Whilst I haven’t experienced the maternal angst and joy myself, I can really feel it (and the strong bond between you both) in your writing.
I have experienced the trepidation and the satisfaction of a long cycling journey though (although not quite as long as Fred’s!!) and I know that people are good and kind - especially to people making journeys by bicycle for some reason! We’ve found this so many times on our cycling travels - people go out of their way to help, and are genuinely interested in what you are doing.
Wishing Fred an amazing adventure, and the return of a sunny solar plexus!! 😊🚵🏼♂️💙💚🩵
Thank you dear Jonesy! I know you know this adventure; the rewards, the aches, the joy and the beauty. And yes people have been remarkably hospitable and kind to my Freddo. I will forward an email. 🩵🩵
I adore your writing. Mummy fear is real and scary. Well done to Fred, what a superb adventure I absolutely love the last line 'keep the wheels turning; kindness cycles around' It certainly does Mel, kindness breeds kindness xxx
Oh Mel, yet again I am in awe of your beautiful writing. I feel deep gratitude and pride that you take us on your journey with such openness and depth.
As with the last piece, I felt I had lived this gut wrenching experience with you, empathised with the fear we have both known with our boys.
I understood your pride at Fred’s bravery and determination but I missed the joy, the parallels, the beauty of his adventure.
I loved reading this one, only tears of pride and joy this time.
The line of kindness and connection! Oh Mel, that lines extends from Turkey, through you, to us all. And continues, because of you. Fred is magnificent from your line of kindness…and so it continues. ❤️❤️❤️
Darling Mel, the lessons of this experience are so profound, you and Fred touch my heart and make me want to live a better life. Thank you for writing, thank you for sharing.
Mel! As I write this you have just sent me a photo of Fred sat on the top of a Mountain View in Georgia, sporting a full beard, he looks full of joy! 😎
What a wonderful lad, and an amazing experience, life is indeed filled with ups and downs, the way both you and Fred have dealt with adversity is truly admirable. Love you both 💙
LOVE and our connection to the ones we love serve as beacons that guide us through challenging times. I love yours and Freds love and I love my love for you too. ♥️ It keeps me going through the best and worst of times! ♥️
Sending love to the EGFR crew + support crew from Tbilisi!! ❤️❤️
Thank you mum for articulating that crazy time in your beautiful style. I love your writing so much, and am so incredibly lucky to have your support on this journey.
Mister Fred! The EGFR crew are on a Facebook group but I will forward the message as they LOVE reading about your travels! We are ALL the support crew! And yay to Tbilisi! 🚲 💙🌈👋🏽🤩😘
Fred sounds incredible! I am not surprised; he was raised by you. But seriously - cycling that far and seeing the world at 26…it seems like the stuff of dreams. And yet he is doing it. And sharing the best of himself and finding the best in others - just as you do! What a way to live - with such purpose. Extraordinary 💕
I love all those encounters you spoke of. You and the elderly lady and Fred and the Kurdish family. The kindness of strangers!
What an amazing adventure for Fred. It’s the hardest thing to let our children go but because of your strength and love he has made fabulous memories. May kindness continue to shine bright in the world. Love you Mels xxx
Wonderful insight into the joys and fears of motherhood. Alex went to Oz in June on a 12 month visa and I have ridden the emotions too. Wishing Fred a magnificent adventure and wonderful memories. Xx
A truly beautiful piece of writing Mel, the bond between Mother and Son so strong and so brave to be honest about your fears for his safety. He will be fine, he’s your boy, made from strong stuff, ,people are kind and hopefully he’ll meet Mothers, who will happily help this son on his travels! X
Yes Georgie! The astonishing people of Turkey opened their hearts and arms to him. He is nourished and inspired by the conviviality and care. Hope you are too. 🩵🩵
Mel this story. It’s so beautiful. Thank you for being so honest and open about your maternal love and fears too. Crying again… when am I not? An incredible piece ❤️
Love this!
Whilst I haven’t experienced the maternal angst and joy myself, I can really feel it (and the strong bond between you both) in your writing.
I have experienced the trepidation and the satisfaction of a long cycling journey though (although not quite as long as Fred’s!!) and I know that people are good and kind - especially to people making journeys by bicycle for some reason! We’ve found this so many times on our cycling travels - people go out of their way to help, and are genuinely interested in what you are doing.
Wishing Fred an amazing adventure, and the return of a sunny solar plexus!! 😊🚵🏼♂️💙💚🩵
Thank you dear Jonesy! I know you know this adventure; the rewards, the aches, the joy and the beauty. And yes people have been remarkably hospitable and kind to my Freddo. I will forward an email. 🩵🩵
I adore your writing. Mummy fear is real and scary. Well done to Fred, what a superb adventure I absolutely love the last line 'keep the wheels turning; kindness cycles around' It certainly does Mel, kindness breeds kindness xxx
Thank you Lou. Yes the maternal feels are potent. I am infinitely proud of him. 🩵🩵
Oh Mel, yet again I am in awe of your beautiful writing. I feel deep gratitude and pride that you take us on your journey with such openness and depth.
