To Laurie

Today I will arrive in Santiago de Compostela.   It will be the end of the hardest thing I have ever done in my life.   It has been a dream for many years.   I could not have done this without the help and support of many family and friends. I am dedicating this arrival and completion of this dream to Laurie.

Today is also the longest day of the year, the summer solstice but most of all it is the anniversary of my marriage to the love of my life.  We have spent 28 years of life together as of today.   So many times throughout this journey I have been reminded of you.  I heard the songs of the birds and I was reminded of you.   I saw the forests and was reminded of you.   I saw the wildflowers (especially the wild daisies) and the beautiful gardens and was reminded of you.

I never imagined that 28 years ago today you would really be a part of me.  I never imagined that the life we shared could ever be this good.  

Like the Camino, our life has had its ups and downs.   We have had many obstacles and I can remember in the beginning wondering if we could ever make it together.  It has taken love, tenderness and kindness to overcome these obstacles. 

You have helped me so much in this journey, both in our marriage and the Camino.   Without your love, help and encouragement I could not have done either one.

I have missed you dearly. And I cannot wait to see you tomorrow night. 

Happy anniversary.

Buen camino my love.