Freya, now six, has just returned from her first real adventure without the family: an overnight cruise to Åland.

Freya had been asked by a work colleague of mine, Mintra, if she would like to join them (including her nine year old daughter, Nathalie) only a few days ago. At first she was reluctanat, not wishing to be away from us. By the end of the evening she had made up her mind to tag along. And we are so glad that she did.

Of course, the crossing was a fantastic experience for Freya, who could recount a multitude of memories and was even thoughtful enough to buy us all presents. Knowing her father only too well, she bought me a bottle of red wine.

I wish I could have been there to have seen her in her new role; at the same time it’s important for her to own her own experiences. We love you, Freya, and hats off to you for having the courage to do it.