My worst camino turned out to be my best....

[Emia]

Since my first Camino (2001 from Pamplona to SdC) I was lucky enough to walk some more: 2008 from Burgos to SdC, 2009 from Hendaye to Santander, 2011 from Santander to SdC, 2012 and 2013 from Porto to SdC and Finisterra/Muxia, and somewhere in between another 2 odd weeks on the Del Norte.

This year I planned another Camino Portugues with a friend of mine. At the airport -more or less ready for take off- I found out that my ID wasn't valid anymore. Byebye Camino, there was nothing I could do since Ryanair doesn't accept a laissez-passer (emergency document). So I my soul waved my friend goodbye and I went home to lick my wounds. Being a foreigner living in Germany, it's just impossible to get a new ID within 10 days, let alone in 1 day.

Fortunately my friend had a great time, which of course left me with a laughing and a crying eye.

A few days later - still licking my wounds - I received a phone call: my 84 year old mother was in a very bad shape. Code orange, which means: the end is slowly but definately nearing. I travelled to her and spend the rest of my holidays (2 weeks) with her. Realising my friend was really enjoying her time time on the Camino made me very sad and jealous and even angry. But.... knowing it may probably have been the last time I spent so many days with my mom made it all worthwhile. Occasionally I'm still crying over my "lost" Camino, but in the end I'm very happy that it turned out this way. Only God knows how long it will take until my mom can let go and move into another dimension.

On my Caminos my mom has always travelled with me in spirit. We talked about her funeral - since she was a pilgrim in mind, the scallop will join her on her last journey. As well as the tile I brought her in 2008 from SdC: aqui vive un peregrino.

I used to take the Camino (= any Camino and at any time) for granted. But now I realize how lucky I have been. This time I was stupid enough for not checking my ID on time, but in the end it was a gift from God.

Thanks for sharing this with me.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Hi Emia.
I'm so very sorry for the loss of your mother.


I totally understand your post, as the exact same thing happened to me this year!
I had a bit of an ankle issue that wouldn't go away and with regret, made plans for another person to lead my Camino group.
I was really sad.
Then, on short notice, we discovered my brother was dying of liver failure.
Mom and I were able to take him to her home and with the help of hospice, cared for him the two weeks before his death at home.
If I had been on the Camino, my 82 year old mother would have had to deal with this alone.

Sometimes we just have to ride the wave and accept that the Universe/God knows what is best.

I hope you will enjoy your next Camino, and I know your mom will be with you in spirit.
Big hugs,
Annie

 

[Hal]

It it so hard for those of us who are away from suffering family, following our hearts in the world then following our hearts home; that you both regret the loss of your Camino and give thanks for the time with your mother means your next Camino may well be all the more meaningful.
Love and light to you and yours.

 

[trevorcc]

Since my first Camino (2001 from Pamplona to SdC) I was lucky enough to walk some more: 2008 from Burgos to SdC, 2009 from Hendaye to Santander, 2011 from Santander to SdC, 2012 and 2013 from Porto to SdC and Finisterra/Muxia, and somewhere in between another 2 odd weeks on the Del Norte.

This year I planned another Camino Portugues with a friend of mine. At the airport -more or less ready for take off- I found out that my ID wasn't valid anymore. Byebye Camino, there was nothing I could do since Ryanair doesn't accept a laissez-passer (emergency document). So I my soul waved my friend goodbye and I went home to lick my wounds. Being a foreigner living in Germany, it's just impossible to get a new ID within 10 days, let alone in 1 day.

Fortunately my friend had a great time, which of course left me with a laughing and a crying eye.

A few days later - still licking my wounds - I received a phone call: my 84 year old mother was in a very bad shape. Code orange, which means: the end is slowly but definately nearing. I travelled to her and spend the rest of my holidays (2 weeks) with her. Realising my friend was really enjoying her time time on the Camino made me very sad and jealous and even angry. But.... knowing it may probably have been the last time I spent so many days with my mom made it all worthwhile. Occasionally I'm still crying over my "lost" Camino, but in the end I'm very happy that it turned out this way. Only God knows how long it will take until my mom can let go and move into another dimension.

