True Grit

We are in Tamel at the Portela Albuergue.  We walked a relatively short, but arduous day today.  It was hot and the last mile or so was up, up, up.  We both made it.  I have been amazed by the tenacity of my mother.  She is 81 years old, she must walk slowly and take many breaks, but she never gives up.  Just keeps on walking.  A few days ago, we knew we were nearly to the albuergue (the name of the pilgrim hostels) but Mom had had enough and said to go on, and send someone to get her, a taxi.  So I rushed ahead to the albuergue, and everything was shut down, as it was the middle of the day.  I saw a guy getting into a car, so I ran up to him to ask for help.  He didn't speak English, so he called a friend who did speak English.  I told him, he told his friend, and suddenly I was zipping along in his car; we both looking for my mom.  Well, we arrived at the spot where I left her and she wasn't there!  We drove around looking for her, and finally I communicated with many hand gestures that I would look for her on foot.  I did, and there she was, along the way, walking and following the arrows.  She said, 'Well, I can follow the arrows just like anyone else.  I just take a break, then walk a little more, then take a break, and so on...'  Today it was brutally hot, and she walked up a huge hill in the heat.  Taking her time, but making it.  I am learning a lot about tenacity, breathing, resting, looking around you, and the spirit of adventure.  This is a wonderful experience to share with my mom.