I can't really describe the emotions as I enter the Compostella de Santiago Cathedral Plaza.  At times I felt attacked by the vendors and the panhandlers.  It seemed like everywhere I looked there was someone looking for a miracle; the blind, the disabled and those that were less fortunate.

 

My feet hurt! Over the last 40 km I wore my sandals rather than shoes!  Then an overwhelming sense of joy, humility and gratitude came upon me!  Three years of planning came to an end...I had completed a Pilgrimage!

 

 

I went into the cathedral and sat down just to reflect.  During that time I felt a peace and a sense of serenity that I have never felt before.  I realized how well I have it and it will get better if I just simply, "Keep It Simple!"

 

That Simplicity includes trusting in a loving God, cleaning my own house and serving others.  Then realizing that a Spiritual Awakening is accepting that I cannot be perfect, but I might as well enjoy the journey (Camino) anyway!

 

 

After obtaining my credential of completion from the Pilgrim's Office it was time for the Pilgrim's Mass.  It seemed that all my fellow Pilgrims along the Camino were at that Mass!  And what a fitting way to say good-bye as greeting each other with, "Peace be with You!"  The next day we were blessed to be able to watch the swinging of the Botafumerio (Incense) and we parted ways...

 

To all the friends and Pilgrims I met along the way, we can always remember in fondness of a commonality we belong to...

 

 



 



In closing a word I often use, "Continue!"  or in this case,

 

"To Be!"

 

"Rome"