In May this year, Zara (who’s one of our marvellous concierge team, as anyone who’s booked a villa with us might know) is walking the Camino de Santiago, the famous pilgrimage that ends at Santiago de Compostela in north-western Spain. Zara’s been kind enough to write us a quick blog detailing the reasons behind her decision to walk the route, which we hope will inspire people to contribute to the great cause she’s helping support. Donate now.
“Not all those who wander are lost.”
In his epic fantasy, The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien includes a poem from which this is the second part of the first line. I am about to embark on the biggest wander of my life.
My big brother Jason passed away on Wednesday 12th May 2010, at home after an 18 month battle with cancer, during which he showed tremendous courage and determination. I still miss him more than I thought possible, in every thought and each breath. He was not only my brother, but a best friend through thick and thin. A part of my soul is missing and I feel cheated.
As Rose Kennedy aptly states “It has been said ‘Time heals all wounds’. I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue and the pain lessens. But it is never gone.”
With this being said, the resolute and brave manner he displayed throughout his struggle serves as an example to those he leaves behind to never lose hope in the face of adversity. This year is the 5th year anniversary of his passing away – I am walking the Camino de Santiago starting on this date. I will be flying into North-East Spain to join the Camino Francés which I will walk all the way to the tomb of St. James in Santiago de Compostela. Jason has given me inspiration and strength to live each day with a greater meaning. Life is precious. He loved a challenge so I am walking in his honour (and for my own peace of mind.) I am so very fortunate to have such positive people who surround me, including those at Oliver’s Travels, without whom I would not have had the encouragement to get on with this!
Jason’s battle with cancer was treated at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital and we hope with your support that others may be helped further. With your kind donations we hope through research they can get a better understanding of these diseases, staff training and more support can be given to those in need.
Thank you for the love, kindness and support on behalf of Jason. He was a unique individual, special to all who knew him, always generous, warm, loving and kind. His cheeky grin and outrageous sense of humour will be missed by us all, and we will cherish our memories with him forever.
Lots of love,
Zara
(Route image via Wikipedia Commons)
