I tend to think though that any physical journey is a spiritual one in the end, because every single new experience, however small and insignificant it might be, leaves its impress on our consciousness and soul, changes us for the better or for the worse. .
Phoenix Jackson's journey in Eudory Welty's short story is of both kinds. Her beloved grandson has swallowed lye and badly burnt his throat. The sore will probably never heal and Phoenix has to make long regular walks through the forest into town to buy medicine. She is an old, frail woman. Each journey is physically challenging for her. If she falls down, she needs somebody else's assistance to be on her feet again. Nevertheless, she is not daunted. The determination she demonstrates during her physical journeys reflects the grit she has always exhibited in the journey of her life. Phoenix is Afro-American; every day of her existence has been marred by discrimination, toil and pain. But even in her old age she has no rest. In stead of being taken care of, she has to assume care herself and she does so without a grumble. She has a miraculous ability to accept the harsh circumstances and go on, recovering from each blow like a Phoenix from the ashes. Her journey is a heroic one.
The journey of Dee in Alice Walker's short story is that of a "prodigal daughter" coming back to once repudiated roots. Dee left her poor, uneducated African-American family, of which she was ashamed of, to live a more "glamorous" life in the city. Soon, however, she recognized the value and richness of her heritage and returned home for some souvenirs - old, hand-made quilts. When the short story ends, Dee has still a long way to go. Her spiritual journey will have to continue. Although she learned to recognize her heritage, she still has to learn to truly respect it. .
Some of the most difficult journeys we make in life are our relationships with other people, especially our loved ones.
