safety pin - you are safe with me

[David]

Hi, pilgrims all. There is a growing movement in the UK and mainland Europe to wear a safety pin. The concept originally came from Australia - you good Aussies you! - here is the thing .. .with mass migration and movement of refugees, those desperate peoples, plus the home country retaliations to our foreign bombings from certain Arab/Islam areas, there has been a significant rise in random racist abuse, always upon the innocent.

The wearing of the safety pin signifies to the vulnerable "you are safe with me", it is for all those people who may suffer abuse. My daughter was hugged by a stranger, a foreign woman, in London for wearing one.
It occurred to me that on Camino we have pilgrims from all nations, all ages, all colours, all religions - so I wear the safety pin - perhaps you will too?

This is a photo of a British policeman wearing one - I don't know about you but it brings a lump to my throat. Buen Camino.

 

[C clearly]

I always walk the Camino with safety pins all over me! Now it has additional meaning.

 

[SabsP]

David ! Thank you. In these dark and troubled times, when it can be so easy to get scared and locked into one's own small "safe and trusted " world , it is good to see that people stay open and mindful for what happens around them.
When caring overrules cynicism!

 

[Icacos]

That's a lovely idea, David. Thank you! I've just put a safety pin on my hat, and I seldom leave home without my hat.
.

 

[Stephen]

Not so very long ago Punks in the UK and Ireland wore them through their noses and ear lobes. That would be taking things a bit too far but this is a good idea and I'll put one on my hat.

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&r...-4eRST8uT2J8KnETLR3V9aVw&ust=1469616348933521

 

[LesBrass]

Not so very long ago Punks in the UK and Ireland wore them through their noses and ear lobes.

Me... I did that! Seems so long ago now.

I've just pinned one to my pack.

 

[Seabird]

What a generous, loving idea. And I love the bright color of the policeman's pin, which will likely lead to questions by people and a way to spread the message. Will do the same, since our country too is undergoing a spasm of racial issues. I can only hope it is a prelude to growth.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Get a safety pin out of my pack an get it on.
Thank you David for bringing this to our attention.
All those small things will help getting us cope with those troubled times where live in.
Wish you all save travels ,Peter.

 

[whariwharangi]

Can I get one that says you're not safe with me?

Or is that just the default if I don't have a blue one?

 

[Icacos]

I changed mine to a pink as I don't think the blue one was visible enough.

 

[Sixwheeler]

Dear David can always be relied on to shine some light into a dark world, I shall look for an appropriate safety pin in the morning. Thank you.

 

[Bonita]

Not so very long ago Punks in the UK and Ireland wore them through their noses and ear lobes. That would be taking things a bit too far but this is a good idea and I'll put one on my hat.

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwigzIPi-ZDOAhXC7hoKHWUpBO8QjRwIBw&url=https://www.pinterest.com/pin/516014069780451582/&psig=AFQjCNF1iW-4eRST8uT2J8KnETLR3V9aVw&ust=1469616348933521

I love your shell tattoo.

 

[Stephen]

Thank you, Bonita. I'm pleased with it.
An American friend of mine who lives in Belfast walked the Camino last year with her mother and to mark the achievement both went to Helen who runs Skullduggery Tatu and got a smaller version of it on their foot.
When the opportunity arose for me to return to the Camino I told her I'd made an appointment and was going to get a copy of their tattoo. After the inking was done Helen returned my deposit, handed me an envelope, and said the tattoo had already been paid for.
I don't think my friend would mind me sharing the text of her note which was in the envelope:
"Stephen,
I wanted to help you with your tattoo as a wish to send along with you on your way. I hope you find peace and joy, and I know you will find beauty; within you and all around you.
Buen Camino."

I found both the gift, which will stay with me all my days, and the thoughtfulness expressed in the note very moving.

 

[Stephen]

One of the charities I subscribe to, Medical foundation for the care of victims of torture, has just sent me a small blue pin which I'll pin on my hat.
Synchronicity, or what?