One year ago today

 One year today I finished the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage (八十八ヶ所巡り hachijūhakkasho-meguri) by reaching Oku no In temple on Mt. Koya. 

It's hard to believe I've been off the trail for an entire year now.  I still have pilgrimage flashbacks--especially now that it is super hot again.

The pilgrimage was probably the best thing I have done/ will ever do in my life.  I want to go back.  I wonder if I ever will? 

Right now Kyohei's little sister Maki is doing to the route in sections by car with a friend.  She says it has changed her life or at least her longing to get married and have kids.  I can't underestimate the calming factor of the pilgrimage.  I, by no means, turned into a saint.  I do feel more at peace, happier in my marriage and I got a job with health insurance (which is something I prayed for).  I have evolved in my ideas and fears about death.  Also, I am much less lonely and content to be home alone-- something that used to drive me to distraction.  Even better, I have 745 miles of "happy place" to go to when things go to shit. 

I wish I could split myself in two.  One of me to live my normal life and one of me to walk around Shikoku.  In a way though, I do have that.  It seems part of me will always be there, but I brought back so much more.