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Valencia Tuitt

@valenciavt

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Run.Travel.Give.Kind.Repeat happythankfulgratefulblessed
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Oct 2025 to now. 8 months. Father's Day 2026 and I feel I can let go and move forward in some ways. I held on to Camino 2025 because it was my first without my daddy here to ask me why I do these things but go with God. I am always looking for signs. On Caminos before, I was blessed to feel my grandmother Eva. When my daddy transitioned I looked for signs of him, and I got them. This Father's Day I felt sadness because I didn't have a card to send. 4 years ago on Father's Day, I got the news my daddy had suffered a brain bleed. The next 2 we marked the day in hospitals. Then he was gone. 2 without him. Last week I stood in a store and read cards I would have bought for him. I left without buying one. Last night on the way home I saw a sign. LOVE. A sign, a reminder. Since he's been gone I've struggled to LIVE fully. To plan, to commit, to start, to finish. Call it weariness for all the planning I had to do for 4 years. A depression. A pause. Lately, I've been reading a lot about grief. My algo serves. There are ways we cope. No one can tell you when your grief should end, but you can move forward as you grieve. I thought my looking for signs was my mind conjuring attachment to things that would happen anyway. That is simply not true. I believe my connection to my daddy is as natural to me as a blink or a breathe. It's everything I need it to be. On that final day in Santiago we ran into Saskia (earlier post) in the post office mailing postcards to her supporters. Her strength amazed me. She had moved forward in a big way in completing Camino with her late sister's gear. The next day I woke up early and sat in the square. I ran into Frances (earlier post). We sat and watched pilgrims as they came in, their journey ending or just beginning. We talked about our families,our whys. Looking back now. I finished one Camino but started a new life Camino. Letting go doesn't have to mean losing something, it can be the freedom to move forward WITH something, someone..my daddy, his lessons. My grief kept me stuck, the signs I got were to keep moving, and as my daddy always told me "be kind". Now I have to be kind to myself too. The signs were saying Buen Camino. Onward. by @valenciavt

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a month ago

Camino 4:Dia 8Arrival day. In our dedication circle we sent the last names and gratitude up. When it was Manu's turn. He took his hat off, said nothing, he simply stepped into the circle, stood in front of each of us, made eye contact and with hands clasped..bowed. He repeated to the full circle, then we all said Buen Camino. The grace in that gesture. It said everything. Observing us over these many days. Knowing before we came, what this would mean to us. Being mindful of his guidance, allowing us to find our footing. Battling a disease on many fronts, we were fighting every day. We walked with slightly hesitant steps. Hesitant to have our Camino come to a close but happy to go home to the familiar. To share our stories. I thought of this beautiful scenery that calmed me over these many days. Savoring them. Every day we thought of our loved ones, friends, friends of friends. Cancer was not the common denominator. The love, strength and courage we've witnessed was our bond. Our encouragement of each other to keep going. The commitment to do this to see our impact in responses from folks we talk to. The action we spur in donations and local community participation. That's what keeps me coming back. We hear of the advances in cancer research and each small win is getting us closer. We've come a long way..miles to go yet. We will get there. Entering the square was beyond heavy for me. The day I finished last year my daddy was slowly fading. Lorraine and Ruth held my hand and didn't let go as we got to the square. Tears of farewell and love streamed down my face. We did it. Last year I left Santiago the next day to be by my daddy's bedside. My team helped get me there. Helped get me here. He showed me how to live. The team surprised me an honorary Compostela, certificate of completion of Camino del Norte in my daddy's name. Fitting. My true North. He was with me every step. Cathedral Square is always a special place. Pilgrims entering from every direction, shouts of cheer, laughter. Hugs and crying. Some walked longer than us. I placed my backpack with your loved ones names in the square. They, you journeyed with me all the way. I bow to you all. Buen Camino. by @valenciavt

