Along the way....

My mother asked me the other day what I wanted/hoped to get out my journey.The answer is that I don't know.I really don't want to go with any expectations.I really just want to come to terms with my regrets,my mistakes,my demons.I want peace.A renewed soul.I'd like to leave the last 2 years behind me and move forward into my future with an enlightened soul and a happy heart.I'd like to be a better aunt,sister,friend and lover.
I am not the only pilgrim in my family.My great grandmother left her slovak home at 16 to take a boat alone to America.She married and was widowed young. She raised a family and taught them the meaning of hard work and more importantly un conditional love.I come from a line of very strong and determined woman.
This trip was really not planned.Deb and I started walking on father's day.She told me about a woman who,recently divorced @ 36,decided to take this pilgrimage.When I came home and read her blog I saw that the route of the camino was marked with scallop shells. I took it as a sign.Not really having any idea what exactly we were getting into we bought our airline tickets on wed.The rest is history.
My dad told me he loved Spain.I will walk for him.Just having him in my life was his gift to me. I will walk for my Nanny & Grampy who loved me unconditionally all their lives.Mary(nanny) was my best friend since I was a little girl.I will walk for all my friends that have been there for me through thick and thin,good times and bad.I love you all.I will walk for the two strongest woman I know...My mother and sister.They are my Lions! I want Carly and Chloe to know that nothing is unattainable.That dreams do come true.Just be true to yourselves.I want Lucy to know she's my rock.Billie , my"other mother,"is always a wonderful listener and ALWAYS a good Laugh.Karen you are my direct Line to God.I thank you always and forever for that.Lynda,thank you for being a great partner & friend.I will walk for your daddy.Thank you cathy for your undieing faith in me & tailgating cosmos.Thank you Kim for porch nights.Thank you Mary for sharing blonde moments.All my friends are incredible woman.
In closing you should know that I am walking with an amazing woman.Debbie is warm,funny,patient,and very giving.I am truly blessed.I geuss I do have some expectations! I expect to have lots of laughs and memories from our journey.I expect to release myself from what's been weighing me down.I expect to drink ALOT OF AWESOME WINE!!! LOL
Wish me a safe,blisterless journey my dear friends! Lisa