Last night, as we were eating dinner, Linda asked me how I felt about finishing the Camino. I really feel as if the Camino ended in Santiago. That was the real goal of my journey and was truly a pilgrimage. If I were to do it all again, I would simply do a day trip to the beach rather than walking those extra days.
I have also had to really battle with my dodgy foot. I was so focussed on simply making the last two days that I couldn't just sit and be. The pain in my foot has definitely taken the shine off the Way, or the ending of it at least.
I can't imagine how some people walk the Camino, from early on, with knee or foot problems. If I had not been able to see the finishing line, and didn't have a flight to Rome the next day, I would have given up or, at least, taken some time off. Of course, if I didn't have day and 5000 step sponsors, I would have just caught a taxi to Finisterre.
I think that it is going to take a while, and maybe some physical recovery, before I can appreciate what I have done. Maybe by the time I do a report back to the parishes then I'll have my head around it a bit more.
What I do know, as I have written to a number of people, is that it has been an extraordinary grace / blessing / strength to have so very many people back home supporting me and journeying with me. Someone wrote me the other day to say that there have probably been said as many prayers for me as footsteps I had to walk - I believe this and I feel it.
I know that over 350 people have visited my blog every day! I know that many have made a morning ritual of reading my poor thoughts over an early morning cup of coffee... I have felt this companionship along the Way. Thank you.
So, now, it is time to sign off.... I could detail the sights and tastes of Rome and Florence, but I will not!
So, until we meet again, may God hold you safe in the palm of his hand.
From The Lord of the RIngs by J.R.R.Tolkien:
Thank you Father for your prayers, and for being able to follow your journey through your blog. You've certainly inspired a new group of people to walk the Camino one day.. now give your soles some rest.. God bless. Safe journey.
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