Wrapping up our 12-part series exploring grief, travel, and transformation, we pause to reflect on the profound lessons that have emerged from our journey with loss and rebuilding. Listeners who have followed our path through continents, memories, and healing have witnessed not just our story, but perhaps glimpses of their own capacity for resilience.

Alex shares how recounting these experiences has served as medicine, helping process grief that continues to ebb and flow. "Liam was a guide and still is to this day," he reflects, finding deeper meaning in his son's brief but impactful life. The fundamental truth that resonates throughout our journey? We don't control our lives, but we can choose to live fully within them—creating meaning, purpose, and presence regardless of circumstances.

For Jessyl, this series illuminated my evolution as a mother. Against society's current that often devalues traditional motherhood, losing a child crystallized what truly matters. The window of time when children need us most is heartbreakingly brief. "You don't get those years back," I observe, speaking to those who feel called to prioritize family but question its validity in today's achievement-oriented world.

Our current rhythm in the Dominican Republic feels healing—mornings filled with surfing for the boys, leisurely family time, and selective social engagements that honor our emotional capacity. We've learned to recognize when our children need space to process missing their brother, developing tools to help them navigate emotions they sometimes don't yet understand themselves.

Looking ahead to our next season (returning September 1st), we'll continue exploring relationship dynamics, parenting after loss, and the communication practices that sustain our family. And yes—we've teased a surprise announcement that signals new beginnings amidst our continuing journey.

If something in our story has resonated with your own path through grief, growth, or the beautiful unknown, we'd love to hear from you. What lessons have emerged from these conversations? What questions linger? Connect with us and join this ongoing exploration of living wide open.

How do you tell the story of a child whose life defied medical impossibility yet ended too soon? In this deeply personal and emotional episode, we share the journey of our youngest son Liam—from his unexpected conception to his final heartbeat at just 18 months old.

Born with a severe congenital heart condition that should have claimed his life within weeks, Liam somehow thrived without medical intervention, traveling across continents with our family. His extraordinary resilience allowed him to experience the world's beauty—from Dominican beaches to the Sahara Desert—all while his body quietly compensated for having only three heart chambers instead of the normal four.

The signs were there—subtle skin discoloration, delayed walking, gradual rejection of solid foods—but they unfolded so slowly we couldn't connect them until it was too late. It wasn't until a minor fall in Cyprus led to a hospital visit that we discovered the medical miracle who had been living among us.

What gives us peace amid unimaginable loss is knowing Liam lived exactly the life his soul intended. He experienced constant love, avoided suffering through futile medical procedures, and accomplished his purpose of bringing our family closer together. In his 18 months, he taught us more about presence and unconditional love than many learn in a lifetime.

While sharing this story brings tears, we also find profound meaning in how Liam continues to communicate through signs, particularly repeating numbers like 2:22. His legacy shows us that death isn't merely an ending but a transformation—and that even brief lives can fulfill their perfect purpose.

If you're navigating grief, searching for meaning in loss, or simply need a reminder about what truly matters, Liam's story illuminates how living wide open, even through heartbreak, reveals life's deepest gifts.

That small, seemingly insignificant decision to take a budget flight through London instead of flying direct to Cyprus? It cost us hundreds more than we planned and taught us a valuable lesson about family travel logistics. But that's the beauty of this journey we're on—the unexpected detours often bring the most profound realizations.

When we finally arrived at our Cyprus villa, nicknamed "Serenity," it lived up to its name. After the whirlwind pace of Morocco, this spacious three-bedroom haven with its pool and mountain views became the perfect place to catch our breath. The kids explored freely without neighbors to disturb, we established morning walks with Liam on our backs, and for the first time in months, we had space to simply be.

Cyprus brought so many pivotal moments for our family. There was the near-disastrous hike to Adonis Baths where we learned the power of maternal instinct when a taxi driver's wife insisted he rescue "those babies" from walking back in the dark. There was Alex's first experience driving on the left side of the road, with all of us chanting "left, left, left" at every turn. And there was the magical moment watching our daughter with special needs fearlessly glide across an ice skating rink, showing us how our own limiting beliefs often hold us back from attempting new things.

But perhaps most significantly, Cyprus became the backdrop for important relationship transformations. My sister Catherine made the decision to end her travels with us, and we welcomed Aaliyah as our nanny, shifting our family dynamic. Alex and I used a Valentine's weekend retreat to reconnect deeply, creating family values and vision boards that would guide us forward. I made the conscious choice to focus on what I loved about my husband rather than what frustrated me, and it transformed our relationship in ways I never imagined possible.

