Viva La Vita

We (Mary (or MJ) and myself) are headed to Porto, Portugal. We will be in Porto for a few days exploring and acclimating to the time change. Then we are on an adventure: E-bike from Esposende, Portugal to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. This route is the Coastal Camino and our journey is 138.56 miles (223km) in distance. We will divide the ride into 5 days. Folks have made this/similar pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela for 1000 years; each person with their own reason/purpose. Some pilgrims walk, others bike.

I’ve felt a strong desire to complete an achievement this year…well the opportunity is here. Every time I talked about the pilgrimage, I would get emotional. It took me some time to understand my emotion.

It has been a trying year for my mom, Patty. The rough road started in the fall last year. It’s been a year of ups and downs for her, yet she has remained incredibly strong and resilient. Mom has been an inspiration. Her example has gotten me through some training days where it would have been easy to say no. So with her example, I am dedicating my e-bike ride on the Camino to my mom. She is riding with me. I am carrying her photo with me. She is with me.

My mom and I do not agree on everything, but one thing we both strongly agree on is: we love and care bout each other. And that is truly all that really matters.

So, the adventure begins today! Thank you Mary for your support, companionship, and willingness to go on the pilgrimage with me.

SO WITH THIS, LET”S ROLL MOM!!!