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9 months ago

Camino 4: Dia 7 closer and closer to Santiago. After slowing my pace days before I'm fully immersing myself with each step. The rain came again and of course we had no choice but to go. I didn't mind the rain. All is washed new. As we went along, I thought of our journeys. We saw more pilgrims on the path and we saw more supporters, artists. Stopped at a few cafes and I observed the folks around me. One cafe we saw a film crew. At another I saw Francois, a black man. He was walking at a quick pace but I waved him down to talk to him. Rare to see people of color on Camino. But we are here. He stopped and obliged my questions. From Congo living in Italy and an internal affairs student. He was on a break from classes and a friend encouraged him to go on Camino. I wished him buen camino as he seemed to be in a hurry. As he clipped off I thought I hope he slows enough, sees enough on Camino to get all he needs for life back home. I didn't know at the time that a truer statement couldn't be said. 7 days hardly seems enough time to collect the moments you will need for life in the big world. You can learn a slower pace, take things as they come. Plan for rain and shine. Find beauty in unexpected places. I came here to fight cancer. We've met many people who are doing the same. Heard stories from survivors. Loved ones, and even those in the fight of their lives yet here to experience the beauty and peace of Camino. Here we are stripped bare. Our backpacks are laden with the gear we need but also the burden of our lives, thoughts, fears, hopes. At another cafe we saw a message board filled with tacked receipt papers. On closer inspection, notes from other pilgrims who have passed thru. Reading some. Messages to live now. Be brave to take this time and go deep in your thoughts as you go deep into the woods. Maybe even lighten your load as you go. A huge task but somehow you can often find a moment when an unraveling starts. It may come with tears but it almost always comes with an understanding. You are strong. You are not alone. Everything you need is IN you. Just let it rise. It may take till you are back home. Now you see and feel a difference. Your Camino starts now. by @valenciavt

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9 months ago

Camino 4:Dia 6 We are all moving a bit slower. Tired legs. Build up of miles day after day takes its toll in aching muscles, blisters, mental drain. Today's Camino magic.We met Saskia from Germany. We saw her 2 days before at a cafe. This day I saw her up ahead and wanted to know her story. As we came parallel, I said buen camino, how she was doing. She said not limping considering her foot was hurt AND it was day 40 for her, happy days away from reaching Santiago. I love speaking to folks I meet on Camino. It's a great big world to be here on the same path. Literally. Steps we take are in the same path others before us took. In a few hours, tomorrow, years someone else will step where my feet were. I introduced myself, Lorraine , Millie, then I asked question of the Camino. Why? She said she was doing it in honor of her sister Sara who she lost in Dec '24. Sara was outgoing,an explorer, nature lover. Saskia was different. She said an interesting thing.. had she and her sister not been related, if they met in life they likely would not be friends. Having differing views. However, she loved her unconditionally, deeply, uniquely. So much so, she was not sure she could feel it again. After Sara passed she felt stuck. In bed. Depressed. She decided to do Camino to get herself back to life, movement. She wore Sara's boots, backpack, and used her poles. As close as one could bring another. She asked why we were on Camino. We spoke about American Cancer Society and the loss of our loved ones. She told us she was very proud of us and our event. She asked us what our favorite thing/memory was. I could only think of kindness.The way my daddy was loved by all who knew him. He loved music. Me too. Living kindness forward. It hit us square to bring the words to air, to bring them close/acknowledge the absence.Saskia was meant to be found today. Our conversation. We were amazed at her strength, physically, emotionally. In our dedication circle early this am Ruth dedicated the day to Lorraine's brother Peter and my daddy Franklin. Right after we spoke to Saskia I saw a truck pass with FRANK written on the top. Ur with me daddy. Buen Camino Saskia and Sara. by @valenciavt

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9 months ago

Camino 4: Dia 5Before we start each day's hike we form a circle grasping hands from the top and we each dedicate the day to people impacted by cancer or who have supported us, or sometimes just a loss. We had a 4 legged fur friend drop in. Sat with us the entire time. I chose to read a poem about October's promise. There was one line "flickers of sunlight through branches" that resonated with James a fellow team member. He showed me what was on his social page. Happened to be the Japanese word for a view of sunlight through trees, korembi. We were both shocked at the coincidence. We were both hopeful we would get a shot of it. We did, in different degrees. Beauty can be captured and told in so many ways. My capture was a faint ray in a bright grove of trees. James was misty in shaded patch of trees. Reminder to look for light always. We got to mountaintop and looked around, I walked down the median of the road like on a tightrope, but free. Gratitude to be here. Earlier I sang the la la la la part of Minnie Ripperton's Loving You as we set out. I loved singing it last year whenever we went through tunnels. Especially the high pitched part. Elba joined in joyously as it was a fave of hers! So as I sang it she and a few other team members joined in happily. Elba wondered how Minnie died. James googled and then came up to tell me Minnie had died from breast cancer and was a spokesperson for ACS. I did not know that, just felt like singing the song last year as it's always been a fave of mine. Camino magic. We ended the day at an absolutely beautiful 10th century monastery. The design on the ceilings, columns, could rival anything in Rome. We met with a monk that told us about the architectural history, organization of the internal order, and blessed us for our journey. It was in Spanish but particularly wishing us peace in our hearts was well received. No matter the religion or none.. peace within.. at this time, in this life.. is priceless. Love and light. Buen Camino by @valenciavt

