sign on the door of Red Cross Clinic for pilgrims, Estella
"Compassion is a verb."
~Thich Nhat Hanh
Estella is reached within a few days walk after leaving Roncesvalles,
and for some who started, perhaps too quickly,
there has been time for bodies and feet to lay complaints about the treatment meted out.
Some 'veteran' pilgrims also have bodies that are in need of some tenderness
with the Pyrenees safely crossed behind them.
I know two people who visited this Red Cross Clinic
run by volunteers for pilgrims.
They -one 'newbie' and one 'veteran'- found it a haven of kindness,
with soft music, and tender, gentle care,
a safe place for tears.
People who show compassion
are treasures in this world.