Looking back now, we couldn't have known that this peaceful month in Cyprus was preparing us for the greatest challenge we would ever face. These moments of connection, these lessons in adaptation and presence, were forming the foundation we would soon desperately need. If our journey has taught us anything, it's that the real adventure happens in the spaces between our plans—in the messy, beautiful reality of a family learning to live awake together.

Join us next episode as we share Liam's story—from his birth through the synchronicities that led to his passing. Your story matters too, and we'd love to hear how our journey intersects with yours.

Step into the shifting sands of Morocco through the eyes of a family discovering its vibrant landscapes, ancient cultures, and most importantly—themselves. From the blue-washed streets of Chefchaoun, where street performers sing your name for small coins, to the majestic Atlas Mountains with their wild monkeys and Berber cave dwellings, this episode captures the full spectrum of Moroccan wonders.

The heart of their journey unfolds in the Sahara Desert, where camel rides lead to picnics where bread is baked directly in the sand, and children race up and down towering dunes with sandboards as the sun sets dramatically over an otherworldly landscape. Through each adventure, watch as their toddler Liam—whose presence now carries poignant significance—experiences these magnificent surroundings with unexpected joy.

Beyond the breathtaking scenery, this episode delivers profound insights about recognizing when you're already living your dream while still chasing it. As Alex reflects atop a thousand-foot sand dune: "We had this vision of traveling the world... and somehow we're finding reasons to be miserable even though we're right here doing it." Their story reminds us that success isn't always what we're pursuing—it's often what we're already living, if only we'd slow down enough to notice.

Whether you're planning your own Moroccan adventure, traveling with children, or simply seeking perspective on appreciating the journey, you'll find resonance in this honest, sometimes challenging, but ultimately exhilarating family expedition. The episode closes with a tantalizing promise of future Sahara journeys they plan to host for others, inviting you to consider your own desert dreams.

Morocco called to us for years before we finally answered. When the opportunity arose to fly from Portugal to North Africa with our children, we knew it was time. What we didn't know was how significant this journey would become in our family's story, especially for our youngest son, Liam.

Our adventure began with a four-day stopover in Lisbon, where we finally visited the mystical gardens and castles of Sintra. The winding staircases, underground tunnels, and ancient structures seemed to transport us to another time—children climbing stone walls, discovering hidden caves, and standing atop the Moorish Castle with views stretching to the horizon. Looking back now, with Liam no longer physically with us, we recognize this wasn't just another tourist destination but a place his soul needed to experience.

It was in Lisbon too where we purchased those little barefoot shoes for him. Though he wasn't even walking yet, the pure joy on his face when we put them on his feet made the decision for us. Those shoes now sit prominently on his shrine—a reminder of moments that carried more significance than we could have known at the time.

Morocco surprised us with its rhythms and possibilities. What began as a plan to stay primarily in Tangier evolved into a fast-travel adventure across the country when we discovered their excellent, affordable train system. The vibrant nightlife of Tangier's parks—filled with families and children long after dark—showed us yet another culture where slowing down and prioritizing connection takes precedence over schedules and productivity.

Our travels also included celebrating our 12th wedding anniversary with an overnight stay in Tetouan—rare time alone that provided precious moments with Liam when it was just the three of us. Meanwhile, we navigated the complexities of traveling with extended family while contemplating bringing on an 18-year-old we'd met in Portugal to help with the children.

This podcast isn't about dispensing travel advice or showcasing highlight reels. It's about honoring the messy, beautiful, sometimes heartbreaking journey of a family learning to live fully awake—even through profound loss. If you're walking your own path through grief, growth, parenting, or simply the wild unknown, we hope these honest conversations create a space where you feel less alone.

Sometimes the most profound transformations happen when we slow down and settle into community. After months of rapid travel through Italy's Via Francigena, our family landed in Portugal's Algarve region for what became a two-month immersion in communal living that would reshape our approach to family life.

The adjustment wasn't without challenges. Our children, suddenly surrounded by friends who spoke their language, resisted leaving the property to explore. Rather than forcing our travel agenda, we learned to adapt—allowing them the social connections they craved while finding balance in our family rhythm. What emerged was a beautiful dance of independence and connection that none of us expected.

