Read part one here.
Read part three here.
In September of 2009, we lost a dear person in our lives; my husband’s mother, my mother-in-law and grandmother to my children. Marjorie was a kind, loving person who loved us very much and whose presence was always a joy to us all.
One of the things that brought joy to Marjorie was travel. She didn’t get to do this much during her life and she often asked me details about my work and personal travels. I know that she would have followed my adventures on the Camino with great interest and zeal therefore, long before my departure in May of 2011, I spoke to my husband about the idea of carrying some of her ashes with me.
It was by far one of the lightest items in my pack, yet, every day I would double-check to ensure that small bag carrying her ashes was safe and secure. Having her with me was somehow my way of ensuring she was with me both in spirit and in body. I seldom spoke of my items that were bound for the Cruz de Ferro, yet her image and the memories of her life with us was forefront in my mind.
A few years ago my best friend’s father, Louis, passed away. I lost my own father at the age of nine, and Louis played the part of surrogate father to me and he became an integral part of my day-to-day life. At his funeral I found myself mourning not only him, but also my own father’s passing again. I vowed to have Louis’, my mother in law’s, and my parents’ memories honored not only during my Camino, but especially at the Cruz de Ferro.
I carried the two small artificial flowers that mysteriously appeared at my parents’ graves, my mother-in-law’s ashes, my father’s rosary, and for my best friend’s father, I decided to chose a rock from the Camino itself. During my first few weeks on the Camino not one rock really spoke to me. Days went by and on the morning of the Camino walk leading to the Cruz I found myself panicking as I had not found my special rock for him.
With every step towards the Cruz I became more and more agitated. Surely with all the millions of rocks on the Camino, one would speak to me. The Cruz could be seen in the distant horizon and I said a small prayer for Louis and at that exact moment, I was aware of a thought in my mind: “Look behind you.” I stopped and turned towards the road already traveled and saw a glimpse of reflection coming from a small pile of rocks by the roadside. As I approached it I realized the minerals in that small set of rocks made the rocks shine like no other on the path. I knew at that moment that I had found what would become Louis’ rock.
All the elements representing my close loved ones were now in my hands as I made my way to the cross. I found a quiet area away from the bustle of the pilgrims and reveled in the joy and love of these wonderful souls who graced my life. That day not only brought me beautiful memories but also the reminder of the fragility of life, and the need for us to love and cherish our close ones while we have them in our present life.
As I left the cross knowing its history and energy brought much to my Camino experience, little did I know that its messages were not yet complete. Around the bend something even more amazing was waiting for me.
To be continued . . .
Buen “magical” Camino journey,
Sylvie
Canada
www.sylviehanes.ca
Completed first Camino in 2011