May 29, 2012 Day 36 — Providence, RI to Attleboro, MA (14.1 miles)

After two days of much needed rest in Providence, I’m ready to take off again. Waking up in Annie Brownell B & B on Angell Street is quite special. There aren’t many other guests here, just one I think, so I get all the attention I want. Aware that I have an 11:00 appointment at Butler Hospital, I pack up and leave a little early so that I can stop by Moses Brown, a Quaker school in Providence located next to Brown University. With no appointment, I boldly introduce myself and get to visit with Ron, the Director of Development. Although our conversation is brief, I feel so at home in this Quaker environment.

A quick glance at the clock tells me that I better hurry off to Butler. What I forget to estimate is that Google gives me the distance to the street entrance. However, Butler Hospital sits on a huge campus way in the back. Blackstone Boulevard is a major divided highway with a green path in the center. Walking quickly (I remember the time), I cross paths with Rita who is also moving at an impressive clip. I barely can keep up with her, but I also know that she’ll get me to the hospital on time if I submit to her rigorous regime. Walking, breathing, and explaining to her my Walking with Nathaniel project leave me breathless at the hospital reception desk, but on time.

I hardly remember our visit to Butler many years ago when Dr. Phillips’s office was located here. When you’re in crisis, you don’t necessarily see what’s surrounds you. You just want help. That certainly was the case back then. Oh, by the way, it’s extremely hot today, so I’m not fresh as a rose when I show up in the boardroom to meet the twelve individuals around the large conference table. The group is diverse in the various roles played here. Added to the group is a delegation from the Coro Center where Dr. Phillips presently runs her BDD program in downtown Providence. As each person introduced him/herself and shared his/her job description, I appreciate the breadth of talent collected in one location. Dr. Greenberg skillfully orchestrates our sharing. I learn about the hospital’s newest research projects in OCD. They learn about Nathaniel’s journey. Our time together quickly connects us, regardless of the role we play.

Based on the number of times my phone quietly vibrates during the meeting, I know that it will take some time for me to sort out what needs my immediate attention afterwards, and what can wait. A phone call from Katie Stinchon, Teak Media Communications, informs me that ABC.com wants an interview this afternoon. Yikes, I haven’t even walked today and assignments are already piling up. One thing at a time. Order from REI another backpack rain cover to replace the one I lost several days ago is the first order of business. It may be sunny today, but what about two days from now?

At 2:00 I finally leave the hospital grounds. Attleboro, today’s destination, is at least 12 miles away. And it’s getting hotter too. And then out of the blue comes the thought that today is the day when the Earlham College Group in Spain walks triumphantly the last 5 kilometers from Monte do Gozo (Mount of Joy) to Santiago, ending the Camino journey. I remember that final stroll to our destination last year. It was bitter sweet–happy to have arrived but sad to know that the journey was over. I send them my best wishes telepathically, knowing that the six-hour time difference between there and here puts the event in Spain already in the past. That’s OK with me. When on the Camino, “chronos time” is always irrelevant, although I better hoof it now if I’m ever going to get to today’s destination in reasonable time.

And I do. But before arriving, I stop at the PeaceLove Studios in Pawtucket established by Jeff Sparr, an alumnus at Moses Brown School, who has struggled with OCD for many years. How I wanted to connect with the creator of this information and artistic center, but it was not meant to be. The “closed” sign suggests that I move on deliberately. The hot sun seconds the motion.

Today I cross the state line from Rhode Island to Massachusetts with no fanfare whatsoever. As a matter of fact, there isn’t even a road sign to indicate the important transition. Poor funding? So much for the band and banners as I enter my final state (five down and one to go). It’s difficult to shout out, “Ultreya!” when the sun is cooking me mercilessly, the sweat is saturating every dry spot of my clothing, and cars keep whizzing by. I guess this represents MA’s new austerity program for the new economy.

I arrive in Attleboro and am picked up by Rachel Rackow who will host me tonight with her husband, Mike. How wonderful to meet her again and to catch up with news. She is “full of child” and it could happen anytime. Tonight? I quickly review in my mind the birthing protocol I learned many years ago. I’ll let Mike take the lead if it’s tonight, otherwise goodnight and sweet dreams.