Meet William
We arrived in Villamayor del Rio around 5:30pm and proceeded to our casa rural. This is where someone rents out individual rooms in their homes…like a B&B. Anna said that we were the only peregrinos scheduled for the day. AS we sat down for dinner she said that another peregrino just came in and was very tired as he traveled 30 miles today!
Soon that new boarder was sitting for dinner next to us and we were comparing notes about the Camino. He said his name was William and he was a vetenarian from Orlando, Florida. I asked him what brought him to walk the Camino. Here is what he explained:
A year ago he and his son watched “The Way” together. The son “Cullen” said that he would like to do the Camino together after college. A few days later, Cullen goes to China to get his Masters degree. Tragically, Cullen lost his life a few days later in an accident.
Now William is carrying Cullen’s ashes and hopes to arrive at the Cathedral at Santiago de Compostella on May 17th which is the 1 year anniversary of Cullen’s death. Unlike the movie, William explained that although the catholic church allows cremation, the ashes must be buried and not scattered.
Cullen accomplished much in his short life. Received AA degree while still in high-school. Finished his degree at Florida State then was to get masters degree at a China university. Cullen spoke 7 languages fluently.
Very sad but uplifting.
Photo to follow when I get a reliable and fast internet connection.
William has his own interesting Camino blog at caminowithcullen.wordpress. com
Mike & Angie On The Camino de Santiago 
What an inspiring story! That is what the journey is truly about! We will keep William in our prayers so that he will be at the cathedral for the anniversary date of his son’s passing. We continue to pray for you and Angie. We hope you are able to continue this long journey as you planned. We love you both! Love, Marianne
April 26, 2013 at 4:01 pm
Hey, I’ll bet you thought this mouse left your pocket ! Heck no ! I was out drinking with the boys ! ( burp ) Then you told me about the feet problems….incidently, to prevent blisters , you want to put some instant glue on the thing, let it dry, and you have an automatic shield! Got any glue ? You should have asked……Hah ! Such a sad story with Bill. And what an inspiration. Thanks for sharing….SO YES, don’t you know you would meet a mutual friend . The Mickelson’s had dinner with Janine ( our second daughter ) the night before they left on their trek. Janine did the same thing I did , shook her head and just laughed. We had dinner with them a couple of years ago at Janine’s also. You probably know this, but they are trying to average 15 miles per day !! John’s email is: jmickelson2@cox.net They have a facebook too, but I don’t have that address. Adios for now….xx Love you Jane
April 26, 2013 at 5:24 pm
Wow, what a story. We sometimes forget how lucky we are. God has
been good to us, we need not forget that. The shoe thing, my goodness, blisters are
hard to get rid of. I do know that my son, who runs marathons, has a funny
pair of shoes that he calls “after race shoes”. They look funny because
his toes are all spread apart as the outline of the shoe shows. Very weird
looking. I guess shoes can become a science. Be well, my friends, you are
only going to get stronger as you go. Kay
April 26, 2013 at 8:03 pm
These experiences of yours are so wonderful and fun and touching. The memories you are collecting are so amazing. Love to you both! Lynne and Greg
April 26, 2013 at 10:49 pm
Thank you so much for your reporting in such detail. Our heart goes out to William. You made us see “his story” clearly. It brought tears to my eyes. We are determined to watch that movie to understand more about your pilgrimage. Hugs to you both.
April 27, 2013 at 1:37 am
You all look somewhat relaxed and very happy…I also noticed that bottle of wine is empty.
Looking forward to having a glass with you when you return.
Take Care,
Fred
April 27, 2013 at 2:53 am
Buen Camino!
April 27, 2013 at 4:36 am
I have so much admiration for you both. I can’t imagine what it would be like to have swollen legs and blisters and then to continue on your journey. What a wonderful experience you are having – you will have so much to talk and reminisce about. Thank you for sharing your experiences with all of us.
Love,
Ann D
April 27, 2013 at 1:33 pm
I will say it again you two are amazing!! Thank you for sharing that story, so sad yet so beautiful. Miss you.
Love,
Gina
April 27, 2013 at 6:06 pm
What a wonderful tribute to his son so sad I will have William on my prayer list that he will reach his destination in time . Hope you are both healing well ! ! Love mom
April 28, 2013 at 6:33 pm