R.E.I. and R.E.I.

Which one is St. Francis of Assisi?

Recently, Nancy and I did a couple of presentations at our two local R.E.I. (Recreational Equipment Inc.) stores.  In little more than an hour we shared details of our upcoming adventure hiking a portion, approximately 60 of the 324 miles, the Franciscan Trail in Umbria Italy.  We shared our excitement with others considering taking this hike along this same trail, some of whom already refer to themselves as pilgrims, since they've walked segments of the Camino de Santiago.  We showed photos of the green vistas, historic churches and agriturismos (small farms) scattered along the Franciscan Trail that are sure to be a feast for Nancy and my eyes, ears and spirits. The feasts for our mouths and stomachs will be found in the local cafes and restaurants at day's end.  

 

We talked about the historic significance of the route we will be taking, once traveled by St. Francis of Assisi.  He was a rather interesting guy.  Born into great wealth, his father a prosperous textile merchant, his mother a beautiful French woman, Francis spent most of his youth, whooping it up and partying.  It wasn’t until battle broke out between the regions of Assisi and Perugia, that he took up arms with a new found sense of purpose and allegiance.  However, Francis was captured, and his captors knowing of his family’s great wealth, held him for ransom.  Francis waited in excess of a year for his father to pay the monies for his son’s release.  While in prison, Francis had his first of many visions and communiqués from God and Christ.  Once released, Francis took a vow of poverty and lived out the remainder of his life as a missionary, traveling along this now famed trail, rebuilding churches and ministering to others.  It was interesting to learn his reputation for kindness and compassion earned him the moniker, patron saint of ecology! 

Of course St. Francis didn’t function as the environmentalists we know today; rather he demonstrated great respect for all God’s creatures and nature by incorporating caring and concern into his practical life and instructed others to do the same.  It was St. Francis who coined the phrase: “If you have men who will exclude any of God’s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men.”

Bet he wore Berkinstocks too!

Nancy and I also shared with our audience members how this trip has morphed from a get-away-from-it-all vacation to a vacation with a purpose.  Or vacation with intention as Nancy likes to say.  As she and I train, taking our Saturday morning walks wearing hiking boots, increasing our protein intake and reducing our sugar and fats, except wine, I draw the line at wine, Nancy and I continue to spend a portion of each day preparing for this trip. Now enveloped in shades of purple, the colour signifying Alzheimer’s awareness, our trip is focused on walking to build support for Alzheimer’s research as well as enhancing support for those care givers who live with, care for and love companions, spouses or parents who have been diagnosed.  

If you don’t already know, Nancy was diagnosed with this mysterious brain dis-ease but has not allowed it to define her.  It is simply a progressive ailment she is learning to accommodate and sometimes circumnavigate in her life.  I, as her traveling companion, feel privileged to be allowed to make my own imprint along this rocky trail with Nancy. 

Since many of you were not able to attend our presentations at R.E.I., using our version of R.E.I. we ask you to Recognize our need to Engage your Involvement in this project.  Please help us to Raise, even Exceed our Ideal goal of $100,000 for the National Alzheimer’s Association as well as the local chapter of Care Givers by making a donation to our funding site on Generosity (little sister to Indiegogo):  http://j.mp/FFALZ  

With donations of $10.00 or more you can request to join our Foodfaithandalzheimers FaceBook page.  On that site you will have access to behind the scenes activity of our preparation and in depth sharing of our actual hike along the trail.  Like this one.  Gross but real.

My feet hurt.

You'll feel like you're right there with us. Who knows, maybe next year you'll be making this same sojourn.  Whether you have experienced Alzheimer's directly or know of someone who has or is currently dealing with this distressing disease help us help them.  Or you.  Donate today!

Thank You.