Gina's Path to Healing After Losing Austin

Hello, my name is Gina Davis. In March of this year, I lost the center of my life, my 28-year-old son, Austin.

On March 11th Austin fell from a swing and suffered a severe neck injury. Over the next 10 days, Austin underwent a series of spinal surgeries, but on March 22nd I said my last goodbye to my sweet son. An unexpected death is an unimaginable loss that no mother should have to endure.

Austin was 28 years old, had autism and epilepsy and brought endless joy and love to everyone who knew him. Although he didn't talk much he loved to sing and dance to his favorite movie Shrek. Although he had his challenges he loved working on the farm where he lived. He always knew when someone was sad and needed a hug. Long walks in the forrest holding a hand of whomever he was walking with always brought a smile to his face.

Being Austin's mom was the most important thing in my life. The best programs for adults with disabilities are on the east coast. When Austin turned 18 he moved to Pennsylvania to attend a Camphill farming program. Five years ago I joined him on the east coast in Massachusetts, from our hometown in California. He loved living in New England and being outside. Austin loved bonfires and loved looking up when an airplane or helicopter flew over his head. He would raise his hand and with great joy, point up saying "skyyyyy".

My heart is broken, and I miss Austin so much everyday; my son was my anchor, my purpose in life and I worry that I will not ever heal from this loss. From August into October of this year I will be walking the Camino de Santiago as a pilgrimage of healing after the loss of my beloved son. This journey is my way of processing grief, honoring his memory, and seeking comfort in faith, silence, and the path that so many have walked before me in search of peace.

Walking the Camino is not a vacation-it's a spiritual and emotional journey that I feel deeply called to. It will be physically demanding and emotionally intense, but I believe it can be a powerful step forward in my healing process. I will walk over 500 miles, from France through Spain carrying Austin's picture and some of his ashes with me.

I'm reaching out for support because, while the Camino is a humble journey, it does have costs. With your help, I can cover basic expenses such as travel to Spain, accommodations along the route, simple meals, and essential gear. Your contribution -no matter how small-will help me focus on the walk, the prayer, and the healing.

If you can support this journey financially, thank you from the bottom of my heart. And if you cannot, your prayers and words of encouragement are just as meaningful.

You can also support my journey by sharing this message with others in your life. Your kindness and generosity will help me take the steps-both literal and figurative-toward healing and will honor Austin. Rest in peace my sweet Austin.

With gratitude,

Gina