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I'll Push You: A Journey of 500 Miles, Two Best Friends, and One Wheelchair
Two best friends, 500 miles, one wheelchair, and the challenge of a lifetime.
Friendship takes on new meaning in this true story of Justin and Patrick, born less than two days apart in the same hospital. Best friends their whole lives, they grew up together, went to school together, and were best man in each other's weddings. When Justin was diagnosed with a neuromuscular disease that robbed him of the use of his arms and legs, Patrick was there, helping to feed and care for him in ways he'd never imagined. Determined to live life to the fullest, the friends refused to give into despair or let physical limitations control what was possible for Justin.
So when Justin heard about the Camino de Santiago, a 500-mile trek through Spain, he wondered aloud to Patrick whether the two of them could ever do it. Patrick's immediate response was: "I'll push you."
I'll Push You is the real-life story of this incredible journey. A travel adventure full of love, humor, and spiritual truth, it exemplifies what every friendship is meant to be and shows what it means to never find yourself alone. You'll discover how love and faith can push past all limits--and make us the best versions of ourselves.
Friendship takes on new meaning in this true story of Justin and Patrick, born less than two days apart in the same hospital. Best friends their whole lives, they grew up together, went to school together, and were best man in each other's weddings. When Justin was diagnosed with a neuromuscular disease that robbed him of the use of his arms and legs, Patrick was there, helping to feed and care for him in ways he'd never imagined. Determined to live life to the fullest, the friends refused to give into despair or let physical limitations control what was possible for Justin.
So when Justin heard about the Camino de Santiago, a 500-mile trek through Spain, he wondered aloud to Patrick whether the two of them could ever do it. Patrick's immediate response was: "I'll push you."
I'll Push You is the real-life story of this incredible journey. A travel adventure full of love, humor, and spiritual truth, it exemplifies what every friendship is meant to be and shows what it means to never find yourself alone. You'll discover how love and faith can push past all limits--and make us the best versions of ourselves.
280 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2017
374 people are currently reading
4346 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 673 reviews
February 11, 2023
5+++ stars for I'll Push You: A Journey of 500 Miles, Two Best Friends, and One Wheelchair!!
Longtime friends Patrick Gray and Justin Skeesuck decide to hike the 500-mile Camino de Santiago. Justin is in a wheelchair due to multifocal acquired motor axonopathy which is similar to ALS. They are ordinary people choosing to embrace an extraordinary life.
A film crew accompanies them on their journey and there is a documentary movie by the same name. I am definitely going to watch it!
The book describes how mortality has a way of changing your perspective. Life is short and time is precious. Make the most of the time you have. Patrick asked himself, "If I died right now, would I be proud of the life I have lived?"
There are so many physical and mental challenges throughout their hike including deep mud, a broken wheel on the wheelchair, incredible pain/leg cramps, extremely small lodging rooms with non-accessible ways to get to the room or the shower facilities, etc. They meet so many wonderful pilgrims on the trail who immediately step in and help. It is described by Justin as a remarkable human symphony.
Highly, highly recommend!
Longtime friends Patrick Gray and Justin Skeesuck decide to hike the 500-mile Camino de Santiago. Justin is in a wheelchair due to multifocal acquired motor axonopathy which is similar to ALS. They are ordinary people choosing to embrace an extraordinary life.
A film crew accompanies them on their journey and there is a documentary movie by the same name. I am definitely going to watch it!
The book describes how mortality has a way of changing your perspective. Life is short and time is precious. Make the most of the time you have. Patrick asked himself, "If I died right now, would I be proud of the life I have lived?"
There are so many physical and mental challenges throughout their hike including deep mud, a broken wheel on the wheelchair, incredible pain/leg cramps, extremely small lodging rooms with non-accessible ways to get to the room or the shower facilities, etc. They meet so many wonderful pilgrims on the trail who immediately step in and help. It is described by Justin as a remarkable human symphony.
Highly, highly recommend!
July 4, 2017
I was a bit reluctant to read this book because I didn't want the religious aspect of it to be preachy. But I was interested in their amazing friendship and even more amazing adventure. And luckily it didn't focus too much on religion, otherwise I wouldn't have finished it. This turned out to be a great story with a lot of humor from both men. It was incredible how many people volunteered to help them get through this journey and those people showed up just when they needed help the most. This was such an inspiring story and makes me want to grab a close friend to do a long distance hike together.