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10 months ago

Camino 4: Dia 4 Sometimes it's the pocket full of sunshine you have. Our day had a foggy start in the flats. We crossed over farmlands and small towns. It was also a little more crowded as larger groups of day hikers converged on the route. Rushing to get to their meeting point. I thought of all the Caminos past. Every single one, every single day so unique. In speaking with another team member L, who has also done the same Caminos, we remembered the first. Each day hiking determinedly, keeping pace, to get to the day's final stop. Remembering specifically how it felt on last days wanting to slow down before we arrived at Santiago and no more days to walk. We made a pact to slow down now. In the thick of it. To see more. To be here more, home and all we left will be there. We had to savor now. This peace. This beauty. This fellowship. This blessing. I stayed in the moment and often we walked silently. As we crossed a highway a handwritten note in French was taped to a Camino directional marker. I loosely translated it to be "COURAGE!! THE GOOD WEATHER WILL RETURN. I AM WITH YOU. KISSES"Buen Camino#elcaminodesantiagodecompostela by @valenciavt

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10 months ago

Camino 4: Dia 3 Sunrise was gorgeous and promised a beautiful day. After the rain and uphills of yesterday we were ready for today with some grit and humor. It was a great day because we planned a birthday surprise for our most mature team member. Elba was a grand 70 today. We greeted her normally at breakfast. Then as we made our way to the starting point we sang Happy Birthday, gave her a party crown and sash. She was overwhelmed as this time last year her family had to switch from planning her birthday dinner to her brother's funeral. So this year was a year finding herself on a hike with strangers. Strangers no more. We walked and talked surrounding her. Matching her pace or never being too far ahead. As we went on we ran into a group of 6 feisty women (a pair of sisters and friends) all retired teachers hiking this route. In 2022 they decided to hike 8 days of every year until they finish the route. Along the way I saw them stop and pick figs, apples, and chestnuts. This time of year chestnuts are everywhere . Their prickly gourds strewn on the path. Many popped open from being stepped on or cracked from the aging in the sun. Revealing the dark pearl of the chestnut that had sat patiently inside. At one point we played a little kicking the chestnuts to see who could kick the farthest. Today's Camino magic: At one point I found myself walking behind a man wearing a bucket hat with sides pinned up. It reminded me of my daddy's hat. As we made stops along the way I didn't think I'd see him again. In my backpack I brought my daddy's old gardening hat along with my extra socks, snacks, and water. As the day grew hot I put it on. Later on I was alone and suddenly up ahead there he was, the man with the hat I saw hours ago. As I passed him we greeted "Buen Camino". He pointed to my hat and I to his and we both laughed. Jean Pierre will never know what that moment meant to me. Buen Camino JP and daddy. Hats off to them. Buen Camino indeed. by @valenciavt

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10 months ago

Camino 4: Dia 2 As above, so below. Our day was thorn and roses. The thorn was we had a miscalculation with our route. We should have been on a longer but easier (one hill) route. We took the high road instead of the low (no pun) and ended up on a shorter but more difficult route in rain and fog. Climbing for 6 hours up and up, steep incline and more steep, long and winding trail to the top of the mountain. We were in nature, trees and vegetation. I put a sprig of mint in my backpack zipper and could smell it each time I turned my head. It was not pouring rain. Just a steady dusting of mist and the faintest sprinkle. At one point I found myself in conversation about my daddy. The love came pouring out. On my face the tears mixed with the rain. Masking the flow. As my legs felt the burn of the incline I let the air escape my lungs on a hiss from the effort and a cry for the loss of my daddy. I wanted to tell him the things I've seen. Not to be this time. The pain of that made me cry even more. The hills didn't seem to end today and also my tears. But they did. We got to the top. Even more fog. Less views. We kept on moving. My tears stopped. Now a new pain. Descending. We trained for this and the unexpected brought us to a magical place. Droplets of rain hanging off leaves, clinging to petals, colors bursting through thickets of brush.We all felt transported to another time and place oddly. On the Irish moors. Eerily beautiful. Up in the distance a stand of tall eucalyptus trees, branches bowing in the wind. As we descended my thoughts drifted to faith. How we can trust in things unseen, untried. We were on a path that lead somewhere, we couldn't see the next stop or the end. We had to trust this was the way. This is the way. After the day's hike we went to the sea where there was sunshine. The rose was Cathedral Beach. The rock formations weathered by time, which we could only access at low tide The waves crashing were calming. Our choir. I felt release. I ran into the frigid waters and felt the tingle from my feet upwards. A cleanse. A purification. I breathed in the air, love. Exhaled all that needed to be left behind.This is the way. Buen Camino by @valenciavt

