The city of Portomarin is less than sixty years old. It is fascinating to see parts of the old city under the water of the reservoir. The entire church was moved piece by piece to the new city before the planned flooding. Clearly if it was in Perth County there would be endless bus delays as it was foggy again this morning. What was charming two days ago now seems oppressive and damp. Suddenly no more fog. We marvelled that it had burned off so quickly, then we turned around. The mist was still there but we had climbed through it—we were above it looking down. My heart was overcome by the beauty of moving past it.
Now a couple of pilgrim stories: • Roland Ian Kitchen aka Sneaky walked many Caminos. He found meaning in the walking: the direction, the calm, the social life, the full glass with new friends. Numerous marriages, five children he was proud of, and a grandpappy. He was heard saying, “I’d rather be a human being than a human doing”. He found time for his friends and everyone was his friend. In 2015 at 68 years of age, on his 8th Camino, Kitchen passed away in an Albergue in Ventas De Naron. His memorial quotes Thomas “Old Age Should Burn and Rave Away at End of Day” Good on you, Ian—Buen Camino. • Again Ventas de Naron. The tiny stone chapel of Magdalene. It is dark inside. He hears us at the door. He calls out a welcome. We see that there is no reason for light—he does not see. He takes my hand and wraps it around his so I can place the stamp on my credential. We press down together. He hands me a pen—10:10:17 he says in English. He smiles. I write the verification. He wishes a blessing for a Buen Camino. He chooses to not rail against his circumstances— perhaps he sees better than I do. Today was a rest day of only 17 km; so we are sitting outside our Albergue eating an ice cream bar and watching the acorns fall. Tough life of a Pilgrim😄 You are Always in My Prayers. Love Mom.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
Ray & Diane HomewoodSharing the Blessing of Travel Archives
January 2018
Categories |