Navigating Setbacks: My Journey from a Life-Altering Accident to the Camino de Santiago Dream

Dear Henry,

As you may recall, back in 1998, I was involved in a serious auto-pedestrian accident. Then, about 15 months later, I went through the intense experience of delivering my youngest son at just 26 weeks into my pregnancy, under circumstances that were far from ideal. Since then, I've dedicated myself to physical therapy and have pushed through many challenges, but there are moments that hit me hard and remind me of the lasting effects of that accident.

It's disheartening when setbacks occur, and I often find myself grappling with feelings of bitterness over what I've lost. Recently, that sense of loss has reared its head again.

We've discussed my dream of walking the Camino de Santiago, and I've been committed to training for it. I even returned to work at the bookstore, as I believe there's no better thru-hike training than walking from one end of that large space to the other. Besides that, I've been walking about 3 to 4 miles daily. However, my left hip absorbed much of the impact from the accident, leading to nerve damage and instability, particularly after my iliac crest graft. Additionally, it appears I'd developed some internal instability from that last pregnancy.

Wednesday, while walking my dog Ziggy, I felt a sudden jolt, as if I had dislocated my hip. The following day, I limped into urgent care, and it turns out I may have subluxated my left hip and definitely strained some muscles and tendons, possibly even tearing something.

This means I'm now on crutches and sidelined from my Camino training. Whether I'll continue working at the bookstore is uncertain, as I'm currently on leave while I recover.

This ongoing battle is incredibly frustrating, and once again, I find myself at a crossroads. Do I push through yet another rigorous physical therapy program to stabilize my pelvis? That's a tough question. Ten years ago, I put so much effort into getting my rib cage and shoulder girdle stable, yet I never succeeded. That struggle ultimately forced me to retire from my accounting career at just 44. So, when is it time to just sit back and stop trying?

Deep down, I know I'll get back up to do my physical therapy. I've never quietly accepted defeat. But right now, I feel drained and crave a little rest, and I might even indulge in some self-pity for a little while.

Still, I'll keep my goal of the Camino in sight, just not today.

xoxo a.d. elliott

P.S. You can check out the YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/rH1EyHJ3ApE

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a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller living in Salem, Virginia. 

In addition to her travel writings at www.takethebackroads.com, you can also read her book reviews at www.riteoffancy.com and US military biographies at www.everydaypatriot.com

Her online photography gallery can be found at shop.takethebackroads.com

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