A Quiet Day to Ponder Family

It was another solo day in the Meseta as I walked 14 miles to my Alburgue in Sahagun. I spoke with Mary yesterday to get caught up on how her and the kids are doing. I think that influenced my thoughts on today’s walk.

It was a day of examining my family relationships. I was thinking of how grateful I am that Mary supported me in this experience. Like it or not my family have been along for this journey in their own way - taking significant time and our resources to do it. I asked myself if I have been as supportive of Mary and the things that make her more fully herself. I probably can do a good deal more in that arena.

It was also good to hear how she has been taking on the parenting while I’m away. The kids are probably appreciative of her more relaxed and supportive style of parenting versus my structured (let’s be honest…strict🙂) and self-accountable style - particularly Conor who as Mary reminds me does better with love than accountability. We are a good ying and yang in that way and I’m glad the kids get to benefit from her more compassionate parenting approach.

I also thought about my relationship with Andrew, where due to our circumstances I always feel at a disadvantage for being able to care and support him. Although I want to be sure that I’m not using the circumstances to give me a pass on what I can be doing. It’s an ongoing conversation within myself to see that I’m doing what I can.

I don’t offer this post to garner sympathy or affirmation to the contrary- just being honest about my thoughts today. Thoughts I’m sure many partners and parents likely have.

I was missing my family today. Not in a poor me way. Just sitting in appreciation for each of them in my life and that at the moment, all relationships seem positive and good. And I’m lucky to have relationships with each of them. As I get older and see more and more of life, I’m learning not to take anyone for granted. I never know how much time I’ll have with any one of them. I love them all dearly. ❤️Les mer