I haven’t really talked about this before, but I want to share my personal journey over the last couple of years of traveling. To give you some background, Yaya and I have been lucky enough to visit some amazing places. These experiences have pushed me to explore new cities, hike mountains, and even jump off cliffs, challenging myself beyond my usual limits. But what I haven’t shared is how cancer has impacted my family and changed my outlook on travel during this time.
It all started with a phone call from my mom one evening. I knew she wasn’t feeling well and had seen a specialist, but nothing prepared me for the news that she had cancer. It was a surreal moment, as if life came to a standstill, and I was completely taken aback. Suddenly, I needed to figure out how to fight this, whom to contact, and how to get the best possible care for my mom. The waiting times were agonizing, and it felt like nothing moved fast enough.
Eventually, my mom was admitted to the hospital and began treatment. Thankfully, things went well, and the doctors gave her the ‘all clear,’ though recovery would take time. During this period, Yaya and I put our travels on hold. After my mom’s recovery, we went on a much-anticipated five-month trip to Singapore, which she was excited about too. However, just three months in, I got another call from my mom. The cancer had returned aggressively. All I wanted was to be by her side and reassure her. Being 6,000 miles away felt unbearable. When someone you love is affected by cancer, everything else fades into the background.
Fourteen months after her second diagnosis, following multiple surgeries and lengthy recoveries, my mom was finally given the ‘all clear’ again. She’s incredibly brave, and it felt amazing to see her walking and getting out of the house. She even visited us in London and saw “Miss Saigon,” something she’d always wanted to do. These moments are more precious to me than any travel destination.
I feel overjoyed that my mom is doing well. Planning a future with her means everything to me. This experience taught me to cherish the people around me and never take them for granted. Even though she can’t travel far right now, she’s proud of my adventures, cheering me on with every photo I post. Thanks, Mom.
On a personal level, this journey made me realize how fragile life is. It’s important not to sweat the small stuff and to seize every moment with the people you love. Time is too precious to waste. Cancer is a terrible disease, but it also taught me to appreciate and strengthen my relationships. Every experience adds richness to our lives, making them more meaningful.
