A Tribute to Julie

We did it.

Our pilgrimage is complete.

Today, Julie and I walked into Santiago de Compostela and arrived at the magnificent Cathedral that has drawn pilgrims from around the world for more than a thousand years. We were fortunate enough to attend the Pilgrims Mass at noon. I took communion. They swung the giant incense burner through the cathedral. And I cried.

Not the polite little tear that you discreetly wipe away before anyone notices. Nope. Real tears.

The kind that come when your heart is overflowing with gratitude.

This Camino was not the Camino I had envisioned. My knees made sure of that. Every downhill section felt like a personal attack. There were days when I questioned my sanity. There were moments when I wondered if I would make it to the next village, let alone to Santiago.

But as I stand here at the end of this journey, I realize that while I may not have had the Camino I wanted, I received the Camino I needed.

I experienced the kindness of strangers. I met people from all over the world. I was blessed by fellow pilgrims who stopped along the trail to pray for me. I witnessed extraordinary acts of generosity and compassion.

And through it all, there was Julie.

If the Book of Job had a chapter about walking the Camino with a friend whose knees were staging a full-scale rebellion, Julie would be the featured character.

She waited for me on every downhill trail while I hobbled along beside her.

She carried luggage when I couldn’t.

She encouraged me when I was discouraged.

She never once suggested that perhaps my inviting her to join a seventy-year-old woman with foot drop, sciatica, and questionable decision-making skills on a 100-mile pilgrimage through Spain was a flawed plan.

Instead, she showed up every single day with patience, kindness, encouragement, and unwavering support.

There were many times during this journey when I felt that Julie wanted me to succeed almost more than I wanted it for myself.

What a gift that is.

People often talk about guardian angels. I happen to believe I walked beside mine for the last 100 miles.

Julie, I cannot imagine sharing this experience with anyone else.

Thank you for your patience.

Thank you for your strength.

Thank you for your friendship.

Thank you for carrying far more than your share of the burden on this journey.

Most of all, thank you for believing in me on the days when I wasn’t sure I believed in myself.

You have my deepest gratitude, my utmost thanks, and my highest respect.

It has been a privilege and an honor to walk this pilgrimage with you.

I am humbled by your love, your support, and your friendship.

Buen Camino, my dear friend.

We did it.