Introduction

Why Walk 500 Miles?

Why not is my response. In 2010 i read a book called the Pilgrimage by Paulo Coelho, a story of the authors experiences along the Camino de Santiago or the way of Saint James. I also gave the book to my dad who read it and afterwards, his first question to me was, “are you going to walk the Camino?” From that point on, walking the Camino went from, "well I never thought about it," to a path where every time i read an article or watched TV or a movie, the Camino was a topic. It seemed as if i was being "called." In 2013, I walked my first 500 plus mile Camino from St. Jean Pied de Port, France to Santiago, Spain, with my nephew John.

Prior to embarking on my first Camino, although it seemed to “call” me, I really did not know the real reason why walking the Camino was so important. In February of 2011, about a year or so after reading the Pilgrimage, my mother passed away. I was the Executor of my moms Will and over the next year, i shut down her life. It wasn’t until April of 2013, while walking the Camino with John did I realize I had not really mourned or said goodbye to my mom. I had been too busy doing the administrative tasks of closing her life. It was at that moment before arriving at the Cruz de Ferro, I knew the reason for all this was to finally say goodbye, and release the burden i was carrying for my mom. It is difficult to explain, even here writing this, but it is a moment i will never forget. The picture below, taken by John, is me tossing the rock at the Cruz de Ferro that symbolized the lifting of my burden.

2013 Cruz de Ferro

I didn't want to stop there either and had decided when i returned home, I wanted to mend my relationship with my older brother, Robbie, who to say the least had a troubled life and past. Robbie had fallen ill with liver disease from decades of alcohol and drug abuse, and 7 years earlier had moved home and ultimately got clean. He changed. After 7 years of helping my parents in their senior years, it was time to bury the hatchet and forgive and forget.

As my nephew John and I returned from our experience in May of 2013, I started to plan a trip to visit my family, including my brother Robbie, but prior to my trip, in June 2013 my brother Robbie passed away suddenly after his liver failed. At his funeral, I made a promise that i would walk the Camino for him and in 2015, I fulfilled the promise trekking the 500 plus mile Camino de Santiago for the second time. Robbie was with me the whole time, I felt him, and when i arrived at the Cruz de Ferro, I finally said goodbye to my brother, again releasing the burden of sadness in my heart. It may be a symbol, but it works. I still miss my brother but he is in a better place.

So now, a third time, well, in November of 2022, 6 days following his 99th birthday, my father passed away, and yes, i made a promise to him before he died that i would honor his life and the life of our family who emigrated to the United States from Portugal 125 plus years ago by walking another 500 miles on the Camino de Santiago. Now, at 62 years of age, this Camino is calling me again. This time, however, i also dedicate my pilgrimage to Roberta, my rock, and my entire family and friends, because you've helped me in some way in my life, I’ve had a blessed life, good times, and you should all know how much i love and appreciate each and every one of you. So, I walk in honor and appreciation of all you too... You will be in my thoughts and prayers the entire time.

On April 18, 2025, I will depart St. Jean Pied de Port, God willing, on my way to another 500 plus mile walk. I hope you will find time to join me!