It just seems right that nearly one year after I joined the Forum...I should return on Christmas Day.
First, allow me to apologize to the many members that supported me on my Camino early in the year. Your sage advice, persistent nudging and many prayers were instrumental in my Camino, from the first up hill out of SJPDP to my arrival at the Cathedral...you were with me all the Way.
Secondly, to the many strangers that took up the scallop and walked bedside me, raced in front of me and arrived in SDC on nearly the same day, or remained long enough to attend the pilgrims service with me. Thank you!
Tertiary, to Ivar for honoring me by coming to the Cathedral square and speaking with me. Ivar, your support, interest and sincere desire to hear my story and share a moment of reflection are worth more that I can possibly recount. Receiving the, then new, patch of the Camino easily ranks among the treasures I carry with me today.
It was my desire to walk the Way with confidence and a will that would carry me to Santiago on schedule and in fine fiddle. My journey done, Compostela in a protective tube and unnecessary things discarded or given away…I would take a taxi to the airport and wing my way home…confident in the knowledge that I would be forgiven of my most heinous sins. As is said..."The best laid plans..."
The Way, for this mouse, was hardly ever straight, my path seldom smooth or my next destination at all certain. Were it not for the many Camino angels I happened upon, or they came upon me…there’s little doubt that my first 100 km…would have been my only taste of the Camino.
In the beginning, I began taking pictures of my surroundings and ended up taking memorials of my small victories. Early shots are of broad vistas, beautiful Cathedrals, and long stretched of where I’d been and where I’d be going. My last series of photos catalogue my need to admit that this next stretch of eucalyptus, small country chapel or 100 km marker might underscore the fact I may never finish, or if I do…it will be His Way and not mine.
Since my return, I have lost one love and rekindled another. My work in the Church has expanded, my ties with family strengthened and Peace reigns…at least for the near future. Last evening at my daughter’s home for Christmas Eve dinner, she admitted to me that the father sitting across from her this night…is the Dad she always hoped I could be. Oh, that’s not to say I don’t retain some rough edges and hard surfaces…but I am improving.
Some of my Forum friends have noticed me on other venues where I’d stick my nose in responding to a particular important milestone. Thank you for remembering me and giving me a boost when needed.
I promise not to stay away so long this time.
You are family and I’m honored to know of and about you.
Buen Camino
Arn
First, allow me to apologize to the many members that supported me on my Camino early in the year. Your sage advice, persistent nudging and many prayers were instrumental in my Camino, from the first up hill out of SJPDP to my arrival at the Cathedral...you were with me all the Way.
Secondly, to the many strangers that took up the scallop and walked bedside me, raced in front of me and arrived in SDC on nearly the same day, or remained long enough to attend the pilgrims service with me. Thank you!
Tertiary, to Ivar for honoring me by coming to the Cathedral square and speaking with me. Ivar, your support, interest and sincere desire to hear my story and share a moment of reflection are worth more that I can possibly recount. Receiving the, then new, patch of the Camino easily ranks among the treasures I carry with me today.
It was my desire to walk the Way with confidence and a will that would carry me to Santiago on schedule and in fine fiddle. My journey done, Compostela in a protective tube and unnecessary things discarded or given away…I would take a taxi to the airport and wing my way home…confident in the knowledge that I would be forgiven of my most heinous sins. As is said..."The best laid plans..."
The Way, for this mouse, was hardly ever straight, my path seldom smooth or my next destination at all certain. Were it not for the many Camino angels I happened upon, or they came upon me…there’s little doubt that my first 100 km…would have been my only taste of the Camino.
In the beginning, I began taking pictures of my surroundings and ended up taking memorials of my small victories. Early shots are of broad vistas, beautiful Cathedrals, and long stretched of where I’d been and where I’d be going. My last series of photos catalogue my need to admit that this next stretch of eucalyptus, small country chapel or 100 km marker might underscore the fact I may never finish, or if I do…it will be His Way and not mine.
Since my return, I have lost one love and rekindled another. My work in the Church has expanded, my ties with family strengthened and Peace reigns…at least for the near future. Last evening at my daughter’s home for Christmas Eve dinner, she admitted to me that the father sitting across from her this night…is the Dad she always hoped I could be. Oh, that’s not to say I don’t retain some rough edges and hard surfaces…but I am improving.
Some of my Forum friends have noticed me on other venues where I’d stick my nose in responding to a particular important milestone. Thank you for remembering me and giving me a boost when needed.
I promise not to stay away so long this time.
You are family and I’m honored to know of and about you.
Buen Camino
Arn
