Today we start filming for the new documentary.  I am off to Swedish to get my portable pump taken off which I have been living with for two days since the big infusion on Tuesday.  This is all standard procedure.  What is not standard today are several meetings with one my docs and physical therapist to have the camera be a “fly on the wall”  and try and catch the content and flavor of that.  So, I will there most of the day which will be an enjoyable thing really.

Yes, and what could be a more enjoyable day then a, “it’s all about me” day!  This is tricky and needs to be sorted out and thought about.  One, it is just a little bit flattering that my personal journey is of so much interest.  I have to ask, “Really?”  But two, I realize that there is something going on these days that is way bigger than myself.  And it is all pointing toward the Camino de Santiago and telling that story.  I am blessed by the presence of so many positive influences these days that are buoying me up and sustaining me to be able to do this mission.  I really don’t know the complete story but I know enough to always keep moving one foot in front of the other.  What more can I ask?  And this will be, in short, what the documentary will try and capture.

Just a little insight, our camera/sound crew is already in Madrid.  They are from Argentina and sound like two great guys and I can’t wait to meet them.  This is going to be a “lean and mean” team effort, no frills, big heart.  Yup, we are used to that!  They did a lot of work on the documentary “Walking the Camino”  which was filmed in ’09.  So, they will be back with us soon in ’14 to capture Kelly, Rick, Michael and myself on this important trek.

When I came to the Roman Catholic Church I asked them for the “Full Meal Deal” and I got that far and beyond my imagination.  Of course this is built on all the other influences that has come before as my family, my medical family, my beloved bible class, my Protestant friends, my fellow vets, old friends and all the great people of Vashon Island.  I feel at home here and now and this is the stable platform from which I am launching.

Sister Joyce says that I am a magnet picking up good things in my environment and weaving them together to build my view.  Prayers for Sister Joyce by the way, as she travels to Iowa and for healing for her ankle that she turned.  She was supposed to come and walk on my Camino here at the ranch but was prevented by her injury.  Anyway, we are thinking of you now Sister Joyce.

So, I think that at this point it is fair to say that the real emotion and thrust of this effort is going out toward fellow cancer patients, cancer survivors, cancer hobbyists and cancer wrestlers.  I have been all four of those.  What I am trying to say to them is that get good treatment, get good rehab and and hang out with people that inspire you.  And then you will inspire others which should be our main goal.  Saint James is Afoot, Phil.