In Mansfield, I wake up to the splendor of Burnham Family Hospitality. As the French would say, “C’est une bonne adresse!” Last night’s lasagna dinner fulfilled all culinary expectations. Thank you, Beth, Dave (in absentia), Katherine, Laura, and the founders of the last-night’s dinner, the grands, Jay and Horace. This household is a multi-generational oasis.
Today is a spring day to beat all spring days. I choose a street that especially calls out to me, “Pilgrim Road!” That’s a first. As I approach McLean SouthEast, a flood of contradictory emotions wash over me. I remember vividly the events of seventeen months ago. This place was the epicenter of our lives as we sought care to get Nathaniel back on track. Today the hospital grounds have blossomed into a glorious spring. In November 2009, everything was dreary both in actual landscape and inside our hearts.
An introduction to Mark Longsjo, Director of Programs, leads to the decision for us to have lunch together with the hospital medical director, Dr. Jeffrey Rediger. As I sit outside the locked unit, some of the patients file out for recreation. How Nathaniel loved those moments of freedom while in residence here.
Wondering how I would manage to release the strong emotions associated with this institution, Nathaniel gives me a blatant hint–a red-tail hawk swoops down from a nearby tree, passes over my head, and flies away. I’ve always associated this bird of elegance and grace with Nathaniel. “Follow my lead,” it strongly suggests, “and release all those feelings to the universe.” I comply. These moments of liberation happen repeatedly during the camino.
At lunch, we talk about many things related to Nathaniel, his experience at McLean SouthEast, brain disorders in general, and the psychology and physiology of wholeness and wellness. I’m so grateful for their visit.
Then begins the last segment of my walk today–a stroll to Westgate Mall where the Friars of the Atonement still offer a quiet place of worship and rest surrounded by too many big-box stores. The friars are my hosts for the evening. I gladly accept their loving outreach.
