I got a call yesterday from Springfield that my sister Anna has taken a turn for the worse and the decision has been made to call in hospice. Anna is expected to pass away within the next three to four days. I have made arrangements to fly back to Springfield tomorrow. Anna battled her cancer for over a year with courage, strength and dignity. During this battle she suffered a great deal without complaint. Her battle is almost over and hospice has assured us that her pain and suffering has ended.
This is photo of Anna and Frank at their wedding. What a happy day. Frank has been a tower of strength throughout this whole ordeal. What a good and honorable man.
On this Camino and last year’s Camino I prayed for Anna as hard as I could. She needed a miracle and it didn’t happen. I still believe in miracles and the power of prayer and I ask everyone who reads this blog to remember Anna in your prayers.
Abe and St. Christopher wanted to light one more Camino candle for Anna. We walked over to the Cathedral and they made me take all the change out of my pockets so they could light as many candles as possible for Anna.
Each candle represents a heartfelt prayer that in the end God holds Anna gently in the palms of his hands.
It is with a very heavy heart that I end this year’s blog. I hope you have enjoyed our pilgrimage along the Camino Del Norte.
God Bless You All
Mark, Abe and St. Christopher
AbeAndMarkontheCamino 
Mark,
Sorry to hear about your sister. What a special brother you have been to Anna. We will keep her in our prayers, as well as your family.
Patt and Bob
On Thu, Aug 8, 2019 at 2:43 AM AbeAndMarkontheCamino wrote:
> abeandmarkonthecamino posted: “I got a call yesterday from Springfield > that my sister Anna has taken a turn for the worse and the decision has > been made to call in hospice. Anna is expected to pass away within the next > three to four days. I have made arrangements to fly back to Springf” >
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Pat and Bob
Thank you so much for your kind note. Your prayers for Anna and our family are much appreciated.
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Bless you and your family in these difficult times. May Anna finally be in peace. You are a remarkable and caring brother.
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Gayle
Thank you for your thoughtful comment. I would have walked to the end of the world for her, praying each step of the Way for her recovery. Knowing what she was going through gave me the strength to get up every morning and the incentive to continue to walk and pray throughout the day.
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Bless Anna and your family. I’m so sorry your family has had this heartache. May you find peace together. Thank you also for your wonderful posts. I have enjoyed every minute of your adventure
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Mary
I am so glad that you have enjoyed the blog. Thank you for your kind comment. Anna is a very special person and she touched many lives. She will be greatly missed.
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Mark, I am so sorry to learn of your sister, Anna’s, condition. Please know she and your entire family continue to be in my prayers. Have a safe trip. – Debbie
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Debbie
Thank you so much for your prayers and support. That means a great deal to me.
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Mark – Your sister was so fortunate to have you as her brother and I’m sure you been blessed to have her as your sister. My thoughts are with you.
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Lori
Thanks. I hope all goes well tomorrow and I hope I get a chance to say goodbye and God speed.
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Mark, I am so sorry that Anna’s cancer has turned for the worse. You and Anna will be in my daily prayers. Your faith is a very special blessing for Anna.
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Bill
Thanks for your kind words. I feel like this year plus journey with Anna and her struggle with cancer has strengthened my faith.
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