I’ve not had any contact with Nicholas, or his pals Ben and Belen, for over a week now. They are deep into Torres Del Paine National Park, (Chile), where they are hiking the “W” circuit.
Before they left Kansas City, on December 28th, there were some meetings between Ben’s folks, and Mike and me. Jeff and Mike, in particular, know the route they are taking AND when to expect cell service… which is basically when they exit the park 10 days after they entered it! I think we’re on Day 6 or 7 now.
As a Mama Bear… this is excruciating. Here they are, 19 years old, on the biggest trip of their lives… alone, literally half a world away from me, and I have no way to know for certain that they are safe, and fed, and happy.
But I have my faith and my gut… both of which tell me everything is fine.
Also… Belen’s folks, Pablo and Monica, were their gracious hosts… along with Belen’s grandparents, Toto and Monica. Home base for them has been Belen’s grandparents farm just south of Santiago, and they’ve visited family in a few other magnificent towns, (including Valparaiso which you see in the above pic and is now on my very own bucket-list!), the days before they left for the park. So we do have “boots on the ground”, in country, which goes a long way toward calming this mama’s nerves. Thank you Maluenda families!
But thankfully my fears are dwarfed by my pride. As I sit at my dining room table, typing this while overlooking the Beijing skyline, I am giddy about the adventure these kids are on. I can truly relate!
They have guts, these three. It’s easy to dream. It’s not as easy to put a plan into action… especially one as lofty as hiking the Patagonia your sophomore year in college! I won’t go so far as to say they’re fearless… and thank God for that; they are aware bad things happen out there, even in the most beautiful places on earth. But they do feel a little invincible… which is not all bad. Didn’t we all feel that way in our youth?
I am also terribly envious! Although Mike and I are on our own worldly adventure… we’re not as free as these kids. We have real grown-up responsibilities back at home. Whereas all they have is to make sure they are back for the start of classes on January 17th!
Belen was born in Chile, but has lived in the U.S. since she was (I believe) 8 years old. Ben, along with his twin brother Nicky, was born in France and came to the states before the start of school. And my Nick was born in Overland Park, Kansas… wha-wha-whaaaa. The three of them met in elementary school and have basically been inseparable ever since; even after Belen moved with her family to Miami following their freshman year of High School.
So this trip does not surprise me; they have all three been exposed to travel their entire lives. I am so proud of their courage, their devout friendship to each other, and their wanderlust. I hope they inspire others, young and old, to travel to far away places; it is never too late!
I messaged my friend Shelly, who happens to be Ben’s mom, when I woke up this morning. She and Belén's folks are my common denominator; we offer each other comfort when one of us is starting to freak out! I told her how I am sandwiched between these feelings of pride and dread. I’m so proud of who they were when they left but I know they will come back as different people. Travel does that to you… it just does. And I’m finding it really, really hard, as a mom, to let go of that child… as he becomes a man.
Shelly put it best when she wrote back: “Yes, the kids will come back changed, but in a very good way! We are so lucky to have our boys! I’ve always wanted to travel the world (still have a long way to go on that!) and want my kids to do the same because, yes, it does open your mind and humbles you when you realize not everybody thinks exactly like you and that’s okay! In fact, it’s exactly as it should be! And that “A-haa” moment, when the world opens before you and enriches you in ways never before dreamed of!”
My heart is bursting with joy for Nick, Ben, and Belen… they are on a trip of a lifetime that will surely forge their friendship for their entire lives. And I am giving a virtual pat on the back to Shelly, Jeff, Philippe, Monica, Pablo, Mike, and myself… we’ve done a hell of a job with these three kids; I love them all! But that doesn’t mean I will ever stop mourning the children they once were. God speed.
And if you’re reading this kiddos… call your mothers. Now!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment