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Sniffles and tears By jon June 28th, 2008 at 7:57 pm

Half way through the party, no idea why, it suddenly dawned on me. we were not going to see any of these people, all so dear to us, for half a year.  We were going to just be gone. No puff of smoke, no ’shazzam’ - just an absence.

I cried. Saying goodbye, to Jan, my parents, family, good friends, the dog…. once I started, I couldn’t hold back.

And today, we packed the car with plastic tubs full of… well, I am not even sure what anymore. But I am certain it was all terribly important  when it went in there.

And now the reality bites. I confess to feeling profound guilt that we are heading off on this incredible indulgence - and Jan will wave us goodbye. I feel selfish beyond words.

This entry was posted on Saturday, June 28th, 2008 at 7:57 pm and is filed under The Build Up. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

34 comments to “Sniffles and tears”

  1. By Campbell June 28th, 2008 at 11:10 pm

    Camping on Cape Otway this January we met a young English couple in an old Range Rover who had driven from the UK. I’m sure you’ll make it and look forward to reading all about it…. although I’ll miss you on the radio every morning Jon. Go Well and remember it’s not goodbye it’s just ’see ya later’

  2. By Paul June 29th, 2008 at 1:54 am

    Hi Jon & Jack,

    I can relate to your sense of mixed feelings. Saying good-bye to loved ones is one of life’s great challenges. I went through a similar roller coaster ride of emotions twenty odd years ago when I embarked on a two-year working contract in Saudi Arabia. At the time it was damn difficult, however twenty years on, the memories are as vivid as ever. It was a once in a lifetime experience and along the way I made some terrific long-term friendships with expatriates originating from many corners of the globe. However, the most vivid and enduring memory of all was the sincere deep friendships I formed with Bedouins. Their hospitality is yet to be surpassed by anything I’ve experienced to date in the developed world. You only live once and life is not a rehearsal, embrace and enjoy it, knowing in the back of your mind that the love of your life awaits you at the end of your epic journey. Be safe and take care ;)

  3. By karen June 29th, 2008 at 7:42 am

    hi john it’s natural to feal some sadness when saying goodby to loved ones this will pass when you get some road under your wheels i felt the same when i left home to live in FNQ for a year
    i hope you and Jack have fun and i look forward to your return next year
    GO GET’EM

  4. By vladimir June 29th, 2008 at 11:42 am

    “No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.” ~Lin Yutang

    Good luck Jon & Jack!
    Hope you’ll have a great time.

  5. By emily June 29th, 2008 at 11:46 am

    stress less, it will be like a holiday for her as well!

  6. By Maureen June 29th, 2008 at 11:48 am

    So glad you have increased the font size!!

  7. By JanW Berwick June 29th, 2008 at 12:43 pm

    Jon, you are only human. You will return, with so many stories and memories, you won’t know where to start. But I can relate to the feelings. I left the US to move to Australia forever 13 years ago. It is a bittersweet sensation, being on the cusp of a promise.

  8. By Maddie June 29th, 2008 at 5:44 pm

    Bon Voyager! Gute Reise! Have a save trip!

    However, the most scary part of any journey is what is does to you. You will not be the same person at the end ( and that should be a good thing!) and life doesn’t stand still at the other end either.

    One can never enter the same river twice.

    cheers
    M

  9. By Graeme Bull June 29th, 2008 at 7:45 pm

    Kia Ora Jon & Jack
    I salute you as you depart on your wonderous adventure. Remember how easily things that break can be fixed with a piece of No8 wire and pliers, enjoy enjoy. Remember always say “Sir” to all those in authority, even if you mean it to be spelt “Cur”.

    Be well, Be safe.

  10. By Steven June 29th, 2008 at 9:11 pm

    Hi Jon, we met only once in Elsternwick when your wife was wanting to buy a kiln. Six months ago, fate placed me in Xi’an, China, where I’m now teaching english at a Chinese university. Annette Z. (ABC) told me she gave you my phone number here. You’re more than welcome to get in touch. Your visit will be welcome and I can help you and Jack out with various things. Am looking forward to hearing from you! Cheers, Steven PS If you get internet access, you might like to read my blog…

  11. By Denny June 29th, 2008 at 9:27 pm

    It was a great party (and yummy food) thanks Jon. Hope it goes well. I look forward to hearing how you go.

  12. By Brendon M June 29th, 2008 at 10:41 pm

    Jon, I’m a long-time fan of yours - I’ve always appreciated your combination of willingness to forensically dissect the lies told by the powerful, with your respectful listening and emotional responsiveness to the honest stories of those who suffer. I’m so glad for you, and for your family, that you cried - that you allowed yourself that emotional responsiveness that you so readily allow to your guests and callers. Tears water the garden of our souls.

    And yes, I agree, this is a selfish act, leaving as you are. But not selfish by the ‘little’ self - the ego - rather selfish in service of your ‘big’ Self - that deep unfathomable on which our ego floats, as Jung put it, like a frail boat on the ocean of personal existence. Actions in service of Self, rather than ego, are necessary for our full immersion in life. Congratulations!

    And Jan is indeed being very generous to you, and to Jack - and I imagine, without ever having met her, knowing only what I know of you as the voice on the radio and what I therefore construe you to be, and what I consequently construe this woman who chose to partner with you to be like, that she is glad of her generosity, glad you are doing this, and glad she can say with a whole and tender heart, “Yes, go, adventure, see it all!”.

    The best thing we can do when we receive such a generous gift is to accept it fully, gratefully, graciously. Travel well and fully, and come home to her and family and friends enriched and therefore enriching for them. When we journey in service of our Self, we journey in service of the whole world. As our collective responses to your leaving and traveling with Jack are making more and more clear, you’re traveling for all of us :-)

  13. By Vicki June 29th, 2008 at 11:45 pm

    Jon… I believe that we are ALL ‘here’ for different reasons, to do the very same thing… and THAT is to each reach into our own qwerkie little individual HeArTs… NEVER feel guilty for that… (Just shows how much Jan loves you) X:-) Vicki

  14. By Rajat June 30th, 2008 at 8:52 am

    Dear Jon and Jack
    I would like to wish you both all the best on your adventurous, exciting and most intriguingly interesting journey from Melbourne to London!

    To Jon
    My name is Rajat and I am 14 years old and I am home educated and adore your program. I really love the way you critically look at controversial issues and ask difficult questions to politicians ( you had once said to Peter Costello in the lead up to the 2007 budget in relation to tax cuts… “I feel like Oliver asking for my bowl of porridge.”), pressure groups and experts in the field, especially during election time. Your schmooze with Red is also something I relish in the morning because it also gives my Mum and me an idea as to whether it’s worthwhile stopping our schooling and listening to your guests in the Conversation Hour.

    Among my favourite guests have been Lucy Hawking, Professor Peter Doherty, Linley Dodd (my family and I absolutely enjoyed our read alouds of the exploits of Hairy Maclary) and Alfred Gregory (the official photographer for the 1st ascent of Mt Everest).

    Jon, your boots are big and hard to fill. You will be sorely missed at 774 in this household.
    J’espère que vous et votre fils avoir une vacance formidable et bon voyage.
    (I hope that you and your son have a fabulous holiday and enjoy your trip.)

    Hope to hear you on the radio in 2009!
    Have a safe and fantastic holiday!
    Rajat

    To Jack
    Taking half a year off to see a large and exciting part of the world and more importantly doing it by car, how exciting!!! I hope that you enjoy every minute of it!
    The amount of preparation that you and your Dad have done is astronomical. Have a fantastically amazing trip, Jack!
    All the best
    Rajat

    I would like to say thank you to both of you for openly sharing, with people all over the world, every part of your drive across Australia, Asia and Europe.

    I will certainly be logging on regularly to read your postings and will be tracking your progress on our world map!

    Have a safe and sensational trip!
    Rajat

  15. By Anoushka June 30th, 2008 at 8:58 am

    Dear Jon and Jack,

    I would like to wish you a safe journey as you embark on your exciting trip!! What an adventure of a lifetime!

    I wish you both the very best of luck.

    My name is Anoushka and I am 12 years old and am home educated … yes you guessed it …with my brother Rajat…who is also a fan of your show, anyway, I absolutely ADORE your morning show!

    I admire your interviewing style as well as how you take the main issue of the day and critically question the person/company/party involved in an attempt to get to the bottom of the topic.

    I also enjoyed the Conversation Hour when guests of interest were on (we managed to find out who was on when you talked to Red) – my favourite guest was probably Lucy Hawking (who talked about her book George’s Secret Key to the Universe.) Upon listening, I went out and bought the book and it was absolutely fantastic! (So much for ABC not advertising!)

    I also have enjoyed Michel Onfray, Linley Dodd and Alfred Gregory as well as Jon Faine.

    Of course, I can’t forget to mention your jousts with Red in the morning – I find it very funny and amusing…I’ll miss it very much.

    In short Jon, your boots are very hard to fill and your presence at the ABC will be sorely missed. I found your show wonderful for catching up with current affairs and I will miss it very much.

    I am looking forward to your segments on ABC and I hope to hear on the Radio in 2009…even if it is on a traffic post…

    J’espère que vous et votre fils avoir de bonne vacance FANTASTIQUE!!!!!!!!

    Have a safe, enjoyable and FANTASTIC holiday!

    Catch you another time,

    Anoushka

  16. By Rajat June 30th, 2008 at 9:00 am

    Dear Jon and Jack
    I would like to wish you both all the best on your adventurous, exciting and most intriguingly interesting journey from Melbourne to London!

    To Jon

    My name is Rajat and I am 14 years old and I am home educated and adore your program. I really love the way you critically look at controversial issues and ask difficult questions to politicians ( you had once said to Peter Costello in the lead up to the 2007 budget in relation to tax cuts… “I feel like Oliver asking for my bowl of porridge.”), pressure groups and experts in the field, especially during election time. Your schmooze with Red is also something I relish in the morning because it also gives my Mum and me an idea as to whether it’s worthwhile stopping our schooling and listening to your guests in the Conversation Hour.

    Among my favourite guests have been Lucy Hawking, Professor Peter Doherty, Linley Dodd (my family and I absolutely enjoyed our read alouds of the exploits of Hairy Maclary) and Alfred Gregory (the official photographer for the 1st ascent of Mt Everest).

    Jon, your boots are big and hard to fill. You will be sorely missed at 774 in this household.

    J’espère que vous et votre fils avoir une vacance formidable et bon voyage.
    (I hope that you and your son have a fabulous holiday and enjoy your trip.)

    Hope to hear you on the radio in 2009!
    Have a safe and fantastic holiday!
    Rajat

    To Jack

    Taking half a year off to see a large and exciting part of the world and more importantly doing it by car, how exciting!!! I hope that you enjoy every minute of it!

    The amount of preparation that you and your Dad have done is astronomical. Have a fantastically amazing trip, Jack!
    All the best
    Rajat

    I would like to say thank you to both of you for openly sharing, with people all over the world, every part of your drive across Australia, Asia and Europe.

    I will certainly be logging on regularly to read your postings and will be tracking your progress on our world map!

    Have a safe and sensational trip!
    Rajat

  17. By Daniel Banik June 30th, 2008 at 10:11 am

    Jon & Jack,

    It may be a little cliche but the first step is always the hardest. Congrats on your first step! I have enjoyed watching your preparation and look forward to you updates as you make your way around the world.

    Travel safe.

    Daniel

  18. By Sharon June 30th, 2008 at 10:23 am

    Hi Jon and Jack,

    It sounds like a great adventure - good luck! Are you keeping a diary at all? There could be a great book at the end of it and I’d love to talk to you about it when you get back!

    Best wishes,
    Sharon Mullins
    Commissioning Editor
    Hardie Grant Books

  19. By Aaron June 30th, 2008 at 11:26 am

    I just returned from a few months away myself, and struggled somewhat, in my own head, about the issue of the indulgence of travel for those of us lucky enough to be able to afford it, and I found that I ended up taking comfort in two facts: one, that I was injecting money into the economies of countries that, in one case near-entirely, rely on the tourist dollar, and two, I felt that since I had the opportunity, it felt almost futile NOT to embrace it with both arms.

  20. By Patrick June 30th, 2008 at 11:32 am

    Are we there yet? Oh the joys of travelling with your children.

  21. By Phillip June 30th, 2008 at 11:41 am

    Hi Jon,
    Now is time to move forward. You are about to embark on a life changing quest and redefine your relationship with jack (let alone toyota).
    Go forth and conquer, and look forward to paris and london.
    Good journey.

  22. By Chris Cooke June 30th, 2008 at 1:24 pm

    Congrats John,

    I started my adventure when I left my home in Trinidad the West Indies in 1974 to visit Australia thus started an adventure that has yet to reach its conclusion.

    I traveled all over the far North of Australia by motorcycle (I am now on my 59th bike) worked in the mines and fishing industry, visited many of the wonderful Islands of the North and West coast and then got married in Victoria in 1980 and we now as a family continue our journey through this wonderful country.

    Prior to going to Australia, I traveled through South and North America as well as Africa and parts of Asia.

    You will never regret this trip John but I feel obliged to warn you it can be addictive as it is with me and my family. My children grew up in tents and our old “Troppie” (still with us after 570,099 Kilometers)

    Both my kids are superbly educated, well read and know this country inside out and surprise surprise, neither smoke, drink or have ever had the need to dabble in drugs.

    I hope this trip does as much for you and your family as our many trips have done for us. We don’t own our own home but instead put our money into several boats, tents and caravans and in return my investment has provided me with a wonderful and close knit family that is all I need to retire on.

