well, what a crazy time… and how far we have come already?

The last three years haven’t exactly been smooth sailing. When Mark was diagnosed with Follicular Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, his—our—lives were turned upside down. The life we knew crumbled, and the darkest, coldest fear imaginable suddenly sat with us at the kitchen table.

In those first days and weeks after the diagnosis, we knew very little. We worried a lot. I often wondered if life would ever feel “normal” again—whatever normal means. But with time came knowledge, and with knowledge came experience. Mark breezed through his first treatments with only minor side effects. The kids adjusted to the occasional inconvenience—like staying home from school when flu or COVID season rolled around. And I… I tried to stay grounded in what I saw: a strong husband and an amazing father. I worked hard not to listen to the frightening stories my mind would make up.

And slowly, the fear left the table. In its place, deep gratitude settled into my heart—a sense of responsibility, even. A responsibility to use the time we’ve been given as a family—healthy, happy, laughing—to the fullest. To show our boys that, although we live a privileged life, so much can be built with bare hands, love, and intention… and that they can trust their abilities to do so when thrown off the path.

When we decided to take this trip (again), it all felt overwhelming at first. So many things had to be considered and planned, requested and organized. And yet, here we are — and we are so deeply grateful.

Grateful to the boys’ headmasters and teachers Nicole Bannert, Christiane Aumann and Rudi Eisele at the Grundschule Starnberg – and Thomas Volz and Nicole Üttinger from the Gymnasium Starnberg who so generously supported the idea of giving us time as a family and our kids an education outside the classroom for a while — one shaped by salt air, shifting skies, and the slow rhythm of wind and water. Grateful to our friends and neighbours who encouraged us, offered help, and reminded us that we weren’t crazy for doing this. That this, in fact, might be the most grounded thing we’ve ever done.

We hope this journey will give our boys more than just new places and stories. We want them to experience firsthand how much joy, strength, and meaning can come from simple things — from working with your hands, turning a plan into reality, from seeing the wonders of this world. That even when all paths seem to be too steep and rocky… slow and steady – one foot in front of the other…. you can walk for miles!

…but enough with all the emo-rambling!

At the moment I am tired… and four weeks before (hopefully) moving onto akuna all the packing up, the sorting through, the “getting ready” is well and truly… A SHIT SHOW!

hard on me.. hard on the boys – who at the moment only feel like having to give up all they love and deal with parents who are either laughing hysterically at any request or react as if the house was on fire… and especially hard on Mark, who works his backside off to get things done.

But it will work out… because: it just always does! And this is the magic, that keeps one going, isn’t it?