Class of ????

[JaneR]

I have learned that the way I have been using this forum for several years (reading obsessively but not participating actively in the exchanges) is known as lurking. This does not sound like a very nice thing to do, so I’ve decided that even if I cannot bring anything helpful to it, I can at least introduce myself in relation to the Camino.

In 1995, when my mother and I made a pilgrimage to SDC by car, I saw a few pilgrims on foot and thought how wonderful it would be to do it that way. But I never got beyond those vague thoughts until just before my 60th birthday, when I came across a French magazine special issue about the Camino. I said to myself: I’m buying this, and now I am going to actually plan to do it, not just think about it. A few years later, in 2012, after much more reading and planning, I walked from my home in Houffalize to Trier for the Holy Robe pilgrimage, and consider that as the first part of my Camino. It was one of the best weeks of my life. I don’t know when I will be able to continue (I am sole caretaker for my 90-year-old mother), but I know that that is what I want - and this forum is encouraging me to believe that I will still be able to do it when the day comes.

 

[Tincatinker]

@JaneR, welcome to membership of the forum. There is nothing wrong with lurking with good intent. You may find you have thoughts and insights that will help our community even though you have not much experience yet of the caminos.

 

[mspath]

JaneR,

Welcome to the Forum!
You will meet so many new digital friends here eager to share their camino dreams and knowledge with you.
Happy research and Buen camino!

Margaret Meredith

 

[wayfarer]

Welcome Jane, happy planning for your future Camino.
Buen Camino.

 

[Kiwi-family]

Bless you as you care for your mother.
May your dreams come to pass.

 

[SYates]

Welcome to this virtual albergue! Buen Camino! SY

 

[gracethepilgrim]

Ha, very cute Jane and welcome. I’ve been a member for some time but still find myself ‘lurking’ when I have nothing new or helpful to contribute. It’s also known as ‘faffing’ (wasting time I should be using to clean my house or other such useless occupations)
Buen Camino

 

[VNwalking]

Welcome and warm greetings, Jane. What's in a name? Lurking your this case is better called 'being a sponge'...nothing wrong with that at all.
And there are several parental caretakers here. Perhaps it would be supportive to start a thread and see how they find the time to walk?

 

[Aidan21]

Welcome Jane, now that you have started interacting you may find that equally obsessive; in which case you are in good company .

Also remember that you do not need to complete the Camino in one go. If you can get respite care for your Mother for say 1 week, you may be able to do the section from Sarria to SDC, or from SJPP to Estella. Not everyone has the luxury of doing it all at once. I sure hope you can get to walk and experience the Camino soon.

Aidan

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

I have learned that the way I have been using this forum for several years (reading obsessively but not participating actively in the exchanges) is known as lurking. This does not sound like a very nice thing to do, so I’ve decided that even if I cannot bring anything helpful to it, I can at least introduce myself in relation to the Camino.

In 1995, when my mother and I made a pilgrimage to SDC by car, I saw a few pilgrims on foot and thought how wonderful it would be to do it that way. But I never got beyond those vague thoughts until just before my 60th birthday, when I came across a French magazine special issue about the Camino. I said to myself: I’m buying this, and now I am going to actually plan to do it, not just think about it. A few years later, in 2012, after much more reading and planning, I walked from my home in Houffalize to Trier for the Holy Robe pilgrimage, and consider that as the first part of my Camino. It was one of the best weeks of my life. I don’t know when I will be able to continue (I am sole caretaker for my 90-year-old mother), but I know that that is what I want - and this forum is encouraging me to believe that I will still be able to do it when the day comes.

Welcome to this wonderful forum family.
Wish you well and a Buen Camino, Peter.

 

[JaneR]

Thanks for all the welcomes and the comments. I'm sure I'll be doing a lot of 'faffing' still - I like the term and it describes my activity very well!