companion – From Late Latin companionem, literally “bread fellow, messmate,” from Latin com “with, together” + panis “bread”. One with whom you share bread.
How was I going to find someone to go on this pilgrimage with me? At times I had actually thought about going on my own, but was advised against it. Of course, I thought, it had to be just the right person. At one point I thought of inviting all my good friends over for coffee, and just presenting them with my idea of walking the Camino and seeing if there was any one of them that would want to go or might know someone who they could recommend. I could visualize all my “soul sisters” as I’ve called them: Jean, Sheila, Kim, Marsha, Barbara, Maureen, Karen, Jeanette, Anne, Anita, Alice and multiple Maria’s.
Then, about a year ago, a friend invited me for coffee one evening. As I was driving to this coffee spot, it hit me…perhaps I should say something about the Camino! No, she’d think I was crazy! But I should tell her about it! No, it sounds outrageous! I actually had this conversation as I drove the two miles from my home, and I’m guessing I was even having this conversation aloud! As I parked the car, I decided that no, I wouldn’t mention it. After about an hour and a half of conversation running from educational theories and research to catching up with our kids, we were winding up our visit. Finally, I just found myself saying, “I’ve got to mention something to you…” She let me ramble on and on and on about this inspiration that I’d had of making this journey, and when I finally stopped, with a sweet smile she told me that, yes, she did know about the Camino and indeed, she had already been thinking that she might want to make the pilgrimage.
Really and truly this is how I found my walking companion. Thank you, Holy Spirit. Oh yes, Marsha, I have a feeling we’re going to be sharing a lot of bread. Very, very good bread.