A Heart Opened
A Heart Opened
by Kenneth Stevens | Seguin, TX
Walking for six to eight hours a day at my own pace (and so mostly alone), I had ample time to reflect on the past 72 years of my life—the wonderful, the sad, and even a few regretful moments. I thought about how life, in general, has been kind to me, placing many opportunities in front of me, presenting a few challenges that were growth experiences. And, I thought about some important people in my life.
I thought of my mother, who died from leukemia when I was just 11 years old. Losing her at a young age no doubt contributed to my feelings of insecurity and mental health struggles throughout my middle school and high school years. But I was fortunate my father remarried a lady who loved my brother and me like her own. I was also fortunate to have a handful of teachers, neighbors, and relatives who recognized my struggles and helped save me.
I thought especially of two educators who had a profound impact on my life. First there was my high school guidance counselor, Mr. Stokes. As I struggled to see a path into adulthood, he facilitated a meeting between the local U.S. Navy recruiter and my dad. I enlisted in the U.S. Navy, reporting for duty two days after graduating high school, and my eight years in naval aviation electronics would provide the foundation for a 40-year career in information technology. And then there was my high school speech and drama teacher, Ms. Jurek. Even though my skills in these areas were marginal at best, she knew of my childhood challenges and supported me. Little did I know then the giant impact her classes would have on my life only a few years later.
I thought of my shipmate, who knew I had done speech and drama in high school. Three years into my U.S. Navy enlistment, he suggested we try out for parts in the local theater production of The Front Page. We did, and both earned small parts. During the second rehearsal, I heard a noise to my left and turned to find the most beautiful young lady I had ever seen. Debbie and I soon started dating, six months later we married, 12 years later we welcomed our son Sean into the world, and for more than 51 years we’ve shared a wonderful life built on respect, compromise, and showing our love for each other every day.
I also thought about our bodies as they age, and the variety of maladies and side effects one might face. I still feel fortunate, despite facing a few myself: Type 2 diabetes (treatable); a melanoma on my face (fully recovered); a minor heart blockage (healed by a stent); prostate cancer (addressed through surgery).
What does this personal history of 72 years have to do with the Camino? All the planning and preparation. Trials and tribulations. Time spent walking alone reflecting on a blessed life. Camaraderie and special moments shared with my “Camino family.” Meaningful interactions with a diverse array of pilgrims on a common path. Hospitality, kindness, and friendliness of hospitaleros and local people. And seeing the “Camino provide” in so many practical ways. Experiencing all of this in this special place and at this stage of my life, my heart opened and allowed me to feel something I hadn’t in decades: a renewed relationship with my God.
Having walked nearly 500 miles over 44 days, I arrived on the doorstep of the Catedral de Santiago de Compostela, accomplishing the goal of my spiritual pilgrimage.
