We just learned that our nephew, Kevin Muldoon, passed away in his sleep. Another death we were not expecting. So we add Kevin, and his wife, children and grandchild, and Kevin’s dad, Ed’s oldest brother, Arthur, to our litany of loved ones whom we are carrying in our hearts to Santiago de Campostela. In addition to Ed’s sister, Mary and her husband, Bill MacDonald, those we’ve lost just recently include nephew Thomas Muldoon and dear family friend, Gary Thomas.

We should reach Santiago tomorrow, God willing. The Camino had taught us much about patience, persistence, providence and kindness. In the free quiet moments before going into tired sleep, Anne has been re-reading Richard Rohr’s book The Universal Christ, to absorb more of its insights. We’ve also been fortunate to participate in Mass many times — in Spanish, Asturiana or Gallega — another “universal” experience.

The last sunset (below) before we walk into Santiago and our prayer for Kevin, Mary, Bill, Thomas, Gary and all our departed family and friends:

Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord and may perpetual light shine upon them.