July 27, 2023
“For many it is friendship, peace, healing, or connections with God. Whatever it is, it’s beautiful.” It would be hard for me to give this book anything but a 5-star rating as it brought back so many memories and helped me feel the spirit of the Camino again.
If you haven’t been a pilgrim, this book is for you. The stories shared, the people met, the struggle on the way will help you feel what the Camino is all about. And see its beauty. Hopefully.
If you have been a pilgrim, this book is for you. The reminder of lessons learned, of “chance” encounters, of tortilla de patatas and bocadillos will help us feel the Camino again. It may grow a desire to go back and do it all again.
The stories of Justin and Peter’s lives pre-Camino worked well with the Camino experiences they shared. At the end of the day, the Camino is a micro-version of life and all that is good in life.
It is beautiful. Life. The Camino. And this book. Buen Camino!
If you haven’t been a pilgrim, this book is for you. The stories shared, the people met, the struggle on the way will help you feel what the Camino is all about. And see its beauty. Hopefully.
If you have been a pilgrim, this book is for you. The reminder of lessons learned, of “chance” encounters, of tortilla de patatas and bocadillos will help us feel the Camino again. It may grow a desire to go back and do it all again.
The stories of Justin and Peter’s lives pre-Camino worked well with the Camino experiences they shared. At the end of the day, the Camino is a micro-version of life and all that is good in life.
It is beautiful. Life. The Camino. And this book. Buen Camino!
July 26, 2025
The act of inspiration, faith and friendship of Justin Skeesuck, his lifelong friend Patrick Gray and their extensive circle of family, friends and fans is told in their book
I'll Push You: A Journey of 500 Miles, Two Best Friends and One Wheelchair
. Justin who has a disease/disability that takes away his physical abilities bit by bit, decides he wants to travel the sacred road, Camino de Santiago, 500 miles across Spain to France. How to do that? He asks his friend, Patrick, who replies with the titular affirmation. . .
I'm not going to steal much of their thunder, except to say how deeply this read affected me - I'm a devotee of Camino stories and books. I never heard of it until it was way past the time I could pull it off in my own life; if I'd heard of it in my teens, I would have done it straight out of high school, and had that happened I would have been a different girl entirely. (There's a thought that gives one pause.) Anyway, do.not.miss.Chapter.17.Countdown!!! and so many other deep inspirations, including bats in unexpected places, and bravery, faith, and tools for real life. There's a definite Christian lean here, but its the broader open door variety. But playing it safe, I'll say it here for the record- if reincarnation is the way of things, I'm going to Camino in my next life.
For Messrs Skeesuck and Gray sharing their extraordinary adventure and book, I assign all the stars I'm allotted, each decked out with sturdy boots, hats, water bottles and hands to help and be helped with pushes of every sort and kind as caminos are traversed. . .
(did you know there's a movie!? watched it last night and it's worth your time. . . a beautiful finish to this read. It goes by the same name as the book- look it up!)
I'm not going to steal much of their thunder, except to say how deeply this read affected me - I'm a devotee of Camino stories and books. I never heard of it until it was way past the time I could pull it off in my own life; if I'd heard of it in my teens, I would have done it straight out of high school, and had that happened I would have been a different girl entirely. (There's a thought that gives one pause.) Anyway, do.not.miss.Chapter.17.Countdown!!! and so many other deep inspirations, including bats in unexpected places, and bravery, faith, and tools for real life. There's a definite Christian lean here, but its the broader open door variety. But playing it safe, I'll say it here for the record- if reincarnation is the way of things, I'm going to Camino in my next life.
For Messrs Skeesuck and Gray sharing their extraordinary adventure and book, I assign all the stars I'm allotted, each decked out with sturdy boots, hats, water bottles and hands to help and be helped with pushes of every sort and kind as caminos are traversed. . .
(did you know there's a movie!? watched it last night and it's worth your time. . . a beautiful finish to this read. It goes by the same name as the book- look it up!)
