Day 8 – Another burden story – Date – 4.22.2025

The last 2 days I walked 17 miles each.  I wanted to get a taxi after only 7 miles today but I couldn’t get a call thru to arrange it and I could not find my destination on the bus route schedule.  I felt like the Camino was telling me to walk.  So I walked the remaining 10 miles.  Ugh – my body is tired and sore but this is what I signed up for. My burden is nothing like the following. . .

Beth is a golfing buddy who moved to Florida a few years ago.  I’ve been down to this community to play golf in March the past few years.  Beth’s husband is Gordy.  Both Beth and Gordy are gregarious and very giving of their time and talents.  They live in a golfing community where many of the residents are retired.  Gordy is one of those friendly faces that never met a stranger that didn’t become a friend.  He will be at your yard sawing up the falling tree even before you ask him to help.

On 3.22.2025, Gordy suddenly died.  It is a shock to all who knew him and obviously mostly to Beth.  I was in Florida for the funeral and it became apparent to me that not only is Beth and Josie their dog struggling with this loss, but also the community of people that know Beth and Gordy.  This community is like no other neighborhood I’ve ever experienced.  They all look out for each other and pour out their love and support every day.  There is a lot of fun and laughter when they gather for leagues or golf events at the club house restaurant.

Beth is a creative soul and had a craft room where I found rock painting.  I was inspired to make the rock that became my burden rock for my Camino trek.  With Beth’s permission, I painted the aqua side of my rock to represent the burden of losing Gordy.  G to the 2nd power represents “Gordy Gone”.  Beth is depicted in my little red-head face and Josie is the little black dog.  It broke my heart seeing Josie following Gordy’s death looking all over for Gordy.  I added the 19th hole to represent the golf community that is also mourning this loss.  As I said earlier, burdens are easier to carry when shared.  Beth is surviving with the help of her friends & neighbors.  And I know the neighbors are healing with all they are doing to assist Beth.  Even if it’s just golfing with her.  At the funeral service the paster spoke directly to Beth as he knew Gordy as a golfing buddy.  He said most guys get on the golf course to get away from their wives.  Not Gordy.  He was so proud to see Beth playing and would point out where she was when he was playing golf.

So one side of my rock holds the burden Beth is carrying.  I will be praying for her, Josie and all the members of that amazing community when I lay down the rock.

Rest in Peace Gordy