Day 30 - Camino tears

“Those who do not weep, do not see.” – Victor Hugo

Today I walked from Caldas de Reis to Pontecesures and experienced a bad case of ‘Camino Tears’. Camino tears are not necessarily tears of sadness and they can strike when least expected.

On the path today, in the distance I saw two young gentlemen walking with an elderly person in between them. They shielded the elder from the mid-day sun with an umbrella and walked slowly. I caught up with them as they stopped once they reached the woods to put away the umbrella. It was a father and his two sons; they were of Asian decent. I asked if I could take their photo and they eagerly agreed and asked if I could also take one with their camera.

As I walked away that’s when the Camino Tears hit me. I was sobbing like a baby at the love they showed their father. In my mind I imagined that this must be one of his wishes to walk the Camino. The scene conjured up thoughts of my parents who are long gone and the tears intensified. There were few pilgrims on the path at this time, but I didn’t care if anyone saw me crying. Finally, I got the crying under control

Since I am doing shorter walks I take frequent breaks to enjoy the scenery. I found a lovely sheltered bench on a bridge over a flowing creek and decided it was the perfect spot for a long leisurely break and snack.

Who should show up a few minutes later but the 2 sons and their father. I found out that they were from the Philippines. The father, Jesus, was 85 years old. In 2016 he had walked from Sarria to Santiago on the French Way. He said this was his last Camino, they had started in Tui, and it was his wish that his sons, Roger and Michael, join him. He said he had some things (emotional) that he wanted to unburden himself of and to establish his legacy before he died. His sons smiled and looked adoringly at their father.

And then those darn Camino Tears started flowing again. I explained they were not tears of sadness but that I was touched by the love and compassion they had for each other. I told them how I started crying soon after taking their photo. The father looked at me and said ‘the Camino has a way of touching us deep in our soul. Whether it is to be humbled by nature’s beauty or the people we meet, it is the Camino speaking to you’. (This was not helping the tear situation). I finally gained my composure and we chatted for a few more minutes and then they went along their way.

Today was definitely cathartic. Perhaps emotions are running high because it will soon be over or perhaps it was the Camino’s way of touching my soul.Read more