June 1, 2021
This book made so much happy ♥️♥️♥️
May 12, 2020
I'LL PUSH YOU is a powerful story about human strength, power, and friendship. This is about 2 childhood friends who grow up, stay friends, and then make the 500-mile trek, one in a wheelchair and the other pushing and pulling him. This story reinforces the love between friends, the idea to not put off those things that you want to do or it could be too late to do it and just because it seems too late, doesn't mean it actually is. The beauty of the story is all the good words, faith, love, friendship, and human endurance, and love.
8 stars
Happy Reading!
8 stars
Happy Reading!
November 30, 2020
I have wanted to walk the Camino de Santiago for some time now. Pilgrims claim that it is an incredible spiritual experience. This account of walking the Camino stands out among the many because it involves a wheelchair on very difficult terrain. A neuromuscular disease has robbed Justin of the use of his arms and legs. When he proposes to his best friend since childhood that they walk 500 miles of the Camino, Patrick’s immediate response is “I’ll push you”. In alternating chapters written by each man, this tells their experience preparing for and completing the Camino with the total support of their wives. Between accounts of the pilgrimage, there are coupled chapters looking back on their friendship: embarrassing moments, reactions to Justin’s weakening body, meeting their wives, etc. I was most interested in the impact of the pilgrimage on the spiritual lives of both men. Patrick reveals this transformation more clearly than does Justin, possibly because Justin’s illness has already worked that transformation for him. At times, I found the inspirational teachings about interdependence, vulnerability, friendship sounded like the shallow bromides of many motivational speakers. But watching the commitment of these two friends, Justin’s complete vulnerability, Patrick’s unflagging loyalty, gave depth to their words.
July 16, 2018
There are some good lessons in this memoir of two men's trip of a lifetime (the value of community however formed, learning to let go of control, etc.). However, they are all but lost in the repetitive narrative that could have benefited greatly from a serious editor. Attention to such mundane matters as subject/verb agreement errors as well as developmental issues of organization and pointless reminiscences of events long prior to the trip would have shortened and improved the prose dramatically. Why do so many books on spiritual matters ignore the basics of good writing?
May 15, 2018
This book irritated me at the beginning because of the raising of money to buy expensive equipment for such a unnecessary journey. All I could think of was how all this money could be used to provide for his family and for medical expenses.The book did improve as the relationship between the men revealed love and growth.
July 19, 2025
4.5 stars, rounded up. Incredible story of faith, friendship, trust and sacrifice.
The audio is narrated by the authors, so it isn’t perfect, but I enjoyed the story as much as if I’d read a physical copy.
The audio is narrated by the authors, so it isn’t perfect, but I enjoyed the story as much as if I’d read a physical copy.
June 28, 2017
I'm sure having done the Camino myself made this book even more enjoyable but I have to believe someone who had never walked it would also enjoy it. This book is as much about friendship as it is the Camino de Santiago. The bond between these two is remarkable. The depth of their love for each other is as inspiring as the journey they undertook. I cried tears of joy several times. I could hear the Rocky theme song playing in my head while reading about Justin's workout regiment to prepare for the demanding task before him.
The Camino taxes you physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Some are surprised that it's a physical challenge. We averaged 13 miles per day which most people could do on any given day. But try doing it day after day after day. It starts to wear on you. The repetition of daily routine also plays with your mind. It's easy to lose focus and acuity. Emotional swings are common as well. Finally, the silence found in the long haul affords the opportunity to reflect and be alone with God, affording the chance to reconnect with Him.
These guys experienced all of this, and write about it in an open, honest and authentic way. If you want to learn about the Camino, there are many resources that can inform you. If you want to know about friendship, this book is in a class by itself.
The Camino taxes you physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Some are surprised that it's a physical challenge. We averaged 13 miles per day which most people could do on any given day. But try doing it day after day after day. It starts to wear on you. The repetition of daily routine also plays with your mind. It's easy to lose focus and acuity. Emotional swings are common as well. Finally, the silence found in the long haul affords the opportunity to reflect and be alone with God, affording the chance to reconnect with Him.
These guys experienced all of this, and write about it in an open, honest and authentic way. If you want to learn about the Camino, there are many resources that can inform you. If you want to know about friendship, this book is in a class by itself.
December 27, 2021
Just finished this awesome Gem of a book. I laughed and cried. What a wonderful story of two best friends and their journey of the 500 mile famous Camino de Santiago. "The impossible is possible" - I'll Push You. Totally recommend this book. It's the perfect love story of two best friends.
