An Overview of the Story:
Second Wind is the story of a place: the Camino―its beauty, its power, its people. And, it’s the story of old friends―their anticipations and fears, their regrets and longings as they try to figure out what’s next after the successes and failures of their marriages and careers.
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When they begin their Camino in Roncesvalles, Helen steps onto the trail feeling on top of the world. She has received national acclaim for her work. She’s living the good life, in an idyllic rural community. But an ominous phone call from headquarters could spell ruin. She ignores it, deliberately and with determination. And, she wishes Bert would show a bit of enthusiasm for this adventure.
When Bert steps onto the trail, he is feeling grateful to be alive. Finally, he believes he is healthy and strong again. But his doctor’s words in giving him the good news opened a black abyss before him. He can’t ignore it. He has to deal with it or it may consume him. And, he wishes Helen would stop being such a Pollyanna about everything. |
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A Note from authors Russ and Peg:
Second Wind is a story of the Camino and the people who walk it. We wanted to write about the Way, but the tale we hoped to tell was not about us. We have enjoyed and been buoyed by the many memoirs we have read about the Camino, but we didn't want to write about what it meant to us. Rather, we wanted to step back and try to capture its power to affect not just us, but nearly everyone. To do this, we have crafted a fictional narrative, imparting to our principal characters and to the people they meet the many different faces of the Camino, and the many wondrous ways in which it can work its magic for them.
Our title, Second Wind, has both literal and figurative meanings. For many who walk the Camino, strides lengthen and legs lighten as the end of journey approaches. Beyond that, like the characters we write about, for some the Camino provides a second wind that helps them to renew and recover what has been missing from their lives. And when do you need that second wind more than when you've just completed the longest and most difficult part of the journey? The story of Second Wind deals with one of life's major transitions--the one we encounter after struggles to grow and mature have been won or lost and begin to recede into the past. "What's next?" we people looking to the last third of our lives ask. After we have passed over life's major waypoints, we look for guidance. And some of us look to the Camino to provide the answers.
Oh, one last thing before we get into our tale. After reading a bit, you'll recognize that this story isn't a romance. Nevertheless, we challenge you to conclude in the end that it is anything other than a love story.
Our title, Second Wind, has both literal and figurative meanings. For many who walk the Camino, strides lengthen and legs lighten as the end of journey approaches. Beyond that, like the characters we write about, for some the Camino provides a second wind that helps them to renew and recover what has been missing from their lives. And when do you need that second wind more than when you've just completed the longest and most difficult part of the journey? The story of Second Wind deals with one of life's major transitions--the one we encounter after struggles to grow and mature have been won or lost and begin to recede into the past. "What's next?" we people looking to the last third of our lives ask. After we have passed over life's major waypoints, we look for guidance. And some of us look to the Camino to provide the answers.
Oh, one last thing before we get into our tale. After reading a bit, you'll recognize that this story isn't a romance. Nevertheless, we challenge you to conclude in the end that it is anything other than a love story.