As with the last piece, I felt I had lived this gut wrenching experience with you, empathised with the fear we have both known with our boys.
I understood your pride at Fred’s bravery and determination but I missed the joy, the parallels, the beauty of his adventure.
I loved reading this one, only tears of pride and joy this time.
Oh darling thank you. Yes it was a process of acceptance and release. And love. 🩵🩵
The line of kindness and connection! Oh Mel, that lines extends from Turkey, through you, to us all. And continues, because of you. Fred is magnificent from your line of kindness…and so it continues. ❤️❤️❤️
It exists. And you my dear man are part of it. You’re a bead on the necklace. 🩵🩵
Yet more tears, beautiful and poignant in every way. Mummy and son so close helping each other and going through this journey together.
Love you mama xx ❤️
Oh my dear parents! Thank you for reading and expressing how you feel. We all love you! ❤️
Darling Mel, the lessons of this experience are so profound, you and Fred touch my heart and make me want to live a better life. Thank you for writing, thank you for sharing.
Ah my love. I see you living your better life right now! Wonderfully! 🩵🩵
Mel! As I write this you have just sent me a photo of Fred sat on the top of a Mountain View in Georgia, sporting a full beard, he looks full of joy! 😎
What a wonderful lad, and an amazing experience, life is indeed filled with ups and downs, the way both you and Fred have dealt with adversity is truly admirable. Love you both 💙
Thank you brother Bob! He is an inspiration! 😉
LOVE and our connection to the ones we love serve as beacons that guide us through challenging times. I love yours and Freds love and I love my love for you too. ♥️ It keeps me going through the best and worst of times! ♥️
You are a beacon on the rocks for me darling. You positively radiate! Love YOU! 💛💛
Sending love to the EGFR crew + support crew from Tbilisi!! ❤️❤️
Thank you mum for articulating that crazy time in your beautiful style. I love your writing so much, and am so incredibly lucky to have your support on this journey.
Mister Fred! The EGFR crew are on a Facebook group but I will forward the message as they LOVE reading about your travels! We are ALL the support crew! And yay to Tbilisi! 🚲 💙🌈👋🏽🤩😘
Fred sounds incredible! I am not surprised; he was raised by you. But seriously - cycling that far and seeing the world at 26…it seems like the stuff of dreams. And yet he is doing it. And sharing the best of himself and finding the best in others - just as you do! What a way to live - with such purpose. Extraordinary 💕
I love all those encounters you spoke of. You and the elderly lady and Fred and the Kurdish family. The kindness of strangers!
I loved reading this…thank you xx
Ah Sara! Thank you so much kind woman. Yes, he has found a purpose and curiosity and connection! Sending love! 🩵🩵
What an amazing adventure for Fred. It’s the hardest thing to let our children go but because of your strength and love he has made fabulous memories. May kindness continue to shine bright in the world. Love you Mels xxx
Love you too missus Jilly. And yes kindness and its friends ‘acts of’ shine on brightly. 🩵🩵
Wonderful insight into the joys and fears of motherhood. Alex went to Oz in June on a 12 month visa and I have ridden the emotions too. Wishing Fred a magnificent adventure and wonderful memories. Xx
Thank you dear you. I know you know the world of which I write oh too well. Sending love. 🩵🩵
There is one parallel. Bravery. Both you and Fred are brave and bold as you faceyour daily challenges.
I love reading your thoughts.
Keep writing. You are loved.
Thank you so much dear Pauline. Always lovely to see you here. Love love 🩵🩵
Beautifully written, Mel! I absolutely loved the story and the connection you shared. I have to say, after reading it, I now admire your son too! ;)
Thank you D! I am glad you enjoyed reading about Fred’s adventure and my response. Onwards he rolls! 🩵🩵
A truly beautiful piece of writing Mel, the bond between Mother and Son so strong and so brave to be honest about your fears for his safety. He will be fine, he’s your boy, made from strong stuff, ,people are kind and hopefully he’ll meet Mothers, who will happily help this son on his travels! X
Yes Georgie! The astonishing people of Turkey opened their hearts and arms to him. He is nourished and inspired by the conviviality and care. Hope you are too. 🩵🩵
Mel this story. It’s so beautiful. Thank you for being so honest and open about your maternal love and fears too. Crying again… when am I not? An incredible piece ❤️
Motherhood and life; it’s a tearful business. Sometimes of poignancy and sometimes joy! 🩵🩵🩵