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Original poster

Please help - worried about my son abroad

125 replies

HelpInSerbia · 29/08/2026 03:50

Is anyone Serbian or knows Serbia-
I can't get hold of my son and he doesn't have his phone on him, his friend has it.

This is very unlike him and I am worried sick

OP posts:
MyrtlethePurpleTurtle · 29/08/2026 10:01

Reddit is gold when it comes to this sort of thing!

MyrtlethePurpleTurtle · 29/08/2026 10:00

HelpInSerbia · 29/08/2026 04:57

Is it overkill, or is it best to contact asap. I just keep thinking that this must happen to lots of people every day and they just turn up - we coped without phones in the past, just so reliant on them now.

I just don't know what to do or what anyone can do at this time- I can't communicate with the hospital, they answer the phone but we can't communicate.

I 100% recommend posting on the Serbia subreddit on Reddit.

Lovelyview · 29/08/2026 09:59

HelpInSerbia · 29/08/2026 08:26

He is ok, and back with his friend.

I don't have any details yet, but have just had a text message - he is going to call as soon as he gets WiFi.

Thank you all so much, from support when I was alone, to great suggestions, hand holds and offers to contact friends I really appreciate everyone of you taking the time to reply.

I am not a worrier normally, but that sinking feeling was horrible - thanks for your support.

Well that's good news. Glad your son has turned up.

fashionqueen0123 · 29/08/2026 09:55

Pleased he’s ok!

Flashthemagnet · 29/08/2026 09:54

Yiayoula · 29/08/2026 09:39

Just checked thread and so relieved to see your update !!
You never stop being a Mum, no matter how old your offspring . My grandchildren are older than your lad , and I’m still a worrier.

@HPFA - Exactly !

So true! My stomach sank when I read this thread, but again I’m so pleased OP that he’s safe.

LoisGriffinskitchen · 29/08/2026 09:46

Oh that’s great news. So pleased to her he is okay.

Yiayoula · 29/08/2026 09:39

Just checked thread and so relieved to see your update !!
You never stop being a Mum, no matter how old your offspring . My grandchildren are older than your lad , and I’m still a worrier.

@HPFA - Exactly !

Flashthemagnet · 29/08/2026 09:34

So relieved for you OP!

HPFA · 29/08/2026 09:33

AdjectiveColourNoun · 29/08/2026 08:34

A perfect case study of how mobile phones and the expectation of constant contact have turned us into a world of neurotic worriers. Not said in judgement OP, I am one of them!

The adventures I got up to in my 20s when there were still no smart phones…

I often think this.

My daughter is very good about messaging me to let me know she's safely arrived in a hotel etc - but literally five minutes after the time I've worked out she "should" have got there I can feel the anxiety rising. It's completely mad.

MabelAnderson · 29/08/2026 09:32

Very relieved to hear he is safe OP.

TheWickerWoman · 29/08/2026 09:32

So glad to see your update OP.

I can imagine the worry you went through. My son is 17 and he’s just gone off to London for the day and that’s worrying me sick! Never mind Serbia.

I cast my mind back to when I was that age and I did a lot more gallavanting, they are more resourceful than we think. Glad it’s all ok now 😊

saraclara · 29/08/2026 09:30

I'd be freaked out by a 3am phone call, too! I'm glad he's back.

jellyfish798 · 29/08/2026 09:24

Good news OP ❤️ grab an afternoon nap later!

KamikazePigeon · 29/08/2026 09:20

Great news, OP. You're under no obligation to, but I do hope you'll come back and let us know what adventures your son was having while strangers on the internet worried about him! 😁

QuirkyHorse · 29/08/2026 09:18

Aww bless you, what a worrying few hours.
Glad he is safe!
It's so hard not to worry about them 😬

Librarina · 29/08/2026 09:17

Am late to the thread so I am glad to read your son is safe. I just wanted to add that I travelled extensively in Serbia in the early 2000s and it was one of the friendliest countries I have ever visited. I stayed in families homes, friends of friends of friends would meet me, give me lifts, feed me and I speak no Serbian, we got by with Russian and French!

Iamnotalemming · 29/08/2026 09:14

Cup of tea time! Add a sugar even if you don't usually to help the come down from the adrenelin. Glad he's OK.

Nottoobadreally · 29/08/2026 09:08

Fantastic news!

VenusThighTrap · 29/08/2026 08:55

I am so relieved for you! Phew.

bafta16 · 29/08/2026 08:39

Divebar2021 · 29/08/2026 08:30

What a relief. I bet he has a tale to tell

Show quote history

Bet he won't tell it!

MissyB1 · 29/08/2026 08:37

Phew! I’m so relieved for you OP, I would have been as panicked as you OP, I’m so glad he’s ok.

itsgettingweird · 29/08/2026 08:36

HelpInSerbia · 29/08/2026 08:26

He is ok, and back with his friend.

I don't have any details yet, but have just had a text message - he is going to call as soon as he gets WiFi.

Thank you all so much, from support when I was alone, to great suggestions, hand holds and offers to contact friends I really appreciate everyone of you taking the time to reply.

I am not a worrier normally, but that sinking feeling was horrible - thanks for your support.

I’m so glad he’s back.

He’s safe and that’s all that matters.

Look after yourself. I know how bad we are at showing our children just how worried we have been.

FannybygaslightinGovan · 29/08/2026 08:35

Great news OP ❤️

AdjectiveColourNoun · 29/08/2026 08:34

A perfect case study of how mobile phones and the expectation of constant contact have turned us into a world of neurotic worriers. Not said in judgement OP, I am one of them!

The adventures I got up to in my 20s when there were still no smart phones…

cjcghana · 29/08/2026 08:32

Thank goodness!!

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