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10 months ago

Camino 4: Dia 1 * Finds me at a start where the last end changed my life. A little worn. More optimistic than I have been in a long time. My WHY. My daddy, my greatest motivation was gone and I've felt loss and lost. Loss of my wonderful and marvelous daddy. Lost for how to get back to normalcy. Lost as to how to choose and enjoy a choice for my happiness. In choosing to go on another Camino, I'm choosing the path of love. We started the day early before the sun rose. Heading to our starting spot. A bus stop junction. While we waited for everyone, Manu our leader guide saw a fig tree and decided to pick some for us to try. They were the most incredibly tasty figs. In our dedication circle, I sent the day up to my daddy. I said what he told me out loud "be kind. Nothing beats kindness". He also said pray but always pray for somebody else because that is the greatest blessing. Mark (Richard) prayed for everyone as his dedication. I kept calling Richard, Mark, by mistake. Finally he said no worries my confirmation name was Mark. We were all shocked. As we went around the circle dedicating the day to someone, Mari dedicated the day to her dad she lost a little over a month ago. She also felt it was a special day because the figs reminded her of her childhood. Her dad's mother always had fig trees. It was a very special sign for a good start. Camino magic. We walked with good energy through the woods and towns. Some not knowing what to expect. Others knowing yet expecting nothing. That is when the Camino comes to you slowly, softly, unmistakably. Later that day an example of Camino hospitality. Jose Luis owns a vineyard on the Camino route. He created a little portico with a bench that weary peregrinos can sit and rest and also enjoy his grapes. He greeted some of the team and offered them grapes to snack on. Kindness knows no bounds. Buen Camino 💙💛#elcaminodesantiagodecompostela by @valenciavt

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10 months ago

Camino 4 I'm grateful. From last year's Camino to this,the year between the dashes has been one of contemplation and coming back to things that gives my soul purpose.The biggest why for volunteering with American Cancer Society Determination events is no longer physically here. My daddy Franklin Tuitt rest in peace. I feel you around me constantly daddy. I know you are still holding my hand. Reminding me to be kind because nothing beats kindness. The commitment I made when you were first diagnosed will remain. Doing what I can to one day bring an end to cancer.What brings me here is the gift of another tomorrow. So today another start and more importantly I continue.THANK YOU for the love and support. For sharing your stories and angels listed here to remind me the WHY is still here. I will honor them all along the way to Santiago. We will walk in gratitude for the opportunity you all have given us to make our miles more meaningful. My daddy's favorite words were wonderful and marvelous. I wish you and yours a wonderful and marvelous Buen Camino Good Journey/Life. 💙💛Franklin Tuitt.Rosetta Tuitt, Eva West* Lennox.Chad. Blondena.Mary Harris, Vera West*Johnny, Olive Laudat*Sharon,Vera Tuitt*Mal, Eva Kennedy Hamel Lewis*Serena, Dr. Felix Vea,Teresita Vea*TheresaMaloney Family, Dorette, Jerry Shenkman, Adam Haynes, George Schnapp*Jacob, Eva*Anita,Lehho*Heather, Renee Winters & Family, Pat Bolger*Siobhan, Chantal Smith, Mykola*Alex,Kate,Elizabeth,Viktoriya,MaxHugo and Shirley Baker*Kim, Gloria Daniel*VernetteSarah Nolan, Amir*Taya,Steve Q & Dad, Amy Sunshine,Camille Garcia, Alexandra D'Angelo, Matt Zamore, Carmella Caruso*Arthur, Sharon RiveraDonte Glen, Linda Adam,Johnny Keefe, Rocco*Dan, John Stukes, Lindsay, Benton, Mary O'Connor, Yasmin Ali & family, D. Gallagher & family, Nevenka*Aleks, Baqueri Family,Wanchoo, Jasani, Dr. Farida Khan, Dr. Modesto Torres Ullari*M.IsabelTorres-Ullauri Judith*Alison, Hayes Family, Iqbal Family, Patel Family*Manisha, James E Brown, Jr, Mary Elizabeth Brown, Kelvin &Ivy Mae Barnett*Aisha, Adrian, Amber Davis and Mom,Leonie* Sarah.MB.Leonie, Danny Fackrell*Stef,Thomas Justice,Sharon Stephens*Stacey, Nancy*Annie,Patricia King*Ila by @valenciavt

