MIDNIGHT AMBULANCE PICKUP and the start of a terrifying month
Episode 14 - The Rollercoaster of October
October has always been a poignant month for us, packed with both ups and downs that have shaped our journey. The start of October marks a uniquely daunting time: it was in October 2022 when Malin received the life-changing diagnosis of aggressive colon cancer. Fast forward a year to October 2023, and she was back in the hospital battling a severe infection. In a major hospital mishap, she was given a medicine to which she was hugely allergic. Despite these tough times, October also signifies a year since we embarked on our journey of full-time van life with kids. This month, more than any other, vividly captures the extreme highs and lows of our life.
The Cancer Diagnosis and Its Aftermath
In October 2022, our world turned upside down with Malin’s cancer diagnosis. It was like our lives paused and went on a rollercoaster simultaneously. The immediate aftermath involved intense treatments, surgeries, and therapies that tested our resilience every single day. We faced the unknown and leaned into each other for strength. Cancer is not just a diagnosis; it's a life lived in chapters of hope, despair, small victories, and big fears. Each day brought its own set of challenges and moments of gratitude.
Hospitalisation in October 2023
Life threw another curveball our way in October 2023. Malin was admitted to the hospital for over a week due to a terrible infection. Unbelievably, she was given a medicine that she was hugely allergic to, a mishap that added to the gravity of the situation. The ordeal was tough, bringing with it a lot of anxiety and frustration. It made us question everything, and once again, we were reminded of the fragility of life.
A Year of Van Life with Kids
On a brighter note, October also marks our anniversary of moving into the van full-time. We sold our house and decided to embrace the nomadic lifestyle. Living van life with kids has been an incredible journey. From navigating the logistics of everyday life in a confined space to soaking in the beauty of new destinations, this adventure has brought us closer as a family. It’s given us the freedom to explore, experience, and appreciate the little things.
Adapting to Constant Change
The beginning was challenging. Adjusting to a life on wheels required a lot of patience and flexibility, especially with two young children in tow. But the van life with kids has also offered us the priceless opportunity to teach them about resilience, adaptability, and the wonders of the world outside a traditional home. Each day is a lesson, and every experience enriches our lives in ways we couldn't have imagined.
An Unexpected Hospital Visit
As if this October couldn’t get more eventful, last week, Malin was once again rushed to the hospital. An ambulance had to be called in the middle of the night due to acute abdominal pain. It was a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of her health. These recurring episodes of pain have been challenging, to say the least. The uncertainty of what triggers these pains adds to the complexity, making each day a delicate balance between normalcy and concern.
The Mixed Reality of Our Lives
Life on a Stick is just that – a balance between extremes. Our podcast and blog capture this reality, giving you both barrels of our journey – the extreme positives and the extreme negatives. Van life with kids is filled with moments of joy, discovery, and immense satisfaction, but it also brings about inevitable challenges and tough days.
Give Us a Lift
To inject some positivity, we include our segment "Give Us a Lift" where we share something motivational or uplifting we've encountered recently. For Malin, watching content about self-sustainability and gardening has been incredibly inspiring. For Tom, it was a recent visit to an alpaca farm and seeing how easy it was for friends to plant vegetables and live off their land. These little moments keep us going and remind us of the potential for growth and positivity even in hard times.
Looking Forward
As we navigate these ups and downs, our biggest hope is for a drama-free October this year. We remain hopeful, focusing on the positives and holding onto the lessons learned from the past. As we continue sharing our life on the podcast, we invite you to join us on this rollercoaster journey, where we embrace the extremes and strive for a balanced, fulfilling life.
Thank you for being part of our story. Here’s to hoping for an October filled with more adventures, fewer hospital visits, and countless moments of joy.
Stay tuned and stay positive, that’s Life on a Stick, baby!
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