A week after Dad and I arrived back to San Diego we planned to set off on a 3 day drive to Michigan for a visit with family. The day before we left it rained a little bit, which was a surprise given the current Southern California drought. However, a hurricane off the coast that week had stirred up weather conditions. Little did the news predict but a heavy rainstorm hit San Diego County late afternoon on the day we headed to the Midwest. At our first night's stop in Grand Junction, Colorado, Dad received a call in the evening from a neighbor about flooding in the area where we live. It had rained 4 inches in just 2 hrs., and streets & yards had become rivers of muddy water.
The next morning friends went over to the house to check it out and unfortunately discovered that the garage, house entryway, and storage sheds had been flooded with mud left behind. Upon hearing the bad news, we immediately turned the car around at the point already driven to that morning and drove 1000 miles back home to clean up the flood mess.
Luckily, the house was spared water, but the storage buildings were hit hard. Lots of things had to be thrown out, including some of my artwork. Most of it was stored in portfolios, and the water seeped through to soak drawings, art school projects, and posters I had made.
After four days of cleaning, sorting, and filling dumpsterfuls with ruined belongings, Dad and I set off again to Michigan. It felt good to get away even though there was still more to do when we returned. While driving the endless miles across the heartland I had time to think about what had happened. If I hadn't walked the Camino, the challenge of losing belongings, especially artwork, would have been more difficult.
The Camino teaches to lighten the load, let go of material things, and live in the moment. Walking with just a pack on your back reassesses what's important or necessary to carry. Many pilgrims return home from their journeys and then get rid of stuff. Although I wish the flood hadn't happened, I'm grateful the Camino's lessons prepared me to get through the loss of irreplaceable things.
The Camino has also given me the gift of time spent with Dad on the trail and the opportunity to explore Spanish culture and meet peregrinos from around the world. For all of these experiences, I am truly thankful.
Gracias to everyone who helped & welcomed us along the Road on Camino Tres. Until our paths cross again, Ultreia and Buen Camino!
