A walk for everyone, but me.

“I don’t want him to reach Ghana before me.”

This was V’s response after I showed him a TikTok video of Daniel talking about wanting to walk from London to Ghana to bring his late wife’s ashes home. I instantly regretted showing it because I felt my heart sink knowing V. was serious.

“It has always been my dream to walk long-distance to Ghana, so maybe...this is my sign.”

I looked down at my empty plate, weighing my words. From previous scenarios, I knew he disliked me voicing any type of concern. The only thing I could do was swallow my actual words and replace them with supportive ones. ′I can’t see a reason why not!′

My words brought a smile to his face. He sat down across from me and shared all he was thinking.

“Maybe I need to reach out to this man. I am from Ghana, so I could guide him and help him get to his destination.”

Ah, good idea, I thought. That way V. wouldn’t be walking alone. “You can message him through TikTok and see if he’ll respond,” I said.

I had been called a non-supporter before. Only because with each great idea I also saw the flaws. Like this one. A 7000 km walking journey from Belgium to Ghana. What money? When? Which equipment?I had no doubt he was fit enough or had the determination to follow through.But logistics... Yet, I decided to keep my worries to myself. I know V. He gets these great, huge ideas but later changes his mind.

I had heard him make a lot of suggestions, some of which we tried but lack of support, he feels on my part, and impatience, according to me on his, none of his big ideas really became a big thing.Mostly, it would be my fault in one way or another. I had made a mistake, or probably acted unprofessional or would be a push-over. Could be, because I am merely a highschool childcare graduate who ended up working as orderpicker in a factory. I had no expierence creating a business, or organising any type of events bigger then my children’s birthday parties. Neither am I a wealthy person, just a middle class citizen co-parenting two kids and raising three cats. But V. pulled me out of my comfort zone. He showed me taking risks can be worth it and that not everything needs to be planned because in that way, we were a lot different.

He was pretty social, outgoing, doing things on his own time and each day was different. I never knew where we would end up that day. Normally I like my days planned, knowing who I will see so I can prepare as well my socials skills as my outfit for that day. But one thing about V., pretty soon it didn’t matter were we went. As long as he was with me, I felt cared for and safe.

After a few days of suspension, Daniel from Uk got back to V. They had a phone call where V. discussed potentionally meeting up and walking toward Ghana together.

“I have a good feeling about you.” Daniel even said. So with that, it was settled. The tiny bit of hope I had for this journey not to happen was gone. V. was going to walk from Belgium to France to meet up with Daniel, and continue their journey together to Ghana.

A 7000 Km international walking project.Start date in three weeks.No sponsors.No experience.No money.And only V., me and his sister, E.