My desire to make this pilgrimage was lit in earnest nearly 15 years ago by my best friend Mary. She almost walked it for her 50th birthday. We almost walked it for my 40th. Then her 55th. Then my 45th. Then her 60th. Then my 50th. When I started graduate school I knew I would find a way to make the Camino a central part of my learning. Sadly all sorts of crazy fun and life prevented Mary and I from walking this first Road together. From the first time she mentioned it to me, this was our walk. It still is. I saw her every day and everywhere on the road. And, I know, there are many Roads ahead of us.
Where is my Mary?
There are one thousand churches on this road
Each a place for Mary
Mary the Virgin
Mary on a Donkey
Mary the Mother
Mary the Cradling
Mary the Mourning
Mary the Weeping
Mary the Ascending
Mary the Enthroned
Mary the Crowned
Mary the Haloed
Mary the Rosary-giving
Mary the Disciple
Mary the Magdalene
Mary the Saint
But none of them is
My Mary
Mary the midwife
Mary the maker
Mary the wild woman
Mary the Scotch-loving farmer
Mary the grower
Mary the feeder
Mary the restorer
Mary the sexy
Mary the lioness
Mary the mother of many
Mary of the full skirt and good shoes
Mary my friend
Who pointed me toward this road
And said: Walk
~ Cheryl Murfin, along the Camino de Santiago
We are always connected my friend. I love you.
Your Mary.