This article is overdue, like many on this site. Time sometimes get in the way, and other “more important” stories take precedence.
A personal story, close to my heart, and it has very much to do with travelling and inspiration and the simple reason why I started this website.
Today my nephew, who is a 13-year-old smart, kind and beautiful boy, was hit by a car at a crossing on his way to the school while his mother was waving him goodbye. As a mother, I cannot imagine the pain my sister feels.
I wonder why it had to happen to him.
I ask you to pray for him and his speedy recovery and that the operation and the removal of his spleen, (a non-vital organ), doesn’t get in the way of his life but strengthens him.
The backstory
After many years of asking my sister to take my nephew to the UK with me, she finally agreed, and on that July morning, we flew from Doha to Sofia to pick him up for a ten-day trip of a lifetime in the UK.
You see, he is a straight-A student and has won several math and spelling competitions.
I always wanted to show him and help him be inspired that even though he comes from a small town in the north of Bulgaria, he can achieve anything and can see the world.
This is what travelling is all about, the vital reason why I started this blog. To inspire Muslims and my family that travelling can change you, can help you dream and achieve.
I am the cool aunt, the one that gets the fun gadgets, that travels and that speaks English, the one that even though we don’t talk every day we have a unique bond.
The ten days we spent together was the first time we spent it without interference, and it was the most extended period since we grew up in different countries.
The trip was a once in a lifetime opportunity. I had so much fun showing him around the UK and exploring the world through his eyes.
I wanted to show him that the world is a big place and he has a place in it, no matter his background. I know he felt inspired while watching my husband’s Master’s graduation because he knows he can also achieve it.
I fed him all the junk food he could eat ( I am the cool aunt remember), and I also let him play on his phone for hours. And oh boy he can play for hours and hours! Well, he deserved it, after a year of working hard at school and while being on holiday. 🙂
We went to London and visited Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, The Vikings in York, the International Space Centre and the London Aquarium.
He is a kid of few words, but I know in his eyes I could see happiness and dreams.
After the trip, he told his mum and me that he wants to study in the UK and have a better quality of life.
I think I achieved my goal, bringing a smile and determination to his life.
I was planning to write a guide for “Exploring London with a teenager”, but I think tonight I rather write an article about a 13-year-old boy who’s life was almost cut short and I am grateful I had the opportunity to show him and bond with him through travel.
Our next adventure will be in Doha very soon, in sha’Allah.
