We need to Journey with each other

A must-read for every Pilgrim walking this road of life. That means you. Buy it right now!!!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

So Inspirational

I laughed and cried but more importantly, it made me think. Excellent! One of the best audio books I have listened to.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

With awesome friends like these . . .

Several years ago, I took a nine-day hiking trip to circumnavigate Mt. Rainier, thinking I'd surely spend the time in thoughtful contemplation, becoming one with nature, etc., etc.

It didn't really pan out that way. I mostly thought stuff like, "Left, right, left, right--I wonder where we are on the map--left--watch that mud--left, right--up the hill, down the hill, watch that root--right, left--shoot, another hill--left, right--I think everything I own smells--left, right, left . . ." Not exactly the zen time I thought it would be. I'm glad these two men consciously made their journey more meaningful and thoughtful than mine had been.

As they were training for El Camino de Santiago, I found myself thinking that the wheelchair-bound friend, Justin, almost had a harder task in front of him. Not being able to do much to help other than leaning one way or another to counterbalance the inclines, his contribution to the trip would center on his success and ability to encourage, inspire, and uplift. It would have been easy to feel guilty, embarrassed, or defensive about causing others so much physical exertion to fulfill one's own wish, but how productive would that have been? The far more constructive attitude would be realizing that he provided many people with a wonderful opportunity to have a unique experience, and to help others have a chance to serve and grow and bond through shared difficulties. Perspective is so often a choice--it reminds me of times when a co-worker asks, "How's your day?" and I sometimes reply, "I haven't decided." After I say that, I always think, "Well, if it's a decision, than decide it's a good day."

I completely sympathized with Patrick's confession that he had a hard time, pride-wise, of letting anyone else push Justin along the 500-mile trail. It was mature of him to realize that accepting help from others didn't minimize his own contribution, that it's okay that the reality didn't match his expected vision of their trek, and what a valuable opportunity to experience what Justin has to deal with every day as his body slowly weakens--giving up control, accepting help, and doing it all graciously.

Almost everyone who takes a demanding journey comes out with some sort of spiritual/core renewal (whether it be a spiritually religious renewal or simply a deeper appreciation/connection with nature, themselves or whatever), and these guys are no exception. They spend some time towards the middle and end of the book discussing personal battles and their own spiritual path (grounded in the Christian/Catholic faith). I was surprised to find them openly and matter of factly revealing their long child/teen/young adult battles against pornography addiction, because I feel like the book market is flooded with memoirs about substance abuse addictions, but very rarely about other addictions. To me, it seemed to be an especially courageous admission, since they open themselves up to criticism and snap judgement by revealing their own Achille's heels.

The men epitomize acceptance by using their own weaknesses and past struggles to help, encourage, and embrace everyone struggling around them, whether or not they had similar beliefs, lives, pursuits, or even spoken languages. The "Buen Camino!" seems to bring out the best so many of the travelers they encountered. I think most people are willing to help others by default, rather than ignore tribulations and struggles. Or, maybe it's just easier when it's obvious--like seeing one lone man inching up a steep incline, pushing a wheelchair that's about to get the best of him.

You probably won't agree with all of their own conclusions about life (I wasn't necessarily on board the entire time with their perspective, and a time or two I found myself arguing with them and wished they'd move on to other subjects), but I enjoyed learning from their opinions and beliefs about what my own opinions and beliefs are.

Despite the obvious these-guys-aren't-professional vocal performers, I enjoyed listening to them tell their own tale. Given that it was their own story, I was a little surprised that they mostly sounded like they were reading a book and not telling an experience that they lived through, but again--they aren't professional, and they still did a good job.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

must read. so inspirational.

This sorry is so inspirational. It is a true tribute to friendship. It encourages everyone to meet their potential while accepting help along the way. Trust a must read for all.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

The depth of friendship

A heartwarming & soul searching story. Well worth reading. It demonstrates the goodness of others willing help.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Definitely 5 Stars ⃰⃰⃰⃰⃰ Heart Stopping!!!

The story is for everyone! Justin and Patrick’s journey on the camino is incredible. Their message is relevant for ALL people. There’s a connection to them both that’s hard to explain, feel what they feel, you're walking with them. Read/Listen to the book, it’s so much more than you think it will be! Both the book and the documentary are amazing, please experience BOTH, they go hand in hand with experiencing the story. Their strength, courage and sheer tenacity is inspiring. Definitely 5 Stars*****

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Awsome story of a real life challange

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

A real life challenge and the blessings that can be gained by compassion. Allowing others to be compassionate is a blessing to them and the people they assist. we need to remember this as life throws us problems.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Trips

Many people go on hiking, bicycling, climbing trips. I did! In any trip like this, revelations about self, others, the world, and the Universe take place. I am surprised Patrick Gray needed the trip to make these revelations, bit I am glad he did. I liked it because i totally understood the endeavor. I think others would find it boring.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

A Great Read

This is an amazing book. I'm so glad I got the audio book. This book is just a feel good experience where the authors face challenge after challenge and surmount it everytime.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Inspirational and real

The journey that These brave men on is mind blowing. Every one of us has struggles in life. This book is a Testament on how we hide our struggles Instead of embracing them.

It's an emotional Victorious Story must listen

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful