing both challenge and joy to exist together was something I had to learn along the way. I’m so glad this story brought you happiness. 🤍

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Rochelle Morrow's avatar

"I realised this trip wasn’t just about proving something to ourselves—it was about reclaiming joy, about showing him that his life could be full of adventures and possibilities." - I love that, reclaiming joy

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

Thank you! That phrase really stuck with me too because that’s exactly what this journey was about. Not just getting through, but embracing joy again. I’m so glad it resonated with you. ❤️

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Stephanie Dalfonzo's avatar

Salwa - this is so beautiful - such a wonderful story of resilience, hope and joy. Your little boy has an amazing mama!

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

That means so much Stephanie…thank you! Resilience, hope, and joy are exactly what I hoped to hold onto in this journey. And my little boy makes it all worth it. ❤️

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Sharon Marie Hudson's avatar

What a beautiful story depicting the nagging worries of a mother and coming into the present moment to cherish what wonderful things are happening the now moments with our kids. Thank you 🙏

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

Thank you so much Sharon and its true our worries can feel so loud, but when we pause and truly see what’s in front of us, there’s so much beauty in the present. Grateful this resonated with you. ❤️

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Dom de Lima's avatar

Salwa, reading this reminded me of something you said in one of your notes about your son teaching you new ways of looking at life. It's beautiful how children, without even realising it, can become our teachers—guiding us gently through our own anxieties and fears. Your story brought back that idea vividly for me, especially when you mentioned how your son embraced each moment without worry, turning potential hurdles into simple fixes. It made me smile to picture him enjoying the beach and pool, just being a carefree six-year-old. Moments like these teach us so much about letting go. Thank you for sharing such a genuine and touching experience <3

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

This means so much to me—thank you. You’re absolutely right, my son has a way of shifting my perspective without even trying. His ability to just be in the moment, without carrying the weight of worry, is something I learn from every day. It’s a reminder I didn’t know I needed, and I’m so glad it resonated with you too. ❤️

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Leborah Spence's avatar

Greetings Salwa!

Thank you for sharing such a beautiful and courageous experience with us. Your determination to step out of your comfort zone and embrace life beyond the routines we often settle into speaks volumes—not only about your deep love for your dear son but also about your unwavering love for life, even in the face of challenges.

Throughout my personal and professional life, I’ve been fortunate to witness the profound, unconditional love and care that mothers/dads have for their children. A close friend of mine, who was affected by Agent Orange from the 1960s, is a testament to this kind of love. Her parents were extraordinary people who nurtured her with strength and compassion, and today, she is married, raising children of her own, and bringing joy to others with her wonderful sense of humor and brilliance.

I deeply admire you and your son, and I salute the incredible bond you share. Thank you for inspiring us all with your story.

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

Thank you so much for your thoughtful and heartfelt words Leboran. It truly means a lot to me. Parenthood is a journey filled with love, resilience, and moments that stretch us beyond what we thought we were capable of. Your story about your friend and the unwavering love of her parents is deeply moving…what a testament to the strength of the human spirit. I’m grateful to share this space with you and for the kindness you’ve shared with me today. ❤️

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Nichole's avatar

Absolutely lovely.

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

Thank you Nichole ❤️

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Cornelia Benites's avatar

Thank you sharing this story with us!

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

You’re welcome Cornelia ❤️🙏🏼

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Paulette Oberle's avatar

A brave mom!

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

That means a lot—thank you! I think we just do what we have to for the ones we love. ❤️

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Charles Minguez's avatar

Moving story! Your son sounds brave, resilient, and strong. What wonderful traits to pass along to your child 😊

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

Thank you so much! He truly amazes me with his strength and spirit. I just hope I can keep nurturing that in him. 😊❤️

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Larry E Whittington's avatar

That would have been quite an experience.

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

It was Larry ❤️

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Lisa Schreiber's avatar

This is such a stunningly heartfelt and beautifully written story, Salwa! The lessons you learned on that trip were so powerful and a great reminder to us all to stay present, appreciate what and who we have in our lives, and how to be resilient! Thank you for sharing! ❤️❤️

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

That’s beautifully put…thank you Lisa. It’s amazing how children remind us to embrace the moment instead of fearing what could go wrong. I’m so glad this spoke to you. ❤️

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Dr. Bronce Rice's avatar

"What if something goes wrong? What if this is too much for him—or for me?"

"He was filled with the kind of wonder only children have, unburdened by the worries that had consumed me."

How nice it is when life is able to unfold this way after stressors that seem almost insurmountable.

Thank you @Salwa 🇬🇧 for reminding us that we are not alone in our worries about life and it's travels therein!

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

Thank you so much for this. It’s true…our worries can feel all-consuming, but seeing the world through a child’s eyes has a way of bringing things into perspective. I’m grateful this resonated with you. ❤️

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