Remembering With Gratitude...

[HSkogerson]

It was two years ago yesterday that my family of four--husband, two sons, and myself--left for Spain to journey a portion of the Camino. We'd planned and anticipated this for years. We were blessed with two weeks of mind and soul searching, deep family connecting, physically challenging our bodies and heart centering with community. It was a celebration of the first 50 years of my life and a search for how the next 50 years might unfold. We learned much about ourselves and each other during this time and I will cherish the memories forever.

In my remembering, I am also feeling the heartache and sadness for those of you who are unable to fulfill your journey/walk/pilgrimage this year. My heart goes out to you as you move through your grief, whatever that may look like, because however you look at it, this is a loss. Just because, maybe, it isn't the loss of what others may think is big or deep or valid enough, it is still your loss and I honor that and I see you in your grief.

May you find solace and peace as you move through this time.

Blessings,
Heather

 

[Icacos]

You’ve said so beautifully what I’ve been thinking myself. I so feel for those who have had to cancel their plans, and hopes, for their camino this year. I don’t know how I would have coped if I had been unable to go on camino back in 2013. I needed it so desperately.

 

[Michael-FL]

It was two years ago yesterday that my family of four--husband, two sons, and myself--left for Spain to journey a portion of the Camino. We'd planned and anticipated this for years. We were blessed with two weeks of mind and soul searching, deep family connecting, physically challenging our bodies and heart centering with community. It was a celebration of the first 50 years of my life and a search for how the next 50 years might unfold. We learned much about ourselves and each other during this time and I will cherish the memories forever.

In my remembering, I am also feeling the heartache and sadness for those of you who are unable to fulfill your journey/walk/pilgrimage this year. My heart goes out to you as you move through your grief, whatever that may look like, because however you look at it, this is a loss. Just because, maybe, it isn't the loss of what others may think is big or deep or valid enough, it is still your loss and I honor that and I see you in your grief.

May you find solace and peace as you move through this time.

Blessings,
Heather

Thanks, Heather. It was a loss, but minor compared to those who have lost loved ones, who live along the Camino and on which their livelihoods depend. My loss is that I planned to walk the Frances from SJPdP to SdC in memory of my dear wife who passed away on the 1st of this year. It was supposed to be for me a time to grieve, to pray, meet new friends and discern what God has for me next. I will go whenever we get the “all clear”. As to when, only God knows.

 

[Kiwi-family]

Thank you. I was meant to be having a solo camino celebrating my first 50 years, a bit of a sabbatical after 25 years of parenting eight kids (youngest turns 14 today, and as she reminds me, has celebrated two birthdays on the camino!) - instead of solo-ing I have been busy working at home in lockdown, taking over duties my kids normally would have done so that they could continue working out of the house and self-isolate at home while I care for father-in-law who almost died again. I’ve had ten visits to hospital/medical centres so far (and at least two more in the next week) - I have been glad to be here and be available to my family in their moments of need! I try not to think “I’d have been in Toledo....on the Invierno...at Muxia by now”!

 

[nycwalking]

Thanks, Heather. It was a loss, but minor compared to those who have lost loved ones, who live along the Camino and on which their livelihoods depend. My loss is that I planned to walk the Frances from SJPdP to SdC in memory of my dear wife who passed away on the 1st of this year. It was supposed to be for me a time to grieve, to pray, meet new friends and discern what God has for me next. I will go whenever we get the “all clear”. As to when, only God knows.

Thank you. I was meant to be having a solo camino celebrating my first 50 years, a bit of a sabbatical after 25 years of parenting eight kids (youngest turns 14 today, and as she reminds me, has celebrated two birthdays on the camino!) - instead of solo-ing I have been busy working at home in lockdown, taking over duties my kids normally would have done so that they could continue working out of the house and self-isolate at home while I care for father-in-law who almost died again. I’ve had ten visits to hospital/medical centres so far (and at least two more in the next week) - I have been glad to be here and be available to my family in their moments of need! I try not to think “I’d have been in Toledo....on the Invierno...at Muxia by now”!

Blessings and peace and strength to you both.

 

[HSkogerson]

You’ve said so beautifully what I’ve been thinking myself. I so feel for those who have had to cancel their plans, and hopes, for their camino this year. I don’t know how I would have coped if I had been unable to go on camino back in 2013. I needed it so desperately.

Thank you, Icacos, for your kind words and for sharing your thoughts of compassion.

Blessings,
Heather

 

[HSkogerson]

Thanks, Heather. It was a loss, but minor compared to those who have lost loved ones, who live along the Camino and on which their livelihoods depend. My loss is that I planned to walk the Frances from SJPdP to SdC in memory of my dear wife who passed away on the 1st of this year. It was supposed to be for me a time to grieve, to pray, meet new friends and discern what God has for me next. I will go whenever we get the “all clear”. As to when, only God knows.

Michael, I'm so very sorry for the loss of your wife. My hope is that you can make your journey in memory of her very soon.
Yes, so much loss for so many in so many different ways. It's so good when our compassion and kindness reaches out to everyone in each situation, therefore helping to bring the light of love to the darkness. Thank you for sharing your light!

Many Blessings,
Heather

 

[HSkogerson]

Thank you. I was meant to be having a solo camino celebrating my first 50 years, a bit of a sabbatical after 25 years of parenting eight kids (youngest turns 14 today, and as she reminds me, has celebrated two birthdays on the camino!) - instead of solo-ing I have been busy working at home in lockdown, taking over duties my kids normally would have done so that they could continue working out of the house and self-isolate at home while I care for father-in-law who almost died again. I’ve had ten visits to hospital/medical centres so far (and at least two more in the next week) - I have been glad to be here and be available to my family in their moments of need! I try not to think “I’d have been in Toledo....on the Invierno...at Muxia by now”!

Kiwi-family, such a different experience for you right now then you had expected. Your family is so blessed to have your care of them. May your Camino sabbatical become a reality very soon.

NYCwalking said it beautifully...Blessings and peace and strength to you.

Heather

 

[susanawee]

Michael.....my thoughts on the loss of your wife and, I hope and pray that you get to walk your Camino when the time is right for you to do so.
Kiwi Family.... I have been following your journeys for the past 8 or so years and send thoughts and prayers to you. Thoughts to your Father-in-law. I guess that where you are at present, is where you are meant to be. I hope that you get to do your Solo walk before too much longer. We here in the Camino Forum, I am sure, are all with you in spirit right now. Blessings.