Day 20 – I still hope

We had a long day today – 30km – and are now less than 10km from Santiago.

To ensure success, we have stayed at many of the same albergues as last year (often even in the same bunk!) and, as appropriate, have shipped Rosemary’s bag.  Much of my journey has been a lovely repeat of one of the most joyous experiences of my life.  Today’s post may be a repeat of last year’s at this time, but I think it still properly sums up the journey, with perhaps an update or two;

I hope I have retained my openness to new experiences and people;

I hope I have and will continue to be less judgemental and more accepting;

I hope I have become more generous;

I hope I am more willing to laugh at life’s small adversities and separate them from things that really matter;

I hope I can be the type of friend/cousin/sister/niece/mother/ wife that you all deserve;

I hope these lessons will stay with me forever.

I know that Rosemary and I will walk together into Santiago tomorrow;

I know that I have been surrounded by love and support since the day I was born;

I know I will be even happier to see Sophie Monday evening than she will be to see me;

I know Jamie and Katie (who turns 30 today!) continue to make me proud every day;

I know Tom’s love and support for me venturing out on the Camino 2 years in a row is reflective of the love, respect and support we have now shared for over 40 years;

I know I have never taken a single step alone.

Thank you all so much for being a part of my life.