Blackberries

When my sister died several years ago, I  recognized a relationship that I had with blackberries.  I discovered my appreciation for them in a new way.

Anyway, you can read about that here if you like. goo.gl/nxACVf

I wonder if perfect things happen when you're suffering because you're suffering or it's because you're suffering you see the perfection of things or if it's all just strange coincidences or weird poetry.

I do know that my relationship with blackberries has come up again while walking the Camino. I noticed that I see blackberries constantly along the way. John stops to,pick them...I stop to eat them (usually the ones he picks). But I notice that others...like everybody...except a couple Japanese guys...don't seem interested at all in the delicious blackberry.

I enjoy the blackberry tremendously. But it can only be truly enjoyed when you're parched, a bit exhausted and a little bored. Its only then that you can truly contemplate the subtle and complex flavor and texture of the blackberry.

If you read my other piece about Joanne, you would know that I equated the blackberry with hope and moving beyond suffering. I realized that I could always count on blackberries “on the other side”. It has seemed that enduring the heat and long walk have made the blackberries particularly auspicious on this trip.

It may just be me making them mean more than they do, but I'm really enjoying the blackberries on the Camino and they are certainly making these steps a little easier.