We gather. Forty-one of us from around the world, pilgrims to Iona, Scotland. We share stories of our lives, in one-to-one conversations across the table, in our dorm rooms as we prepare for the day, in dyads during morning sessions. How interesting what has brought each person to this place-- all unique yet with the common … Continue reading We Gather
Month: September 2017
Path to Iona
We parted in Edinburgh--David for the airport and I headed for Waverly Train station. The remainder of our trip together we were able to do the things we planned, just more slowly and with more caution. I felt that tension of transition, saying "Goodbye"to David, praying for his travel with a crutch, and moving … Continue reading Path to Iona
Tea at Two
Tea at Two. That's what we'd agreed on, my new online friend and me, fellow breast cancer survivors from either side of the pond. We'd have tea near my hotel at Hyde Park in London. I was excited to meet her in person and to have a real British teatime. I envisioned a table covered … Continue reading Tea at Two
Paris Can’t Wait
Paris Can't Wait. That's what my friend, Jennifer, named the Pinterest board she created for me. Madame Sparrow has been my friend for sixteen years since I met her at our middle school. She had lived in France for twelve years and taught French to our middle schoolers. Over the past months she's been educating … Continue reading Paris Can’t Wait
Go Fund Me
Today I take off on my trip and feel deeply grateful. I remember back to the end of March when I retired. Our school staff and my nursing colleagues honored me and later there was another party with friends. What I didn't expect was a surprise party given by my family. I was shocked and speechless-- a … Continue reading Go Fund Me
The Path of the Storm
I ran my travel errands amid the reports of Hurricane Irma approaching Florida and two other storms, Jose and Katya, also churning the waters. Watching the predictions of Irma’s path, I’m focused on Atlanta and Charleston, the two cities where my sons live, and then I watch for our area of central North Carolina. Besides … Continue reading The Path of the Storm
Chicken Man of Chincoteague
I wanted a picture of the sign by the road, my final snapshot from my journey to Chincoteague Island, Virginia. It would be a gift for my chicken-loving-friend in Baltimore. Pulling out my camera, a man came over to me. "Mind if I take a picture of your sign?" "It'll cost you some silver," he … Continue reading Chicken Man of Chincoteague
Walking to the Depths
My third solo journey was to the Sea of Peace House of Prayer, a center for contemplation at Edisto Island, South Carolina. I was searching for pastoral support to examine my life. Sharon, the spiritual director, described the tools available including one-to-one sessions and walking the labyrinth. When I saw that sandy path edged in … Continue reading Walking to the Depths
Connie Rosser Riddle 