I've now been back in Australia for two weeks and have deliberately not written a further entry, allowing time for the sifting of ideas to continue. These two weeks have been a confirmation of many of the lessons of the Camino - but I can't yet put it into words.
I miss the companions of the Camino - Anne and Nefy, Chris and Lisa, Olivier and others. I miss the rhythm of early morning rising, putting on the rucksack and just walking for hours at a time. My left foot is still giving me some trouble - nothing major, but it is definitely more swollen than the right foot and has a tenderness. I haven't done anything about it, of course!
It's harder being home. I miss Mark more than ever. I'm glad to be back at school and I think I'm a better teacher - more relaxed. I hope I'm a better mother and friend.
I really want to write a great deal more - but can't yet do that. It just needs more time. I had my 54th birthday - after all those years of waiting on that one (because I've said for many years - long before Mark was in my life - that that would be the start of the happiest time of my life) - it was very quiet and I didn't really want to acknowledge it, because Mark wasn't there.
I'm reading Henry Nouwen's 'Seeds of Hope' - just wonderful. And next to my bed is the book that I was given in Iona (often think of Pauline and Sue), and some reflections from Iona. This weekend, I wil ltry to write properly.
I've been following your travels and and am glad you're back home. Belated birthday wishes. Look forward to talking to you soon.
Love,
Asha