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Writer's pictureAJ Brenneman

From Mom




Hi Everyone,


This is Mina, AJ’s mom. 


We’re leaving for Portugal in just over 10 days. It’s been a long journey for AJ already – the blog, the fundraiser, the NYC race, the training hikes, the shopping, the packing, etc. But the biggest effort is still ahead.


And for me — what is it going to be like walking this path together with my three children? I honestly don’t know. I’d dreamed about it for many years, but AJ blew my mind by taking the lead on it.


One thing that I do know is that the Camino not only brings you closer to some of your deepest personal truths, but it also gives you exactly what you need – no more and no less. There’s a saying among pilgrims, “the Camino provides.” I never knew how true this is until I experienced it myself. 


Let’s call it “The Miracle of the Shoes.”


I’ve walked two Caminos so far: the Camino Frances (~500 miles) in 2016 and the Camino Finisterre-Muxia (~100 miles) in 2023. Both times, I injured my left foot and it looked like my Camino would be over exactly 3 days before reaching Santiago de Compostela.


The first time – in 2016 – I slid into a big rock. I kept going, but my foot got progressively worse over several days. Finally, about 100 km before Santiago, I could no longer put my hiking shoe on. When I got to Sarria, I barely dragged myself out in the morning. And then – just as I was tearfully planning my exit from the Camino – I spotted a hiking supplies store. Open at 7 AM… in Spain.


Well, that was odd. But what the heck. So I went in. Nothing in my size fit me. My foot was so swollen that I needed something 2 sizes larger. Something that didn’t touch my big toe. The only option was a pair of ugly fluorescent orange open-toe Teva sandals. Picture me a few minutes later in my sage green hiking capri pants, gray padded socks, and brand new traffic-stopping Tevas. 


Ridiculous, I know. But my toes were free and clear, and I could actually walk. I got back on the trail.


A few miles out of Sarria, I realized what day it was. August 24 — my 14-year wedding anniversary. The Teva sandals were a very timely gift from David. I could just see him grinning from ear to ear.


Last year on the Camino, I injured the same big toe. The pain became unbearable about 100 km from Santiago. This time, I was in the coastal town of Muxia. In a weird deja vu, I woke up in the morning and could not force my left foot into the hiking shoe. 


Unfortunately, there were no hiking stores that I could find in Muxia. Most pilgrims visit there after they finish the Camino and presumably don’t need any further supplies. I made a desperate foray into a random hardware store. I was only looking for a tool to cut off the front of my left shoe.


To repeat: this was a hardware store that doesn’t sell shoes. But they somehow had a pair of hiking sneakers and they happened to be my size, with a toe box large enough to spare my injured toe. How incongruous… and miraculous.


Once again, I had to thank David for the killer gift. 


Now these shoe incidents are pretty curious, but here’s some context. David believed in offering meaningful, functional presents – sometimes after months of saving up. When we were struggling graduate students, he surprised me with a pair of fine Italian leather sandals. Is it any wonder he gave me appropriate footwear twice on the Camino, and just when I most needed it?! Classic David move.


So I do wonder what surprises the Camino and David have in store for us this year. I know that despite all the months of preparation, I will still forget things and make (dumb) mistakes. 


But I trust that David will be watching even more closely this time. I know we’ll catch glimpses of him just around the corner — just like in that photo Mike took in Lisbon — beckoning us on, leading the way, and cracking his signature jokes. 


My biggest wish for AJ, Will, and Maggie is that they each get a sign, a miracle – whatever they need – to assure them that their dad is forever and always by their side. 


Thank you from the bottom of my heart for accompanying us on our journey and for supporting AJ’s sarcoma fundraiser. 


AJ will write one more time next week before we leave for Porto. 

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