Our Guardian Angels…

02/06/2007 by the walkers.

We dedicated the walk to St. Joseph protector of the Holy Family and to our Guardian Angels, with the result that we had thankfully, a trouble free walk. However, as the Parish Priest announced at our wedding ceremony many years ago, (referring to Eddie’s half marathons); “Marriage is like a marathon, whereby every few miles helpers hold out their hands with cups of water and sponges for the runners, who can choose to accept the offer or not.” Our walk had many features of this metaphor which we associated with Guardian Angels; let us explain.

The previous blog contained references to the many Guesthouses that helped us along the journey by their hospitality. Our fellow walkers also helped us, for instance on the second day without any signpost to direct us we nearly took a wrong turning when, out of nowhere, appeared a group of five walkers, calling “This way mate!”. Our journey next day into Borrowdale was dangerous as we crossed waterfalls picking our way over Lakeland blue slate stones. At times we scrambled on hands and knees. A young lady from London insisted Veronica should use her walking pole, which greatly helped the ascent. In these remote areas the only eating places are the pubs and meeting up with other walkers allowed us the opportunity to compare notes and pay attention to
any potential hazards on next day’s walk

On our day of rest, Sunday, at Kirby Stephen, we could not help smile at the choice of hymn in the 13th century St. Stephen’s Church “O Sacrament of Rest, Ark of the ocean roar, beneath thy sacred breast soon may we reach the shore”.

We even met Guardian Angels in the most unexpected places, in the form of those strangers who stopped to talk and express interest in our chosen charity, volunteering donations. The A.O.S. poster designed by Tony was prominent on Veronica’s rucksack and aroused attention. 1,600ft above sea level at Nine Standards was a prime example. And so we could go on…..

However, we had special Guardian Angels supplied by the charity itself. Tony had assured us from the beginning that he would give us support all the way. He did not fail us; first he sent John & Carole Hodge to greet us and take us for a wonderful meal in Kirkby Stephen. It was so nice to be in touch with the charity’s Ship Visitors. We learned a lot from them as they gave more examples of what their individual work involved. John & Carole were invaluable when they insisted we take their mobile number and assured us they would be there for us if we needed them. We surely did need them; Veronica required medication and miles from any chemist, this couple turned up at a remote Guest House within hours of the call, with the requested items and more goodies.

Next, Jim & Anne Christison found us at the guesthouse in Richmond and also took us for a lovely evening meal. It was so reassuring to know that the charity was embracing us in such a way.

Of course at the end of the walk they were all there to greet us in Robin Hood’s Bay, while our Angel-in-Chief, Tony kept daily contact and updated the blog on our behalf. So not only did our sun tan lotion contain protection from the sun’s glare, these Guardian Angels protected us in a very special way.

Our return home, led to so many others telling us that they had followed our progress on the blog, (unaware that we were out of range of contact) and some had tried unsuccessfully to phone us to get updates. So we truly felt enveloped, and enfolded in human arms but with Heavenly protection. All ‘guided’ us in achieving our goal.

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