Through living alongside another large family with intentional systems, we witnessed the power of positive modeling. Our children began making their own meals, embracing daily exercise, eliminating processed sugar, and taking responsibility without constant reminders. The stubborn resistance to chores melted away as they saw peers their age enthusiastically contributing to household maintenance. Our nine-year-old son, inspired by the reading culture, independently discovered personal development books that "blew his mind wide open"—learning concepts at nine that many adults don't encounter until decades later.

Perhaps most powerful was watching our sons find mentors beyond us. As parents, we often believe we must be everything to our children, but this experience taught us the value of expanding their circle of positive influence. Seeing our son admire and emulate another father figure wasn't threatening—it was beautiful validation that surrounding our children with diverse, healthy role models helps them flourish in ways we alone cannot facilitate.

The community we built during those months proved invaluable beyond Portugal. When we later faced the devastating loss of our toddler son Liam, these families rallied around us with profound support—a testament to the deep connections formed through intentional community living. Through grief and growth, these relationships continue to nourish us, reminding us that the journey of becoming is best walked together.

Join us as we explore how slowing down and embracing community changed our family forever. What unexpected lessons might emerge when you pause your agenda and allow life to unfold in community?

What happens when you take your children beyond their comfort zones and witness them discover their own capacity for resilience? In this deeply moving episode, we share the transformative pilgrimages our family undertook across Europe's ancient paths - the Camino de Santiago and the Via Francigena.

Alex reveals how his journey with 10-year-old Grayson became a pivotal moment in their relationship, creating space for honest conversations and emotional growth. Walking 96 miles in just six days, they faced physical exhaustion, torrential downpours, and emotional breakdowns. But within these challenges, they discovered something profound - that showing up authentically during difficult moments creates the foundation for deep trust. "I want you to know that whenever it gets challenging, I'll always be here with you," Alex told his son during a breakdown in the forest. "I can't make it easier. I won't make it easier, but I'll be here with you."

The story takes another remarkable turn when our 6-year-old daughter Linavelle joined her brothers on the Via Francigena pilgrimage through Italy. Despite our initial doubts, she never once asked to be carried, demonstrating that children are capable of extraordinary feats when given the opportunity. Through flooded paths, mountain passes, and even being rescued by park rangers during a storm, our children revealed strengths we hadn't fully recognized.

These pilgrimages represent more than physical journeys - they're metaphors for parenting itself. By creating intentional challenges and supporting our children through them, we help them build the confidence they'll need to navigate life's inevitable difficulties. As we navigate our own journey through grief after losing our son Liam, these experiences remind us that resilience isn't about avoiding pain but about walking through it together, one step at a time. Join us for this intimate exploration of growth, connection, and the beauty that emerges when we dare to walk beyond our perceived limitations.

Have you ever stumbled upon exactly what you needed—or what your children were longing for—at the most unexpected moment? That's precisely what happened when our family climbed the steep steps into the medieval fortress town of Capranica, Italy, and found ourselves in the middle of a Star Wars cosplay festival, just weeks after our children had reluctantly parted with their beloved Star Wars helmets.

Capranica marked a significant transition in our family's journey. After months of fast-paced travel across Europe, this three-week stay at a tranquil hazelnut orchard gave us the breathing room to establish sustainable rhythms for our world-traveling family of seven. Without a vehicle, we embraced walking everywhere—from half-mile treks to collect firewood (which became our children's favorite chore) to five-mile hikes along the ancient Via Francigena pilgrimage trail connecting medieval towns.

The slower pace allowed us to address important family dynamics, particularly redefining our traveling arrangement with Katherine. Through thoughtful, honest conversations, we realized that for everyone to truly thrive, Katherine needed freedom to pursue her own healing journey rather than remaining in a supporting role for our family. This brave restructuring created space for authentic growth on all sides—our children developed greater independence taking on household responsibilities, Katherine began exciting solo adventures across Europe, and Alex and I deepened our understanding of what our family truly needed.

What challenging conversations have you been putting off that might actually create more freedom for everyone involved? Sometimes the most loving thing we can do is release expectations and allow each person to find their own path—even when that means significant changes to our original plans.

Join us for this heartfelt exploration of slow living, unexpected adventures, and the courage to make changes when something isn't serving everyone involved. Subscribe to follow our journey as we prepare for our next chapter: communal living with other families in Portugal.