In addition to all that (oh so appreciated) support, we have also felt very supported by The Way itself. There is a sort of pilgrim presence that follows you along The Way and spurs you on when you flag and helps you solve the inevitable problems that occur. It is difficult to put this "presence" into words; to try to describe such an ephemeral support is not easy. When we have felt low (not often, but it has happened now and again) the "presence" of The Way has at times surrounded us with support or sent "messages" that gave us courage.
The pilgrim "presence" has given sustenance, shelter and spiritual comfort, in particular at times when we have struggled both physically, emotionally and mentally and in particular when we have doubted our abilities and strengths to complete The Way. The Pilgrim "presence" has smoothed our path, etherally offered words of advice and solace. We can only give you a flavour of this very real support and comfort in the following few photos:
The "presence" at first was shadowy and descrete:
Gradually the " presence" would peer from afar, guiding our feet.
We both felt surrounded by the "presence":
The "presence" often felt like a wise advisor:
At other times the "presence" was there in the background -- to be lent on if needed.
The amorphous support offered by the "presence" gave us heart when days were long.
We often felt the pilgrim "presence" was virtually sharing a drink or two with us:
Everyday the pilgrim "presence" popped up and reminded us of where we were going and where we would return to;
Quite often the pilgrim "presence" remined us to rest and provided us with the will and way to find succour.
The pilgrim "presence" was always a robust support and we drew strength from his strength.
Throughout the jouney the support continued to surround us:
The very real nearness gave heart when heart was needed.
The pilgrim "presence" encouraged us to stride forth and believe we could achieve our goal.
The "presence" was ever there to be lent on and offer a guiding hand.
The " presence" looked ahead and seemed to offer advice to ease our onward journey:
When confused or puzzled the "presence" offered clarity and direction:
Both Charlotte and I have great gratitude and love for this constant pilgrim presence that has enabled us to almost complete this adventure of a life time, walking the Camino Way.
Of course some of you will already have realised who the Virtual Pilgrim is
Not Saint Jacobo but:
Our darling Henry!!!!!!!!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you a million times for enabling me/us to do this trip, holding the fort whilst also giving so much support both practical and emotional.
Love to all J & C
Tomorrow -- Santiago!
Well Jane, I always said that you and Henry were saints the way you are both so kind to everyone (and now that I've seen Charlotte's halo I know she is a saint too)but now I'm beginning to think that maybe Henry is a Guardian Angel.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your achievement, both of you. I think you have done really well and both deserve a Gold Medal for perserverance, ability, strength, courage (the list is endless)
I'm really looking forward to hearing that you are both back with all of your totally unfit friends and family. I know the Guardian Angel can't wait!
Good luck with your final 'few' miles and don't forget the picture of you both reaching the finish line.
Lots of love,
A&J
xxxx
Dear Jane and Charlotte
ReplyDeleteI’ve really enjoyed your illustrated Way commentary. It’s been fascinating reading about, and seeing glimpses of, your adventures at one remove i.e. I haven’t had to move from my study, and this computer, here in Birmingham, England. Vicarious adventure; the best sort. And you’re both very funny too.
So…. I’ve got a selfish request…Could you, um, you know, do-it-all-again, please? Obviously not straight away, say, after two or three weeks R&R, and Charlotte’s wrist is better. No pressure (and stop all that swearing – very unpilgrim like! And what would all the nuns at St Jo’s and ‘Shabby Abbey’ say?)
Although I am not sure the varied ‘presence’ you describe, in his many shapes, would be too keen. Although he could go all high-tech with a drone, and GPS strapped to your bodies! Now there’s a thought for your next ‘pilgrimage’.
No, but seriously though, I am really going to miss logging on, and looking forward to your latest joint ‘episode’. Liz and I have followed your walking and adventures assiduously. To relive the experience it’s either a book (me) or film (Eddie), whichever suits, but you’ve got to do one of them. No pressure then!
I am so impressed that you’ve (nearly) done it. You’re an inspiration to all family and friends. They’ll be a rash of copy-cat ‘Way’ walks, and in the case of the young ones, runs/rides, I’ll bet.
By the time you read this you’ll be in Santiago de Compostela, Say ‘hello’ to St James, and luxuriate in your success, and a lovely hot bath. Commune with your inner prune. And see you both in Brum on Saturday.
All my love XXXX Mark
Dearest Jane and Charlotte,
ReplyDeleteAdmiration, pride, thankfulness, relief, gladness, celebration, ......all flooded through at about 1pm today when you phoned to say you had arrived at Santiago.......
Really, really, really, really (thanks for the idea Lea) well done both of you. I’m very proud of you and very pleased for you.
Enjoy your day in Santiago tomorrow and whilst I’ll be sad to read the last blog, I’ll be much happier to see you again !
With admiration, pride, .... etc... AND love, Henry xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (thanks for the idea Lea)
ps and thank you for the kindest sweetest penultimate blog - I was a bit overcome by it!