“An invisible thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, and circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle. But it will never break.”

Ancient Chinese Proverb

If you’ve read the ABOUT THE AUTHOR section above, you know that I am pretty surprised and awed that I am going on this trip. It feels like so much more than a jaunt to Europe. In fact, it feels a bit miraculous! I’ll visit Fatima while I am in Portugal. Now that’s a miracle! In hindsight, the trip is not random. If I step back and look at the big picture, it makes complete sense!

Rewind…

Fifty years ago: I was born in Seville, Spain. From the stories and memories shared, we had a grand ‘ole time. I don’t remember anything from the eighteen months except for what I’ve been told. I’ve never been back, and now I have the opportunity to return to the “homeland” as Matthew calls it.

Thirty years ago: I traveled to London to work for a few weeks during the summer. After, I would meet my BFF from high school, Stephanie, who was studying abroad in Spain. That was the plan. It just didn’t go accordingly. I got extremely homesick and anxious while there. Coincidentally, my parents arrived for an anniversary trip that they had planned before my overseas intentions were expressed. Their getaway didn’t go as planned either. I spent the better part of their romantic trip with them, flew home early, and missed my opportunity to visit Spain and travel Europe. I do have a fond memory of a day at Wimbledon, though (thanks Mom and Dad).

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Sixteen years ago: I attended Stephanie’s wedding in Naples, Florida at the Naples Beach Club. That was our last meeting.

About a year ago: During a visit to our home, my parents suggested a movie called “The Way”. It stars Martin Sheen who walks el Camino de Santiago through northwestern Spain. Upon their recommendation, I watched it, loved it, and put it on my Bucket List. I thought of the line in the movie- “When I was young I was too busy, and now that I’m old, I’m too tired.” Pushing 50, I wondered when I woud find the time. I let the thought go…

Six weeks ago: I was wasting time scrolling through Facebook yet again when I saw a post from Stephanie. This is what it says:

Ten days ago: I submitted payment and bought a ticket to Lisbon. I will walk the Camino Portuguese through northwestern Spain with a group, including Stephanie.

Five days ago: I turned fifty and celebrated the milestone in Naples, Florida with my family . John and I had drinks at the Naples Beach Club where Stephanie got married!

Fast forward…

May 15: I fly to Lisbon to meet Stephanie and the adventure begins!

Bam!!

An invisible thread definitely wove its way through my life experiences, and it definitely stretched through the years. It’s hard to deny that it’s more than a little coincidental. Seems as if I am supposed to visit Spain with Stephanie. Who knows why it played out the way it did. As Albert Einstein points out, a coincidence is just God’s way of staying anonymous.

Note: These photos are not my own. I am not sure who took them at the time although it was probably my mom, Sharon Duggan.