Millbrae, CA

We’re at the airport way early as usual. We arrived at 11:30 am with Zakk’s help. We knew we’d be early, but like to travel low stress. We were awarded the short line, TSA approved again. Maybe this means we’re officially oldsters. We ate lunch at a pizza concession, and I had time to buy a more comfortable pillow. I checked my rolling bag, and will carry on my backpack. Norm did the opposite. It’s not so heavy, the backpack. it’s an Osprey, lady’s ultra light. I put my Swiss Army knife and hiking poles in my checked bag. I have my meds, pillow, and toiletries with me. I’m ready! Now my thoughts are taking flight ahead of me. I’m thinking about what makes me a pilgrim. It’s such an unlikely role for someone who likes to dance her nights away, someone who hasn’t joined a church, who likes her world concrete, and operational! At least I’ll be humble as I can’t even pretend to have a corner on heaven. I’m a pilgrim in the new sense, because I’m weary of this world, on some ecological brink. I’m looking for some meaning on the dusty roads west. Since I am so concrete, I’ll need the trappings of a long journey laden with clacking seashells and a small stone to leave in the pile left by those before me. The special pilgrims passport I’m carrying has meaning to me as will the inky stamps I collect to signify progress.