I know that some of Pádraig’s friends were freezing cold in there; for me, walking into the hospital from the subtropical heat of Hyannis in July felt like a big relief. The building was completely sealed and kept at a constant freezing temperature, compared to the hot humid air outside. Going in and out put you under serious risk of catching pneumonia – or a nasty cold at least. We were thinking of this today, nine months later, in the winter, in Hamburg, when we walked out of the cosy, warm UKE building into the freezing winter of northern Germany. The contrast couldn’t have been bigger, like hot ‘n cold.
In Hyannis, doctors and a social worker talked to us on several occasions about organ donation. Here, we are being told that it is impossible to make a prognosis, that we need 
a lot of patience, and that in the case of someone as young as Pádraig it will take at least a year before anything even close to a prognosis could be made.This is six months up from what we were told in Dublin. It seems that in the case of ABI at least, the Germans are trying harder. The contrast couldn’t be bigger, like hot ‘n cold.
They removed the last of the two drainages he had today and checked that his lung was alright. They will check again tomorrow morning and then start with the arrangements for a transfer back to the Schön-Klinik in Hamburg Eilbek. Pádraig today had a great nurse, as old as us, with 30 years experience and three kids. She was competent, caring, understanding and highly professional. What a difference that made to yesterday. In the morning, I had reminded myself of our priorities: changing the personalities of certain nurses or trying to reason with control freaks did not even figure.
This morning, Padraig received a packet from Colm Ó Snodaigh with his book Istigh sa Cheol, two other books (I won’t mention the titles:), and loads (probably all) of KILA’s and Colm’s music on CD. (Seosamh added Ronán’s latest solo album to the mix before he left today.) What a nice present. Hamburg will soon become KILA land!
Going back to work will be hard. One colleague sent me a text today saying she hoped I got a bit of time to relax over the past few weeks. It’s like being stuck between hot ‘n cold to freely quote Katy Perry.
Listened to one of the songs from the early eighties again. What an innocent time this was.
Mit dir in der Südsee stehn in den Abendhimmel sehn
oh guter Mond am Firmament spür wie meine Sehnsucht brennt
oh komm Czigan spiel für uns allein
die Melodie brauch ich zum glücklich sein
Ich seh den Sternenhimmel Sternenhimmel Sternenhimmel oh oh
ich seh den Sternenhimmel Sternenhimmel Sternenhimmel oh oh
Today’s German Music Tip
Hubert Kah, Sternenhimmel (1982). ‘Neue Deutsche Welle’. When we were young. Observe the really cool dancing.
What’s hot
Life – it’s hot ‘n cold
What’s cold
Life – it’s hot ‘n cold
The German word/phrase/verse of the day
Sternenhimmel
Twitter: @forPadraig
#caringforPadraig
web: http://www.caringforPadraig.org
Hospi-Tales 
Hello, Reinhard.
I am very glad to hear Pádraig’s transfer back is on the cards.
You do indeed need a lot of patience, and many other qualities too, in abundance, the exercise of which you never thought you would have to engage in to this extent. As always, my thoughts and prayers are with you as you continue to face up to challenges you would previously have thought unimaginable.
Today, my predictive suggests ‘reinforce’ as a name for you rather than ‘rained’. There’s definitely a message in that!
With best wishes, Louise.
Hello Louise, indeed, it would be good to get back on to the agenda. Stay with us, and especially with Pádraig. He needs reinforcements! – Reinhard
Dear Reinhard,
Thank you very much for this communication (and indeed all of them).
I will stay with you.
With best wishes,
Louise
Dear Ana Teresa,
I very much appreciate your kind comment.
I disagree with your opinion of your writing in English … and, indeed, even if it were true, I would be quite happy to be even a clumsy writer in Spanish …
Your comment is timely because I have to get 10,000 words worth of essays in by Friday week. Much more importantly, though, I think it is very true that Pádraig brings out the best in all of us, including our eloquence and creativity.
With best wishes,
Louise
Louise I admire how well you write and express yourself. I feel so clumsy writting in english… You just say the right things. I have always the temptation just to post: I think the same as Louise.
Reinhard, our experience made at one point just call the medical staff as the optimist, the pesimist, the encouraging,… etc. In this kind of situation you always need that someone tells you exacty what will happen but the real thing is that this is imposible to predict and pacience is the best companion. We decided to celebrate all the Little step forward even if sometimes they were also some steps back as I image you do.
https://www.facebook.com/reinhard.schaler?fref=ts
this link is of Milladoiro a relaxing celtig music for getting some fresh air. I hope you like it.
Our first video on the blog! Well done, Ana! Very nice music!
sorry for the mistake before….