On my Caminos my mom has always travelled with me in spirit. We talked about her funeral - since she was a pilgrim in mind, the scallop will join her on her last journey. As well as the tile I brought her in 2008 from SdC: aqui vive un peregrino.

I used to take the Camino (= any Camino and at any time) for granted. But now I realize how lucky I have been. This time I was stupid enough for not checking my ID on time, but in the end it was a gift from God.

Thanks for sharing this with me.

Mums are important and time we spend with them is the memories you will have on your next Camino and that will make it more rewarding, you will be back. I wish I lived nearer to the Way but I am planning my next trip already in 2016 walking this time from Barcelona via Montserrat up to Longrono then to Santiago.

 

[Kitsambler]

I think the Guardian Angels of the Camino must be taking care of all pilgrims, as defined by their intentions.

 

[Singingheart]

Hi Emia.
I'm so very sorry for the loss of your mother.


I totally understand your post, as the exact same thing happened to me this year!
I had a bit of an ankle issue that wouldn't go away and with regret, made plans for another person to lead my Camino group.
I was really sad.
Then, on short notice, we discovered my brother was dying of liver failure.
Mom and I were able to take him to her home and with the help of hospice, cared for him the two weeks before his death at home.
If I had been on the Camino, my 82 year old mother would have had to deal with this alone.

Sometimes we just have to ride the wave and accept that the Universe/God knows what is best.

I hope you will enjoy your next Camino, and I know your mom will be with you in spirit.
Big hugs,
Annie

Annie, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. The loss of a sibling is profound. But how wonderful that you were able to be there with your mother, to support her and to share together this terrible, terrible loss. My heart hurts for you and goes out to you.

 

[Singingheart]

Since my first Camino (2001 from Pamplona to SdC) I was lucky enough to walk some more: 2008 from Burgos to SdC, 2009 from Hendaye to Santander, 2011 from Santander to SdC, 2012 and 2013 from Porto to SdC and Finisterra/Muxia, and somewhere in between another 2 odd weeks on the Del Norte.

This year I planned another Camino Portugues with a friend of mine. At the airport -more or less ready for take off- I found out that my ID wasn't valid anymore. Byebye Camino, there was nothing I could do since Ryanair doesn't accept a laissez-passer (emergency document). So I my soul waved my friend goodbye and I went home to lick my wounds. Being a foreigner living in Germany, it's just impossible to get a new ID within 10 days, let alone in 1 day.

Fortunately my friend had a great time, which of course left me with a laughing and a crying eye.

A few days later - still licking my wounds - I received a phone call: my 84 year old mother was in a very bad shape. Code orange, which means: the end is slowly but definately nearing. I travelled to her and spend the rest of my holidays (2 weeks) with her. Realising my friend was really enjoying her time time on the Camino made me very sad and jealous and even angry. But.... knowing it may probably have been the last time I spent so many days with my mom made it all worthwhile. Occasionally I'm still crying over my "lost" Camino, but in the end I'm very happy that it turned out this way. Only God knows how long it will take until my mom can let go and move into another dimension.

On my Caminos my mom has always travelled with me in spirit. We talked about her funeral - since she was a pilgrim in mind, the scallop will join her on her last journey. As well as the tile I brought her in 2008 from SdC: aqui vive un peregrino.

I used to take the Camino (= any Camino and at any time) for granted. But now I realize how lucky I have been. This time I was stupid enough for not checking my ID on time, but in the end it was a gift from God.

Thanks for sharing this with me.

Emia, everyone on the forum shares your sadness. It's so good that you can be with your mother. I'm a mother too, and I know how important it will be for me to have my children close to me in my final days, whenever they are. You are a great blessing to your mother. Remember that always.

 

[Emia]

Thank you all for your comforting words.