The Camino de Santiago has for centuries, been a destination for those seeking answers – be they spiritual, emotional, or even physical. The righteous and the wretched have carried their sins, regrets, hopes, desperation, and dreams with them as they walk “The Walk” – the 500 mile path of pilgrims.
As I prepare for my Spanish Schlep, like others, I’m carrying a heavy load. I’m bringing with me Donald Trump and he’s my heaviest burden, my biggest strain.
I’m not a religious person, but I like to believe I’m a good person. I believe in good vs. evil, light vs. the dark, U2 vs. Coldplay. I have always tried to do good by my fellow human; offering support when I can, a shoulder to cry on, an extra bar stool to share a good giggle.
But I’m at a loss when it comes to trying to find a good or kind word for our President OR for his supporters.
And I hate this feeling.
I’m obsessed by his greed, his lack of leadership, his callous disregard for the truth or the environment, his obsession of obliterating Obama’s legacy, his terrifying and dangerous war against the free press, his embracing neo-nazis, his inability or lack of interest to understand what it means to be the leader of the United States – to be the president for all of us, not just his core supporters. His, his, his……
ARGH – I gotta stop.
So here’s what I’m hoping to do. I’m hoping to adopt a Trumpeteer. I want to find someone – anyone – who still believes in and supports Trump. I want us to talk about our differences, learn from each other, and work together to fix this feeling of dread and divisiveness that consumes our nation – hell, consumes our world.
I love America, I love Americans. I watch what is happening in Houston where, in the wake of an unprecedented natural disaster – neighbors are helping neighbors, strangers come to the aid of those in need and no one – NO ONE – talks about the color of their skin, what (if any) God they worship, who they love, where their family came from – or if they voted for Trump or Hillary.
They’re Americans. That’s the spirit of our nation, that’s what fills my heart with joy, that’s the country I want now and forever. Perhaps if I can find a Trumpeteer and I can unload my fears, unload my burden, the weight I carry can be replaced by hope.
BONUS
Famous people who have walked the Camino*
- President John Adams
- Suze Orman
- Anthony Quinn
- Shirley MacLaine
- Martin Sheen
- Martin’s son, Emilio Estevez
- Andrew McCarthy
- Stephen Hawking (Welllll, he didn’t walk it, but he did a symbolic wheelchair ride – that still counts in my book)
- Jenna Bush
- Saint Francis of Assisi
- Charlemagne
(*Note: Not all did the full 500, but whatev – I’m trying not to be a hater)