This was my final day of walking. It was the most difficult markedly, but also the most rewarding. There were several points at which I thought I would not be able to complete the pilgrimage. However, the need to fulfill my task loomed greatly over me. I had to finish the walk as surely as one must find nourishment each day. In many ways, the pilgrimage was my nourishment; keeping my mind off bodily hunger and feeding my spirit driving me to succeed.
I knew early on that if there were any stops today and my forward motion was stalled, I would fail. Only once did I stop briefly to retrieve food from my pack and eat while continuing on my path.
When I saw the first tall buildings from Sarnia it signaled he closeness of Point Edward. This was definitely a morale boost for me. When I was walking through Sarnia to get to Point Edward, I was joined by my Dad. He walked with me for the last two or three kilometers to Nana's house. We discussed the journey and it really helped me to keep going and reach my goal.
My arrival at Nana's was bliss. I saw her for the first time in months. Most of her hair is gone now, and her demeanor has been softened by morphine. I couldn't help seeing her as she was though, she was my Nana and always would be. Nothing will ever change that.
Our visit was short, but meant the world to me. Both Nana and Papa were very proud of what I had done and they seemed to appreciate it deeply, perhaps more so than me. I am still more or less confused by the meaning of the pilgrimage to me. It was an interesting endeaveor to be sure, but there is much that needs to be resolved within me as yet to complete it.
They knew what I had done though and that I love them. Now, I've proven that to myself as well.
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