’66 Classmate’s Journey from Grief to Peace
’66 Classmates and spouses gathered via Zoom on Tues 15 Oct 2024 to hear Classmate Richard (Dick) Plotkin (11th Company) describe his experience walking the Camino de Santiago, the Way of St. James. Dick spent about six weeks traveling some 500 miles on foot along the Camino Frances, or French route, from St. Jean Pied de Port, France to Santiago de Copostela in Spain.
Phil’s presentation was recorded and is available to experience HERE. An AI (artificial intelligence) summary of the presentation follows:
The narrative revolves around Dick Plotkin’s transformative journey on the Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage that serves as a metaphor for personal growth and healing. Following the loss of his wife, Patricia, Dick shares how this journey allowed him to confront his grief and embrace life anew. He emphasizes the importance of travel and physical activity in coping with life’s changes, highlighting the camaraderie among diverse pilgrims he met along the way. The Camino, rich in history and spirituality, provided Dick with a sense of community and connection, as he engaged with people of various beliefs. His experience culminated in a profound spiritual awakening, leading him to cherish the memories of his late wife while also finding love again. Dick’s story underscores the idea that healing is possible at any age and that the journey itself can be as significant as the destination.
Encouraged by friends, Dick wrote a book after his Camino. He offered to share an electronic copy with Classmates, and he has a few paperbacks, too. Contact him at raplotkin@icloud.com.
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