Birthday card from 2019

[naplesdon]

I was sorting through some old papers yesterday and found this nostalgic birthday card my late sister created for my 73rd birthday. In June of 2019 I set out from Le Puy to Santiago and when I reached Hontanas I received a text message that my sister was in the ICU in Christ Hospital in Cincinnati. I rushed back to the US to find her in a coma and she died about a week later without speaking a word. I never envisioned that Camino might be my last and final Camino but during 2020 I have suffered from further deterioration to the nerves in my right foot and leg from neuropathy and my recent physical therapy is leading me to believe I will be walking with a cane or a walker in the months to come. I loved my Camino experiences over the past 10 years and pray I will get to return some day.

 

[nycwalking]

I was sorting through some old papers yesterday and found this nostalgic birthday card my late sister created for my 73rd birthday. In June of 2019 I set out from Le Puy to Santiago and when I reached Hontanas I received a text message that my sister was in the ICU in Christ Hospital in Cincinnati. I rushed back to the US to find her in a coma and she died about a week later without speaking a word. I never envisioned that Camino might be my last and final Camino but during 2020 I have suffered from further deterioration to the nerves in my right foot and leg from neuropathy and my recent physical therapy is leading me to believe I will be walking with a cane or a walker in the months to come. I loved my Camino experiences over the past 10 years and pray I will get to return some day.View attachment 90950

What a lovely pic and expression of life’s vagaries.

Buen camino in whatever form that takes.

Vaya con Dios!

 

[Juspassinthru]

Sisters, where would we be without them? Be well @biarritzdon and Buen Camino, wherever it takes you and however you get there.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I never envisioned that Camino might be my last and final Camino but during 2020 I have suffered from further deterioration to the nerves in my right foot and leg from neuropathy and my recent physical therapy is leading me to believe I will be walking with a cane or a walker in the months to come. I loved my Camino experiences over the past 10 years and pray I will get to return some day.

So sorry to hear your neuropathy has taken a downward turn and recall when you first mentioned it. Maybe a cane will be for just "awhile" and your physical therapy will possibly bring improvement for the future. Most of us on this forum yearn for a next Camino and many of us are no longer young...you are not alone.

 

[mspath]

Don,

I am so sorry to read of your recent difficulties.
Do keep on keeping on and be thankful for life, for love and for precious memory.
Margaret

"...and tho'
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield."
Ulysses,
Alfred, Lord Tennyson

 

[Saint Mike II]

Hola Don, I am in agreement with MS - your sad news about your sister (but at least in a way you could say goodbye). But the even sadder news about your own health, most upsetting. Hopefully it will be the cane, a walking frame is not fun. All the best. Cheers!!

 

[walkingstu]

So sorry to hear of your sister's passing and your health challenge. If the hiking turns out not to be an option going forward, volunteering in an Alberque would still keep you on the Way.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

So sorry to hear of your sister's passing and your health challenge. If the hiking turns out not to be an option going forward, volunteering in an Alberque would still keep you on the Way.

A great idea, maybe as a check-in person, or a volunteer in the Pilgrim office.

 

[naplesdon]

I have done several weeks at San Anton. This is a good idea for 2022, I don't trust our chances to see the Way in 2021.

 

[Mike Savage]

Don,

What a great card and memento. I had to use a cane to walk for 5-6 years after an auto accident then I guess the nerves healed or grew back together. Since then I have walked many caminos. I hope you heal as well as I did. I sure didn't expect it and I sure thank God!

Mike