After yesterday’s call for revolution, I thought it’d be nice to talk about peace. So I did a few searches, but, to be honest, I couldn’t find much, or at least not anything that was catching my attention. But then, as we were reading out news stories for Pádraig – there was a story about peace. Although, it was extraordinary, and very different from what one would have expected…
There were a few comments on yesterday’s blog, and the update on the caringforpadraig website: Rehabilitation Services in Ireland – Time for Change. With the help and some pointers from a friend, I put together some information on the outrageous lack of rehab services in Ireland. It turned out that what we experienced was something hundreds of people have experienced for many, many years. Specialist consultants are well aware of the situation, politicians are making declarations, the HSE and the Government are publishing a National Policy – but people suffering brain injuries continue to suffer a highly inadequate level of care in Ireland. As they have for decades.
I will start putting some information together on the services available in Germany. One of our ‘regulars’ has offered to do the same for Spain. Maybe we get friends from other countries contributing too? – Would it be a good idea to make friends, politicians, and the public more aware of how some of the most vulnerable patients are suffering and are, effectively, emigrated because of the shocking lack of resources afforded to them in their own country?
Pádraig was moving his head and legs today quite a bit. He had done this before, but I don’t remember having seen such movements so ‘concentrated’, so many all in one day, or rather afternoon. He still has a congested chest and a touch of pneumonia but seems to take it in his stride. Most of it has to do with the operations, it happens, the doctors say, but we hope, of course, that he will get over this ‘aftermath’ soon.
There was a story in the news today about the Pope releasing two ‘peace doves’ – and, as it happens in real life, they were immediately attacked by a seagull and crow. Pat was reading this story out loud to Pádraig and there was a clear reaction by him. I had to laugh out loud (politically incorrectly, I know, but I found it so funny at so many different levels that I just had to), and it felt almost like as if he was joining in. It would have been great if he really had. One day he will.
Today’s German Music Tip
Puhdys, Wenn ein Mensch lebt (1973). Probably the most famous band of the former German Democratic Republic – and their first appearance on West German TV. I had completely forgotten about the Puhdys (which should probably be called ‘Puhdies’?), but came across them again when look (desperately) for German music on youtube…
What’s hot
Peace doves
What’s cold
Hamburg: -11oC
The German word/phrase/verse of the day
Crash-Kurs (a note posted on a driving school advertising intensive 7-day driving courses)
Twitter: @forPadraig
#caringforPadraig
http://www.caringforPadraig.org
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Hospi-Tales 
Dear Reinhard,
Your reference to ‘Crash-Kurs’ reminds me of an equally confidence-inspiring sign I once saw somewhere (not in Germany): ‘English Klasses’.
There’s so much potential symbolism around the doves and the crow and the seagull … perhaps the best reaction is just to laugh, as you and Pádraig would advise though, as we all know, there are many potentially serious points to be made in this connection as well. I have to do a presentation tomorrow evening about the ‘global ethic’, and if I manage to squeeze in a reference to said assorted birds I will credit Pádraig (and yourself, of course … ).
Good to hear that Pádraig is doing well and taking post-operative setbacks in his stride.
Very best wishes, as always,
Louise
You are right (as always:), Louise. You couldn’t have made it up, the idea of the Pope releasing peace doves, and a seagull (what was the seagull doing in Rome anyway!?) and a crow attacking them straight away. Hope you’ll manage to work that in to your presentation about global ethics! If you do, let us know how you managed! – Reinhard
Reinhard your story about the dove and the Seagul made me remember “Jonathan Livingston Seagul” from Richard Back a bock I read in my teens and wich I loved so much (even though I don´t know if today I would have the same feeling). I don´t know the mixture of youth and peace and seaguls…
This is a versión of Rafael Alberti: Se equivocó la paloma sang by Ana Belén
Do you remember when we saw Alberti in a Restaurant and asked him for autograph and he very, very kind painted also a thing a dove,..
Youth, doves and seaguls
So happy that Pádraig is starting to move his wings!!!
Yes – I remember that very well, Ana. I couldn’t believe when we saw him, it was a pizzeria near Plaza de España. I gave that drawing you got from him and his dedication to a fellow student who was working about his poetry. I haven’t met her in decades… And I really like Ana Belén. There is another story about Pádraig and seagulls, for another day. – Reinhard
we will be happy if you tell us the next time the other seagul story of Pádraig. besos y abrazos,
I’ll keep it for a quiet day, Ana, and you in suspense;) – Reinhard
It’s so sad – and as written above SO symbolic – about the poor doves! I’m glad you had a good laugh, and that Pádraig seemed to join in. (And I look forward to hearing of the day he has a real belly-laugh with you!)
If you’d like me to gather any information about brain injury services etc. here in Boston, I can make calls. (Though I’m sad that I hadn’t gathered that information before so you would’ve had it when you needed it. 😦 )
p.s. In my youth, I was also a big fan of Jonathan Livingston Seagull… and I’m pretty sure he was a ‘good’ seagull and wouldn’t attack a Peace Dove. 😉 I look forward to the next seagull story, too!
Seagulls and doves together works, Diane. You’re right. – Reinhard