    May the wind be always be at your back and may you and your family have a wonderful and safe trip and if there is a God may he/she/it be with you.

  23. By Cheryl Hammill June 30th, 2008 at 1:37 pm

    Hi Jack and Jon,

    Well the adventure has started, and already I am missing you on 774 Jon, but nonetheless wish you both a wonderful adventure.

    Can only imagine that it would have been so hard to say goodbye to all those you hold dear, but take comfort that they are all excited for you as well and just think how great the reunions will be.

    Looking forward to my armchair ride with you.

  24. By Richard June 30th, 2008 at 5:26 pm

    Dear Jon & Jack, As a lawyer myself I can only feel admiration for you both and I wish a safe trip. My wife and I have listened to Jon for so long, you feel like a part of our family.

    kind regards,

    Richard

  25. By margaret brundle June 30th, 2008 at 6:04 pm

    We will follow your trip with great interest. We travelled from London to Nepal in the ’70’s in a Land Rover, going through Iran and Afghanistan, quite hairy at times, especially when we got caught up in the Indian/Pakistan war. The trip was well worth every minute.
    Wishing you all the very best for a wonderful trip.

  26. By Caroline Heard June 30th, 2008 at 6:04 pm

    Hi Jon and Jack,
    Like so many others I am selfishly missing you (Jon) already but I know that you’re on the “adventure of a lifetime” … GO FOR IT! ENJOY! But let me and so many others come along on your “Magic Carpet Ride”! Good luck, safe driving and … keep talking to strangers - that’s how better understanding and great friendships are made!

  27. By Kathy at kallista June 30th, 2008 at 9:55 pm

    Have a great time !!!! i shall join Jan in my sense of abandonment having spent the last 12 years listening to you on the ABC from as I have raised my son. No doubt we will survive. But truely it sounds like a most wonderful adventure and am looking forward to following it on line. Getting itchy feet all ready. We travelled in the outback a year or so ago and it was magic. Have fun can’t wait to hear all about it !! Kathy at Kallista

  28. By Ross July 1st, 2008 at 8:43 am

    I wish you both well, and trust that you both have a wonderful trip. I look forward to your return to 774 in the New Year

  29. By Heather Hevey July 1st, 2008 at 4:05 pm

    Good Luck to you both i look forward to following your adventures each day as i do now by radio.

  30. By Ruth Filler July 3rd, 2008 at 11:45 am

    I am following you all the way, and hope the sun shines on you both, bringing you home safely with a wealth of stories and experiences. It takes a lot of courage and determination to do what you are doing, and I fervently hope it’s going to prove invaluable and an unforgettable and fabulous time for you, Jon and young Jack. My love and greetings to you both,
    Ruthie (from Auckland)

  31. By Natalie July 3rd, 2008 at 1:18 pm

    Hi Jon and Jack
    So glad you’re rolling again. Had to hold my breath for a few hours when I heard what happened. I heard half of your call in to 774 yesterday. All these trials and tribulations are all in a day’s work and add to the overall picture. Saw your new photos. Feel a little bit part of it all now, seeing all the gear etc. Carry on carrying on. Once you get on the sea, you’ll know you’re really off. Take care. Natalie

  32. By Chris July 3rd, 2008 at 7:47 pm

    Dear Jon and Jack (and Jan),

    We think what you are doing is fantastic. All of you. We are so excited for you. Go to it and enjoy every minute and follow your hearts. May it be a safe and happy journey.

    We will miss you on the radio Jon, we have been listening to you from the beginning, but will be expecting great stories when you return.

    To you Jan, I can understand the mixed feelings, if I had to say goodbye to my two ‘boys’, I would do it with a glad heart but miss them terribly. Having said that, I have told them I would be having to wait for them in Provence or somewhere similar!

    Take care all the best
    Alan and Chris

  33. By Darren Ward July 4th, 2008 at 10:40 am

    Enjoy this fantastic adventure Jack and Jon. Iam very envious indeed. The fact that things don’t always go to plan, I believe, is what makes these trips exciting. Take Care and look after yourselves

  34. By John Brownlie July 14th, 2008 at 2:57 pm

    Heard you intervied this morning on 891 Adelaide by Matt Abraham and David Bevan. What a fantastic journey you are undertaking. In a world of package tourism, designed to suit limited time windows, you are setting our as travellers in the truest sense of the word, and although you have an end date and route in mind, you are going at your own pace.
    Good luck, and I look forward to the updates.
    Have a wonderful adventure, and travel safely.

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