January 15, 2018
I wish I would have highlighted some of my favorite passages to share, but I became so engrossed in the story. Lovely book about friendship, love, and not letting physical limitations get in the way of your dreams. I look forward to watching the documentary.
November 28, 2023
i was technically supposed to read this book for english class. but i barely made it past chapter 10.
April 16, 2024
Inspiring read. My only complaint would be that I wanted to hear more stories of the Camino.
February 10, 2021
It was hard for me to understand exactly why I didn't like this book. The writing isn't great, but that wasn't it. The experiences are too dramatized, but that wasn't it. Then I realized that I didn't like that the whole story was a manufactured experience. I mean, they had sponsors, a camera crew, and I'm sure they planned on capitalizing from it, which just took away from it a bit. I don't blame them for any of that, but it didn't make me love the book either.
I liked some of the messages about friendship, letting go of pride, and overcoming challenges. However, it wasn't captivating for me and it took some effort to push through the last 100 pages.
I kept contrasting this with Wild. In Wild, the author didn't manufacture her experience -- she stumbled into it. Her writing was great. She made me want to go out and hike the Pacific Crest Trail immediately, whereas I only have a little desire to see the Camino de Santiago after reading I'll Push You.
This book did make for a good book club discussion as there were plenty of themes to discuss and it has some application to everyone's lives.
I liked some of the messages about friendship, letting go of pride, and overcoming challenges. However, it wasn't captivating for me and it took some effort to push through the last 100 pages.
I kept contrasting this with Wild. In Wild, the author didn't manufacture her experience -- she stumbled into it. Her writing was great. She made me want to go out and hike the Pacific Crest Trail immediately, whereas I only have a little desire to see the Camino de Santiago after reading I'll Push You.
This book did make for a good book club discussion as there were plenty of themes to discuss and it has some application to everyone's lives.
June 3, 2021
I picked this up because I had read the author's picture book, and thought that this was the complete story. It turns out that the picture book is fictional, which disappointed me just at first, for some reason, but the real story was so much better that I soon got over that. I really liked both the adventure and the lessons shared. If I had any criticism it would be that I never really quite got the humor these friends shared (maybe its a boy thing?).
2021 Popsugar Reading Challenge: A book you think your best friend (my mom) would like.
2021 Popsugar Reading Challenge: A book you think your best friend (my mom) would like.
March 23, 2018
Perfect book to read right before Easter. Loved it
July 27, 2017
Every once in a while a book jumps off the shelf into your consciousness and you realize it will change your life in ways you never expected!
Two best friends, Patrick Gray and Justin Skeesuck, headed to Spain in 2014 to hike the El Camino de Santiago (also known as The Way of St. James). There was print and video press coverage of their journey but I don't watch much TV and frankly I missed it all. When I saw this book offered as an advance read, I eagerly checked out the synopsis and investigated clips of the video coverage on You-Tube. I was hooked.
It all began in 2012 when Justin watched a travel program featuring the El Camino and became inspired to hike it. He shared the taped program along with his desire to do the trail with his best friend, Patrick. Without hesitation, Patrick responded, I'll push you."
Why do you ask would he need to push Justin? Justin has a rare progressive autoimmune/neuromuscular disease that has left him unable to move his upper and lower limbs.
The friends realized that this was going to require extraordinary effort on both of them to pull this off. Justin's daily medical and personal care would have to be undertaken by Patrick. That full time job would be accomplished after grueling day pushing, tugging, lugging, and carrying Justin through mud holes and over steep mountain terrain.
Two years later, on June 3, 2014 this awesome twosome set on their life altering 34 days journey.
This deeply personal memoir interlaces the arduous hike with personal vignettes of their shared childhoods, personal struggles with addiction, marriages, spiritual growth - and most importantly their love and loyalty to each other. Their relationship defines the meaning of friendship.
As a long distance hiker myself, I acknowledge the bonds and community of fellow pilgrims that develop in the intimacy of a long walk. The reader will be amazed at the selflessness of others to slow their own Camino experience to lend a hand when needed. I personally wasn't surprised when complete strangers were willing to discuss their reasons for hiking, often exposing their life warts, and to share their difficult internal journey toward personal peace. It happens on the trail but it will probably come as a surprise to the non-hiking community.
