Dandalk Day 2

 Things are not going the way I planned. I think that is the pilgrimage part of this journey. Friday evening my throat felt scratchy. I thought, maybe I am dehydrated, I have not had much to drink today. Then waking up Saturday morning my throat was very sore and I was congested. Before starting out to walk Brigid’s Way, I decided I should find a Covid test. The taxi that was going to take me to Brigid’s Way took me to the pharmacy. I got the test, went back to the hotel, and sure enough, I have Covid. I got more achy as the day went on, and probably have been running a fever. My throat is very sore, and I am very congested. The coughing continued to get worse as the day went on. 

I have had to cancel my motel in Armagh and St. Patrick’s Way. It looks like I will be spending the rest of my pilgrimage in my hotel room in Dundalk with a distant view of the ocean and rolling hills. The hotel staff has been very nice and concerned for me.  They let me know they that they can call an ambulance if I need it. Yikes, I hope it does not come to that! No, this is more disappointment than tragically ill. 

I decided to call this my hermitage. My own modern day beehive hut. I have others nearby, but I am here alone, with time for rest, recovery and perhaps spiritual reflection. 




Prayer

God, companion on The Way. Be with me in sickness, in this land far from home. Open me to the kindness of strangers and grant me wisdom in accepting this change in plans. 


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