I'm Blessed....

I went to the cathedral yesterday to meditate for a while. After a few minutes, I heard some noise and looked up. A priest setting up for the Holy Sacrament off to the side in front on three people in the first pew. Wanting to be part, but not disturb, I moved closer. The priest motioned me to join in. He asked if I understood French and said no, English. He went through the reading and blessing of these three Pilgrims in French and offered communion to them. Telling that I was not Catholic, he came over and placed his hand on my head and blessed me to keep me safe. This is the third time I have been blessed by someone since I was in Los Gatos and it meant something all three times.

The Way of Napoleon as it's known out of St Jean is serious and difficult. It's about 4,500 ft climb in 12 miles to the top of the Pyrenees. Whether it's you first day on Camino Frances to Santiago as I am, or your last day starting in Paris or someplace else ending in Roncesvalles; the goal is the same. To survive a very difficult leg of the Camino. They warn you not to go this way at the tourist office and make you sign a waiver that you have been warned of the danger of the high winds and changeable weather. Most Pilgrims choose to do it.

I am doing it this morning with excitement and more than a bit of fear, hoping to draw on that inner strength that people find at times like this. I'll take the Blessing with open arms.

Dave