Recommended.
Two best friends, Patrick Gray and Justin Skeesuck, headed to Spain in 2014 to hike the El Camino de Santiago (also known as The Way of St. James). There was print and video press coverage of their journey but I don't watch much TV and frankly I missed it all. When I saw this book offered as an advance read, I eagerly checked out the synopsis and investigated clips of the video coverage on You-Tube. I was hooked.
It all began in 2012 when Justin watched a travel program featuring the El Camino and became inspired to hike it. He shared the taped program along with his desire to do the trail with his best friend, Patrick. Without hesitation, Patrick responded, I'll push you."
Why do you ask would he need to push Justin? Justin has a rare progressive autoimmune/neuromuscular disease that has left him unable to move his upper and lower limbs.
The friends realized that this was going to require extraordinary effort on both of them to pull this off. Justin's daily medical and personal care would have to be undertaken by Patrick. That full time job would be accomplished after grueling day pushing, tugging, lugging, and carrying Justin through mud holes and over steep mountain terrain.
Two years later, on June 3, 2014 this awesome twosome set on their life altering 34 days journey.
This deeply personal memoir interlaces the arduous hike with personal vignettes of their shared childhoods, personal struggles with addiction, marriages, spiritual growth - and most importantly their love and loyalty to each other. Their relationship defines the meaning of friendship.
As a long distance hiker myself, I acknowledge the bonds and community of fellow pilgrims that develop in the intimacy of a long walk. The reader will be amazed at the selflessness of others to slow their own Camino experience to lend a hand when needed. I personally wasn't surprised when complete strangers were willing to discuss their reasons for hiking, often exposing their life warts, and to share their difficult internal journey toward personal peace. It happens on the trail but it will probably come as a surprise to the non-hiking community.
Recommended.
October 3, 2017
I was reluctant to buy this book when I saw it on the Religious Books shelf in Barnes & Noble in LA. But still I put the order online so that I could read back at home in England. I am glad that I did it. I really liked and appreciate their friendship and also I think both are highly lucky people to have each other and also their spouses.
Overall their story is unbelievably beautiful and it proves that nothing is impossible. It is a living example showing the main obstacle is the person themselves.
I agree with Justin on “when you deny someone the opportunity to help you you deny them joy in life”.
As Patrick says it is all about the faith but I wouldn’t take this faith as a religion necessarily. Whatever you believe just let yourself to embrace the gifts that are provided to you by your loved ones through this faith.
Overall their story is unbelievably beautiful and it proves that nothing is impossible. It is a living example showing the main obstacle is the person themselves.
I agree with Justin on “when you deny someone the opportunity to help you you deny them joy in life”.
As Patrick says it is all about the faith but I wouldn’t take this faith as a religion necessarily. Whatever you believe just let yourself to embrace the gifts that are provided to you by your loved ones through this faith.
October 7, 2017
I met Justin while working at Point Loma Nazarene University. He is gifted in his chosen field and a wonderful human being as many will discover when reading this book.
This connection and my own desire to someday walk the Camino made it a fast read. This book is less about a directly spiritual connection to the Camino de Santiago and more about their own deep friendship. It begins with Justin's desire to walk the Camino, and Patrick's enthusiastic desire to help him accomplish it.
Justin's desire to 'climb a mountain', to take on this pilgrimage is truly inspiring. The fact that he is in a wheelchair and the difficulty that poses takes up the bulk of this book. Rather than reading about landscapes and towns encountered, we hear about the physically exhausting challenge of doing just that, helping Justin achieve his dream in a wheelchair. And of course we hear about those who join them in that struggle, sometimes unexpectedly, and of the unique intimacy one can feel with complete strangers who are willing to help one another.
Their friendship wasn't tested during the Camino, their friendship was made for the Camino, a journey they began years before. And so we walk with them and hear their reflections about the roots of their friendship, and about how they came to value life, their faith, and specific people in their lives. The Camino probably has a way of teaching people things they least expected to learn, the least of which is that community has a way of setting us free when we give ourselves wholly to each other, in the giving and receiving.
