Walking Beyond Comfort: The Camino de Santiago and Via Francigena

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.