What I will miss...

Abby, Kaya & Keller last year

    I spent a lovely day with my three grandchildren on Thursday.  In the past that would be quite a workout, but now that Keller is six, Kaya is seven and Abby is almost eight, they are less labor intensive.  We went to a wonderful production of Rapunzel at the Paintbox Theater in Northampton.  They always put a great spin on these fairy tales and had the kids up dancing, yelling at the actors, giving stage directions, you name it.  In fact all three of them got to go on stage briefly as they joined others playing the part of Rapunzel's large, hungry family.  Afterwards we went to Look Park and enjoyed a picnic followed by time in the waterpark and on the playground.  Now that I don't have to chase after them they can expend their energy while I sit and enjoy watching them.
   One of the things I thought of as I watched was how much I will miss them while I am away on the Camino.  Six weeks is a long time to be away from children.  School will start, teeth may come out, accidents may happen, accomplishments will be confirmed, and I won't be there.  But one thing will not change... I have always held my grandchildren up in prayer each day and I imagine that while on the Camino I will be able to do this extravagantly.  If nothing else, I will have time.
    Of course there are a number of other things that I will miss while I'm walking - all my possessions in my backpack.  More thoughts on that at another time.