This connection and my own desire to someday walk the Camino made it a fast read. This book is less about a directly spiritual connection to the Camino de Santiago and more about their own deep friendship. It begins with Justin's desire to walk the Camino, and Patrick's enthusiastic desire to help him accomplish it.
Justin's desire to 'climb a mountain', to take on this pilgrimage is truly inspiring. The fact that he is in a wheelchair and the difficulty that poses takes up the bulk of this book. Rather than reading about landscapes and towns encountered, we hear about the physically exhausting challenge of doing just that, helping Justin achieve his dream in a wheelchair. And of course we hear about those who join them in that struggle, sometimes unexpectedly, and of the unique intimacy one can feel with complete strangers who are willing to help one another.
Their friendship wasn't tested during the Camino, their friendship was made for the Camino, a journey they began years before. And so we walk with them and hear their reflections about the roots of their friendship, and about how they came to value life, their faith, and specific people in their lives. The Camino probably has a way of teaching people things they least expected to learn, the least of which is that community has a way of setting us free when we give ourselves wholly to each other, in the giving and receiving.
October 17, 2017
Several years ago, I took a nine-day hiking trip to circumnavigate Mt. Rainier, thinking I'd surely spend the time in thoughtful contemplation, becoming one with nature, etc., etc.
It didn't really pan out that way. I mostly thought stuff like, "Left, right, left, right--I wonder where we are on the map--left--watch that mud--left, right--up the hill, down the hill, watch that root--right, left--shoot, another hill--left, right--I think everything I own smells--left, right, left . . ." Not exactly the zen time I thought it would be. I'm glad these two men consciously made their journey more meaningful and thoughtful than mine had been.
As they were training for El Camino de Santiago, I found myself thinking that the wheelchair-bound friend, Justin, almost had a harder task in front of him. Not being able to do much to help other than leaning one way or another to counterbalance the inclines, his contribution to the trip would center on his success and ability to encourage, inspire, and uplift. It would have been easy to feel guilty, embarrassed, or defensive about causing others so much physical exertion to fulfill one's own wish, but how productive would that have been? The far more constructive attitude would be realizing that he provided many people with a wonderful opportunity to have a unique experience, and to help others have a chance to serve and grow and bond through shared difficulties. Perspective is so often a choice--it reminds me of times when a co-worker asks, "How's your day?" and I sometimes reply, "I haven't decided." After I say that, I always think, "Well, if it's a decision, than decide it's a good day."
I completely sympathized with Patrick's confession that he had a hard time, pride-wise, of letting anyone else push Justin along the 500-mile trail. It was mature of him to realize that accepting help from others didn't minimize his own contribution, that it's okay that the reality didn't match his expected vision of their trek, and what a valuable opportunity to experience what Justin has to deal with every day as his body slowly weakens--giving up control, accepting help, and doing it all graciously.
Almost everyone who takes a demanding journey comes out with some sort of spiritual/core renewal (whether it be a spiritually religious renewal or simply a deeper appreciation/connection with nature, themselves or whatever), and these guys are no exception. They spend some time towards the middle and end of the book discussing personal battles and their own spiritual path (grounded in the Christian/Catholic faith). I was surprised to find them openly and matter of factly revealing their long child/teen/young adult battles against pornography addiction, because I feel like the book market is flooded with memoirs about substance abuse addictions, but very rarely about other addictions. To me, it seemed to be an especially courageous admission, since they open themselves up to criticism and snap judgement by revealing their own Achille's heels.
The men epitomize acceptance by using their own weaknesses and past struggles to help, encourage, and embrace everyone struggling around them, whether or not they had similar beliefs, lives, pursuits, or even spoken languages. The "Buen Camino!" seems to bring out the best so many of the travelers they encountered. I think most people are willing to help others by default, rather than ignore tribulations and struggles. Or, maybe it's just easier when it's obvious--like seeing one lone man inching up a steep incline, pushing a wheelchair that's about to get the best of him.
You probably won't agree with all of their own conclusions about life (I wasn't necessarily on board the entire time with their perspective, and a time or two I found myself arguing with them and wished they'd move on to other subjects), but I enjoyed learning from their opinions and beliefs about what my own opinions and beliefs are.
