This is my first post since having completed my Vezelay to St Jean Pied de Port 900 kilometer pilgrimage 13 September 2018. After completing such a journey and experiencing a tremendous natural high that came with it, I just did not feel like writing anything at all. Now, however, I have a renewed interest and strength and a peaceful easy feeling:
2018 was a bittersweet year for me. My dear wife passed away from Cancer 08 December 2017. Our first grandchild was born 01 April 2018. April Fools Day but more importantly, Easter Sunday. A real blessing for me but sad that my wife never got to hold her.
I spent most of my time in the first 6 months of 2018 planning my pilgrimage. This proved to be a very welcomed distraction from my grief. I will not go into it as you can read about it in my archived posts starting around the 27 July – 13/14 September 2018. I felt my wife’s presence throughout the long walk. Silent times for personal reflection among some of the most beautiful scenery on the planet – France. Mon Dieu, beaucoup de belle pay. Je l’aime. It renewed my faith in life and in God. My anger about my wife’s death dissipated like a light translucent fog in a light summer’s breeze. How could I remain sad in this environment?
From there I went to Lourdes, which was a very personal journey for me. Then finishing off this glorious summer trek with a visit to a very old, but dear friend, who now lives in Switzerland. Spending a week with her, her husband and family was a highlight for me. Thanks Ruth and Pascal.
I was able to say goodbye to Marijke and I could sense her letting me go. To move on. It is okay, she whispered in my ear, GO, and live, just as a soft, light enveloping wind swept over me like a cool refreshing blanket in this summer’s heat. I will never forget her but I must move on for the sake of my two sons, and now my grandchild.
Goodbye Marijke. Until me meet again. Hallelujah!
That is it. I look forward to the New Year with a renewed sense of purpose and interest. Those that know me and have followed this blog know that I am a compassionate conservative, who likes to poke fun at current events, and personalities – left or right, up or down, it makes no difference to me.
Here is my last song. Cheap Trick: I Want You to Want Me!
https://youtu.be/BJs_L7yq5qE
SJ………………………………….Over and out.
Happy New Year John. Thanks as always for sharing with your readers. Your pilgrimage was amazing on so many levels and I’m so glad it also helped you heal. I’m sure you will continue your healing in 2019 with the support of friends, but most of all family.
Thanks Ted. Happy New Year to you as well. Hope to see you soon. Saw the pics from Mt Washington. Fun times. Wonderful…..John
Cher ami,
Merci pour ton téléphone qui nous a fait très plaisir et merci aussi pour le nouveau départ de ton blog.
On t’avait suivi chaque jour cet été et on pensait bien que tu reviendrais une fois sur ton support. Il fallait juste te laisser le temps de digérer.
Choisir le 1er de l’an 2019 c’est une très belle surprise et un beau geste. Une histoire nouvelle commence avec cette relation si particulière avec nous les suisses. Amitiés
Pascal et Ruth
Merci pour cela et Merci pour la belle carte concernant votre mère Pascal….John
Thank you so much for sharing your journey.
Please keep writing your reflections and findings. The rest of us need to hear and learn from what you have learned and experienced. These are truly some of the most important things in life.
In a world of rushing noise, your posts have been signposts of my/our need to slow down, listen and connect to some deep truths.
Bless you as you continue on your path.
Thanks man. Appreciate it.
SJ