Walking the Camino
Really?!… ME? Why NOT?!
Here I go on MY WAY. One of my intentions for walking the Camino is to be more open about why I am walking it. As well as, hopefully, encourage other folks who can relate to my story, to walk their own Camino.
So What is My Story?
That’s a bit of a loaded question and you all should know the answer since MS pushed me to create. However, all my life before 9/22/2012, I was extremely active in the outdoors reaching a point where I was a trail runner, backpacker, adventure traveler, rock & ice climber. I loved doing those things because I was in the moment, living in nature, which was part of my sacred space. That day in September I was forced into a realization that my life had changed forever. For the next 10 years, I was in and out of bed, unable to walk, process information, and most importantly snuggle with my little girl. It was very difficult for her to understand that she couldn’t touch Mama because I was in so much pain. We became creative though and that is what truly saved me. My left brain woke up and overnight I became an artist. I still didn’t physically function very well but I managed.
Discovering the Camino
Route Map of the Camino de Santiago
Something else I had to give up on was walking the Camino. I discovered the Camino in 1994 while attending school in Australia. Of course it involved a boy, who I was madly in love with as young people do. He introduced me to Paulo Coelho, author of The Alchemist and other books, and my Camino dream began. Back in the States 20 years later, no boy, ahh young love; but a most amazing, supportive, patient husband who I adore. I was turning 40 and I had the support to walk the Camino for my 40th. However, 9 months before my 40th, my energy plummeted to zero. I lost feeling in my right side but felt as if I was on fire. The brain is a strange thing. It was MS. So, no more Camino, no more hiking, no more traveling, and no more immersing myself in sacred space as I explored what it meant to live with this disease. The last 10 years have not been pleasant but through it all, I tried my best to be present for myself and my family. I did this through my art and discovering ways to be with my family in nature that were meaningful.
Rediscovering Opportunity
Then 8 months ago an amazing thing happened. It could be called a miracle a coincidence or just downright good luck. I got on a new medication and everything changed. I have energy. I could walk in a straight line. I could walk more than 1/2 a mile. Perhaps the universe or the divine knew that my Camino dream was only on hold. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason at the time that it needs to happen. I guess this is my time. I am taking hold and embracing this change. Because I never know when things will change. MS is a fickle bitch. I know in the end I will probably end up in a wheelchair but for now, I am walking the Camino.
Committing to the Camino
I have not traveled in 10 years. I have not been on an airplane in 10 years. I haven’t done anything on my own in 10 years. I am terrified. However this past summer I walked 2 1/2 miles by myself. It was a miracle. I never thought I would be able to do that again. Now I am training several times a week. Last week I walked 7 miles then yesterday I walked 9 miles. Woowhoooo!!! So, that is the beginning of my Camino story. I hope you all will join me on this adventure. It’s going to be filled with tears and laughter but most importantly HOPE.