It didn't really pan out that way. I mostly thought stuff like, "Left, right, left, right--I wonder where we are on the map--left--watch that mud--left, right--up the hill, down the hill, watch that root--right, left--shoot, another hill--left, right--I think everything I own smells--left, right, left . . ." Not exactly the zen time I thought it would be. I'm glad these two men consciously made their journey more meaningful and thoughtful than mine had been.
As they were training for El Camino de Santiago, I found myself thinking that the wheelchair-bound friend, Justin, almost had a harder task in front of him. Not being able to do much to help other than leaning one way or another to counterbalance the inclines, his contribution to the trip would center on his success and ability to encourage, inspire, and uplift. It would have been easy to feel guilty, embarrassed, or defensive about causing others so much physical exertion to fulfill one's own wish, but how productive would that have been? The far more constructive attitude would be realizing that he provided many people with a wonderful opportunity to have a unique experience, and to help others have a chance to serve and grow and bond through shared difficulties. Perspective is so often a choice--it reminds me of times when a co-worker asks, "How's your day?" and I sometimes reply, "I haven't decided." After I say that, I always think, "Well, if it's a decision, than decide it's a good day."
I completely sympathized with Patrick's confession that he had a hard time, pride-wise, of letting anyone else push Justin along the 500-mile trail. It was mature of him to realize that accepting help from others didn't minimize his own contribution, that it's okay that the reality didn't match his expected vision of their trek, and what a valuable opportunity to experience what Justin has to deal with every day as his body slowly weakens--giving up control, accepting help, and doing it all graciously.
Almost everyone who takes a demanding journey comes out with some sort of spiritual/core renewal (whether it be a spiritually religious renewal or simply a deeper appreciation/connection with nature, themselves or whatever), and these guys are no exception. They spend some time towards the middle and end of the book discussing personal battles and their own spiritual path (grounded in the Christian/Catholic faith). I was surprised to find them openly and matter of factly revealing their long child/teen/young adult battles against pornography addiction, because I feel like the book market is flooded with memoirs about substance abuse addictions, but very rarely about other addictions. To me, it seemed to be an especially courageous admission, since they open themselves up to criticism and snap judgement by revealing their own Achille's heels.
The men epitomize acceptance by using their own weaknesses and past struggles to help, encourage, and embrace everyone struggling around them, whether or not they had similar beliefs, lives, pursuits, or even spoken languages. The "Buen Camino!" seems to bring out the best so many of the travelers they encountered. I think most people are willing to help others by default, rather than ignore tribulations and struggles. Or, maybe it's just easier when it's obvious--like seeing one lone man inching up a steep incline, pushing a wheelchair that's about to get the best of him.
You probably won't agree with all of their own conclusions about life (I wasn't necessarily on board the entire time with their perspective, and a time or two I found myself arguing with them and wished they'd move on to other subjects), but I enjoyed learning from their opinions and beliefs about what my own opinions and beliefs are.
March 17, 2019
There were tears streaming down my face at one point in this book. I have always been a believer in friendship - this one bond exists without any societal approval - it’s friendship that we build to the deepest part of our vulnerable self because here we get no reward of sex, marriage, or children - only the purest form of love.
In reading about how Patrick pushes Justin in a wheelchair for 800km of the Camino de Santiago, I was awed at just how much human beings can learn that love. This is an inspirational tale. It’s not about great story writing. You can read and then go back feeling a little bit lighter. Amid all the people who let you down, with all the people who walk away, with all the insufferable self-absorption of our petty egos, both Patrick and Justin teach us what it is to truly love, to receive help, and to offer our self up to examination. This is a beautiful tribute to friendship. Read this if you are the sort who has such a friendship. Read it if you are the sort who believes that friendship is just about meeting for a beer every now and then or liking your posts. Because then you would know what you are missing out on.
In reading about how Patrick pushes Justin in a wheelchair for 800km of the Camino de Santiago, I was awed at just how much human beings can learn that love. This is an inspirational tale. It’s not about great story writing. You can read and then go back feeling a little bit lighter. Amid all the people who let you down, with all the people who walk away, with all the insufferable self-absorption of our petty egos, both Patrick and Justin teach us what it is to truly love, to receive help, and to offer our self up to examination. This is a beautiful tribute to friendship. Read this if you are the sort who has such a friendship. Read it if you are the sort who believes that friendship is just about meeting for a beer every now and then or liking your posts. Because then you would know what you are missing out on.
