Day 13

All good pilgrimages have companions, even those who travel alone.

On the way when walking you will meet other travellers. You are joined by birds on the wing, the flitting butterflies, moths, bees and other flying insects. Along the way you will meet trees and the flowers that adorn the path. And there is every living thing underfoot. To the quiet lizards sunning themselves on warm rocks to the moles, voles and earthworms below.

On this pilgrimage of sorts, I have had many good companions along the way.

Some have sent a message via social media to check in with me.  With questions of How are you? And How is your back? Longer conversations on the phone, supporting and cautioning impatience. Sending good wishes for a speedy recovery.

Some due to their geographical proximity, have visited, traversing the path, bearing gifts of flowers, plants, seedlings and one bringing a bonsai forest so that I can imagine myself under the redwoods once again in Santa Cruz.  Each spending time chatting, checking in regularly, and noticing the tiredness that can overwhelm me before making their way off, a bit richer from our meandering conversations about books, writing, creating and more.

The flowers in my garden chat in various tones as I venture forth each day.  Look at me, see me shine. And the trees on my walk remind me to stand straight, no bending, as I pick up the pace day by day.

And some of my companions have been consistently by my side from start to finish. Tiggy, my golden shadow, rests her head on my lap as I sit. My lovely boys whose cooking skills have improved tenfold in a fortnight. To my darling Carl, my constant companion.

Carl

You care so much

Your calm and cool head

Let me sit for a second longer

With pain and new twinges

Carl

You celebrate so much

Your cheery outlook

Take me into the future

On new paths, new places

Carl

You contribute so much

Your choice to support

Gives me space to

Contemplate, as I walk with you, always

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