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10 months ago

Franklin W.Tuitt 6.10.42-9.14.24🙏🏾Today marks a year of your eternal rest. Gone from here yet present everywhere.In 365 days not one has passed without a tear, a thought, a sign of you.In sunrises awakening the day, breezes through trees, songs, sky, flowers and plants springing with colors. Or just a word.It's where I find you daddy.I listened but didn't hear as a young girl. I had no time to listen when I was ushered into womanhood and the world.Yearned to listen as the adult recognizing the lessons. Sifting through the last years for moments to bundle and store away. Weeks before I left for Camino, the last times I would see your eyes look into mine, we had such beautiful moments together. Before sunrise, before you were awake. I sat with you and talked.Then off to train for Camino. Often climbing into your hospital bed to hold you. Other times hugs, kissing your forehead, and my favorite (not yours lol) pressed my cheeks to yours. Saying "thank you, I love you my daddy". Didn't know those moments would be the last with your full awareness.The day I finished Camino, you were on your final path. I came back, sat by your side, we told you over and over thank you and we love you. Trying to fit in a week of words for a lifetime of love. I know you will be with me on Camino(s). Best, life's Camino. For that I am happy, thankful, grateful, blessed.There is a wide sea of grief to get through. I ebb and flow with the tide of memories. Ever lapping.I say to myself "be like water". There is a road of grief to journey on. With twists and turns of sadness and acceptance. Long and winding. I say"onward, one step at a time".When signs of your presence come it's irrefutable and profound. Makes my heart smile, covers the hole left there. Tears of gratitude knowing that I was blessed with a wonderful and marvelous daddy who even now, sends me signs to see me through the most painful part of my life, showing me how to live. Your words were telling me all along."Life is wonderful and marveloous.Pray for someone, it is the greatest blessing you can give.Be you Valli.Always be kind, nothing beats kindness. My tears are love overflowing. Stay with me.Ever be my daddy. ❤️Valli by @valenciavt

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10 months ago

Juneteenth 2025 found me in Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard Island. Oak Bluffs was once a town where black men and women were allowed to live in the 1800s. In particular Inkwell Beach (a term given as a slight but seen today as a gem of richest colors and beacon to those unfamiliar. Back then they were not given special treatment or any impactful help. Yet they persevered.. building businesses,churches. Community,a thriving community. They built beautiful lattice trim pastel colored gingerbread cottages with lattice trim. White supremacists saw how successful they were and forcefully expelled numerous families. Some came back to reclaim property. While other generations of families established new roots. Today the numbers of black families with seasonal homes and permanent residents steadily increase. So here is my return, to a special place. As a younger woman, my friends and I came here, ran about, met new friends, and had some of the best times of my life. Understanding the significance in our small young minds in a small and unripened way. We had not been exposed to the real real hard knock world back home nor the heritage trail and plaques commemorating the contributions of countless black people here. The homes that held stories for us. One large and beautiful house was The Dragonfly/Henry House. It's windows like eyes wide open peering out to the sand and sea directly across the street. Inkwell Beach.The house was listed in The Green Book. A listing of lodging and businesses that were welcoming to blacks travelling throughout the US. During segregation white supremacists in certain communities did not follow law and travelling through them could be deadly. Being back here now, during these times of confusion, wrangling, volatility I walk on grounds that have been walked by others that had greater burdens than I do now. They had more uncertainty and fear and pain yet they left a roadmap, proof of perseverance, courage and love. A telling. Just as Juneteenth marks when the last of slavery was ended from the announcement reaching those areas in America so does being here tell me. I am free. Free to be so many things. First of all kind.Thank u my daddy 🖤 by @valenciavt

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a year ago