Gradually the time was ripe for breaking the news to others. First, we shared our plans with the immediate family. We wanted to break the news early on so that especially those closest to us could come to terms with the idea. Around that time, we had also decided to travel to Sweden in the autumn half-term holiday to look for a suitable school for the children. More about that in the next blog. However, suffice it to say, that was what prompted us to tell the family about out plans.
It goes without saying that the reactions were very personal and divergent. There were those who were saddened and hurt to hear of our decision. As anticipated, the general reaction, particularly within the inner circle, was the need to express the sentiment that we will be greatly missed.
This phase of sharing and telling was intensive for us. At the same time, it brought us much insight. Arguably there is a degree of egoism attached to such a decision. However, it must be said that we certainly were not in any way out to offend or upset anyone. Yet, from very close quarters, there was also great confidence in our plans, and reassurance. It was felt that we should not be swayed by the opinions of others. At the end of the day people must have the freedom to spread their wings and ultimately our primary answerability is towards our two sons. Inevitably when it comes to people’s emotions – be they those of ourselves or others – there can be no talk of right and wrong. All things are possible and everything must therefore be accepted.
As the autumn holiday drew near, the conviction that we are on the right track grew and deepened. We were at peace with the world and happy whenever our thoughts turned to what we shall seek there for ourselves and for our boys.
It goes without saying that the opinions of Rune and Vidar about this whole adventure remain uppermost in our minds. Vidar is still too young to fully grasp it all (in November he will be four). Rune, now six-and-a-half, understands things better. He has already indicated that he wants to learn the language so that he can communicate with the children in his class and with the teacher. He is a linguistically gifted child who has already taught himself to read in Dutch and English. At the end of September, we opened a Duolingo account for him so that can learn Swedish from the English source texts. We notice that he is swept up by our impetus and inclined to take it all in his stride. On the other hand, at merely six years of age, he cannot possibly be expected to oversee all the consequences of such a move. That, too, has a certain charm. In the coming months we shall see how things progress as more and more concrete plans are made and more and more Swedish is introduced.
