A few reflections from Mona

A few reflections from Mona:
Were 5 days on the Camino de Santiago the most physically challenging thing I ever done? No, not at all… In fact, I actually felt stronger each day (with the exception of Wednesday). I would say training and running a 26.2 marathon was much harder, climbing Angel’s Landing (Zion National Park in Utah) and facing my fear across that narrow foot passage up 1,000 feet was harder, training and walking 40 miles in 2 days to raise money for Susan G. Komen was even harder and so on…What made walking 71 miles in 5 days across rocky terrain, up & down numerous hills manageable (dare I say enjoyable) was the fact I wasn’t alone. Not only was I reunited with my husband but I was there with two of my best friends and could feel the spirit of the camino all around me. It was truly magical and special. Very hard to explain in words. There is a mutual camaraderie among everyone you meet and so you feel instantly connected. Eunice joked that my spirits would perk up with each new person I met. There was Val from Australia on Day 1 who reminded me to make this camino my own and take it at my pace – no one else’s. Very wise advice that served me well. Then we all met Will from Barcelona who walked with us on the toughest day – Wednesday and taught us that random acts of kindness and warmth are still alive. I have to mention Maria also from Spain who was only 15 yrs old. Concetta & Eunice met her on Monday but I didn’t meet her until Friday. She wanted to practice her English so she asked if she could walk with me for awhile. Little did she know, she was the one doing me a favor that day. 
As Derek & I take time to rest now on the coast of Spain (yes, I know… “Life is Rough”) I am grateful for soooooo many things!!! I’m so happy that I could take time off to do this. I have an amazing boss and team of colleagues who are covering for me right now…. THANK YOU!!! I’m grateful for a healthy right hamstring and left heel (plantar fasciitis) that held up through all the steps. I’m super proud of my fabulous husband who completed the Camino and was the inspiration for this entire trip! AND, I truly appreciate Eunice & Concetta for being there for me through a rough day 1, letting me crash early at night, shoe shopping and countless little things friends just do! 
Sending out lots of love and positive energy to all who read this!!!