June 18 Wednesday - Santiago
Adjustment Day
She just stood there, shaking and sobbing for all the world to see. Overcome with emotion, it seemed there was little else to do. I stepped over and quietly wrapped my arms around her and hugged her. She hugged back. Nothing was said, by either of us. No words were necessary. We have both walked the Camino. This was her first. We had both walked into Santiago. We had both walked into the Pilgrim's Office. We had both walked up to the desk, answered those few questions, and had someone inscribe our names in Latin. We had both been handed our Compostela. We had both felt that moment of excitement that we had arrived, we had done it, we had survived, and we are blessed. We had both felt that sense of completeness at our journey's end and we had both felt the overwhelming sadness that it had come to an end, our journey was over, our experience done. No words were necessary. We shared a common bond.
We released our hold on each other, returned to the day, better people for our shared moment. We nodded and she walked away smiling. I hope she discovers what I discovered, that the journey changes but it never ends. The mark of the Camino is indelible, maybe not for everyone, but for everyone I have known who has been lucky enough to walk this magical path. I walked the Camino and the Camino walked me. It is shared quiet moments, like this one, that make me glad I have the opportunity to be a volunteer, an Amiga, in the Pilgrim's Office.
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