"Your SON looks like a GIRL" (and other mean words of encouragement)

One Year of Van Life with Kids: Facing Mean Comments, Cancer, and Big Adventures Ahead

Welcome back to the Life on a Stick podcast! We're Tom and Malin, and today we have some interesting topics to dive into. From mean comments and cruel remarks to hospital mishaps and our future van life plans, there's a lot to discuss. Plus, we'll soon be celebrating a special milestone—one whole year of living in our van!

Battling Mean Comments

It's no secret that sharing your life on the internet comes with a fair share of mean comments. We've heard it all, including "Your son looks like a girl!" and endless criticisms about Charlie’s hair. Honestly, it's baffling that people feel the need to comment on a child's appearance. We've always let Charlie decide how he wants his hair, and he's happy with his choice to keep it long. To us, that's all that matters.

The comments aren’t just about appearances, though. During Malin’s battle with cancer, someone had the audacity to tell her to "buy a coffin." Imagine spilling your heart out about a cancer diagnosis, only to receive such a heartless response. It’s a harsh reminder that not everyone out there is kind or compassionate.

Hospital Mishaps and Cancer Scares

Speaking of cancer, Malin’s journey hasn't always been smooth. From allergies to certain contrasts used in scans to the constant anxiety about whether the medical staff missed something, it's been a rollercoaster. Every time October rolls around, it brings back a flood of memories—both good and bad. It’s the month of her diagnosis, and it's also the month we start preparing for our next round of scans.

One year after Malin's big surgery, we're always on edge around this time. The nervousness, the anxiety, it’s all there. But one silver lining is that the last lot of scans happened only a few months ago, reducing the chances of something new developing.

Celebrating One Year of Van Life

On a lighter note, we’re thrilled to be soon celebrating one full year of van life! It’s been an incredible journey, and we've learned so much about ourselves, our kids, and what it means to live on the road. Despite the challenges, we wouldn't trade this experience for anything.

Our kids have adapted amazingly well to this lifestyle. They’ve become little adventurers, always excited about the next trip, the next beach, and the next big bridge we’ll cross. We’re all gearing up for new adventures, including plans to travel to Portugal and beyond.

Give Us a Lift: Finding Inspiration

Every week on our podcast, we have a segment called "Give Us a Lift." This is where we share something inspiring or uplifting that’s happened recently. This week, Tom shared a story about a young lad he once worked with who left his old job to become a diving instructor in Gran Canaria, based partly on Tom's advice. It’s moments like these that remind us why we love sharing our journey with all of you.

Malin, on the other hand, has been getting back into proper exercise, inspired by the need to stay active and healthy. It might not sound like much, but after everything she’s been through, it’s a big step.

Looking Ahead

As we prepare for the next chapter in our van life, we’re filled with both excitement and a little bit of nervousness. The future is uncertain, but that’s what makes it so thrilling. We can’t wait to share more of our adventures with you, and we hope you’ll continue to join us on this incredible journey.

Thank you all for your support and for sticking with us through thick and thin. Until next time, keep chasing your dreams and living life to the fullest!

Cheers,

Tom and Malin