The Good News

In my last post I shared with you the fact that we were forced to delay our return to the Camino due to a hip issue. After numerous visits to many doctors we have finally learned #1 I do not need a hip replacement - yet - and #2 I have an issue with a persistent severe bursitis. What that translates to is this - physical therapy - stretching exercises - slow recovery time. It is disappointing - but God willing - only a delay.  In the meantime we are pursuing less vigorous activities and accepting God's time line - not our own.  

We were recently informed by our sons that we are going to Italy next June with the entire family - traveling with a group of fourteen to visit Venice - Rome and spending five days at a villa on the Adriatic.  For now - that is the extent of our travels.  Unlike many who choose to ignore their doctor's recommendations and end up in a hospital in Spain - we will continue therapy here until back in good health. The Camino has been there for thousands of years - it is not going away- so we will wait.

Buen Camino
Dale & Arlene

Bumps In The Road

And this too will past - plans to return to the Camino for 2016 - now in the trash. I have been coping with a leg issue since last November and due to circumstances - too many to enumerate - we have cancelled our return trip this fall. Now - if lucky - not until 2017. This is not what either of us  wanted - what we have to contend with - knees - hips - legs - backs - all very important when considering the Camino.

When we walked in Fall of 2013 - we met many people walking - against doctor's advice - most who ended up cutting their Camino short - going home - many in tears.  Hip - knee - back issues - ignored - due a romanticized idea of the Camino. The Camino will provide. That statement spoken so frequently by the naive - inexperienced - lucky ones whose major issue was not enough food - lost trekking poles - buying forgotten items of necessity. This old boy scout - be prepared - for anything - everything. This deacon smart enough to know that God helps those who help themselves - uses their brains - God given talents - wisdom - to walk any pilgrimage - well prepared. Miracles do happen on the Camino - the majority - in the region of the heart - not the flesh and bloody heart - but in that place inside each of us - we call the heart - where our spirituality - wisdom reside.

This current issue is a setback - not a stop sign - rather a caution sign - yield to the moment - exercise wisdom - caution before proceeding. Proceed we will - just not in this year.

Buen Camino
Dale & Arlene