The other day Johnny Walker posted a new topic 'Pilgrim's that have died'. I would like to share with you one of the most poignant stories that I have ever heard, while walking the Camino (or any where else for that matter).
On 14th October, having walked from Cacabelos, we stayed in Trabadelo and noticed that an enterprising Dutch lady had recently opened an Bar in the village, offering a choice of menu somewhat more enticing to the usual Pilgrim's menu, so we decided to give it a try.
At the Bar there were two Dutch couples, far better dressed than our weathered, rather scruffy appearance and we made the comment that they were obviously tourists. They also had a van parked outside with Dutch plates and a companies' logo on it. Anyway, my husband Adriaan is Dutch so they soon got speaking.
What had happened was that the son of one of the couples, having had a series of mis-fortunes during 2008, and having time on his hands until promise of a new venture in April 2009, decided to walk the Camino. He started from Amsterdam in October 2008 and after 3000 kms arrived at SJPP in February 2009. He left SJPP on, I believe 11th February, direction Roncevalles. The weather was fair, but he got caught in a blizzard, tried to return to SJPP, but didn't make it. He died of hypothermia.
After coming to terms the his son's death, the father decided to pick up the Camino from where his son had left off and walk for him to Santiago! His wife travelled in the van with this other Dutch couple (I believe family, because they were all pretty emotional when they told us the story).
They were a bit ahead of schedule, because they intended to meet up with other members of the family (including the grandchildren) in Sarria on 24th October and then, I guess all walk together for the last stretch, so I immagine that they would have arrived in Santiago aboout 29th/30th. October.
I wonder if any of you heard about this story, or met this family? Apart from the story itself, I just want to add that sometimes we make comments, believing that we know it all (Pilgrim versus Turigrino sort of thing) just by going by appearances and not knowing the full story of why someone is doing the Camino. Food for thought!
Anne