Padron to Santiago de Compestela

27.4km

It is finished!

I first spotted the Cathedral about 8km before arriving to Santiago. As you weave into the city it disappears from sight, kind of a cat and mouse game. Then as you are literally within yards of it, it appears massive in front of you. It’s breathtaking and enormous! Arrival was pure joy!

I am so freaking proud of myself! There were many times I did not think I would make it. I had so many moments of thinking.. what in the heck, I should jump on a train and tour Europe. I am not an athlete. I am a lover of comfort and good food and good sheets. But, I set this goal for myself, and I am so glad I preserved. I learned so much about myself. I connected with the Lord in such a deep level. I allowed myself space to grieve for the first time the loss I have endured. I found peace with my past and asked for forgiveness for the ways I have fallen short. I found out I am able!

I had been keeping all of my trauma and grief in little boxes to deal with later. I had amassed quite a pile of boxes! My cardiac arrest and ensuing brain injury and all of the losses that followed, was something I never allowed myself to grieve. Mostly because I had to keep moving forward. There were kids to raise and a job to do. The Camino allowed me the space to work through all I experienced and the loss that came with it. But I also gave me time to rejoice at the miracle of my life. I don’t think the Lord and I will ever come to terms on “why me, why did I get a miracle when so many I know did not ”? And that is ok. Finally it is ok.

I had planned to walk the 50 miles to Finesterre and Muxia. But I am done. In total I walked 352 miles. I am still going to the ocean, but will take a bus and enjoy my days at the beach relaxing and celebrating my birthday. I still have my stone to set down somewhere on the path.

After celebrating I attended mass and lit a candle to thank the Lord for the journey. This morning I attended mass again and they swung the Botafumeiro. It a huge incense burner that takes 6 men to pull. It was originally used to fumigate the sanctuary from the smelly pilgrims. Incense in the Catholic faith is also sign of purification. The Botafumeiro is hallmark of the cathedral and is not used at every mass. I was blessed to be able to see it today. It is an amazing sight.

I feel like I am ready for what is next. And for me next is big and an exciting adventure on its own! I’ll share more about that later. But it’s all good! And it’s nice to have so much good on the horizon!Leggi altro