October 22, 2018
What an inspirational story of friendship, surrender and self discovery. It is a reminder of the human spirit and that kindness exists anywhere. They did not do this journey alone and I loved their gratitude and how they gave the glory to God for answering prayers along the way. They are vulnerable in their life struggles and how they shared their transformations was a gift. I took notes about their various epiphanies~one of my favorites "Loving and serving others is the only way we can push through the darkness that life will undoubtedly give us. Acts of unconditional love shine a light into the lives of both the giver and the receiver. A light no darkness can hide from."
June 1, 2019
Really makes you think about friendship.
Thankful it wasn’t too drawn out. Props to the editors.
Inspirational. I had never heard of the journey they took, and of course, it made me want to travel some more.
Good people are everywhere and everyone is struggling and dealing with something.
Thankful it wasn’t too drawn out. Props to the editors.
Inspirational. I had never heard of the journey they took, and of course, it made me want to travel some more.
Good people are everywhere and everyone is struggling and dealing with something.
June 23, 2019
What a journey...loved this book for so many reasons! And yes, I cried at the end...tears of joy at the lessons learned on this seemingly impossible 500 mile journey.
February 20, 2023
The story is inspiring and I enjoyed learning more about the Camino. The writing wasn’t amazing.
June 28, 2019
This is not just Camino walking and pushing,this is the story what a real friendship should BE!!!!
June 3, 2025
An easy 5 stars! This is a book that I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
In 2002, when Justin was diagnosed with a rare neuromuscular disease that robbed him of the use of his arms and legs, his best friend Patrick remained ever present in his life. When Justin brings up the idea of a trek on the Camino de Santiago, a 500-mile journey through Spain. Patrick simply says “I’ll Push You.”
As they begin to plan and prepare, they start to realize how challenging it will be. Little do they know, that along the way, they will meet complete strangers who step up to help them to make it through the grueling terrain. Pushing and pulling. I’m pretty sure I'd die. 😅
I loved that they brought along a film crew to document their experiences to leave a legacy of inspiration for others.
‘The Camino has made this much clearer to me: I want my life to demonstrate love, sacrifice for others, compassion, and value placed on relationships.’
Read this for |
•The power of true friendship
•Inspirational story
•Faith in trials
•Strength and determination
•Dual narration
•Moments of humor
‘Something beautiful happens when I let others into my weaknesses.’
This is such a touching story that will inspire and give you faith in humanity. I would highly recommend it!
‘Patrick and I have often found ourselves outmatched by our circumstances. But we've learned that if we live in fear and never try, if we never attempt something scary or daunting, we can't know what limits we possess. 'If we don't push ourselves, the only limits we face are the ones we place on ourselves, the ones we fabricate in our minds.’
In 2002, when Justin was diagnosed with a rare neuromuscular disease that robbed him of the use of his arms and legs, his best friend Patrick remained ever present in his life. When Justin brings up the idea of a trek on the Camino de Santiago, a 500-mile journey through Spain. Patrick simply says “I’ll Push You.”
As they begin to plan and prepare, they start to realize how challenging it will be. Little do they know, that along the way, they will meet complete strangers who step up to help them to make it through the grueling terrain. Pushing and pulling. I’m pretty sure I'd die. 😅
I loved that they brought along a film crew to document their experiences to leave a legacy of inspiration for others.
‘The Camino has made this much clearer to me: I want my life to demonstrate love, sacrifice for others, compassion, and value placed on relationships.’
Read this for |
•The power of true friendship
•Inspirational story
•Faith in trials
•Strength and determination
•Dual narration
•Moments of humor
‘Something beautiful happens when I let others into my weaknesses.’
This is such a touching story that will inspire and give you faith in humanity. I would highly recommend it!
‘Patrick and I have often found ourselves outmatched by our circumstances. But we've learned that if we live in fear and never try, if we never attempt something scary or daunting, we can't know what limits we possess. 'If we don't push ourselves, the only limits we face are the ones we place on ourselves, the ones we fabricate in our minds.’
May 17, 2019
I really enjoyed this travel memoir written by two best friends. I felt it was decently organized and well written. It was interesting and challenging at the same time.
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