Now that April Fool’s Day is over, let’s focus again on what this is all really about. Back to basics.

We met with Pádraig’s physio and OT and made real progress. We attended a physio/OT session and then talked about the kind of person Pádraig is, with loads of energy and determination and stubbornness, especially when there is something to aim for that is worth his while. There is nothing like a good challenge to get him going. So today, he started to use a kind of ‘bicycle’ without the wheels, but still requiring him to pedal – and when he doesn’t a little ‘engine’ kicks in and does the ‘cycling’ for him. It’s kind of a slightly more sophisticated model of what they were trying in Beaumont, if you were ever there to see it. He seemed to enjoy it and took the exercise really well.

We’re now going to have a weekly meeting with the physio and OT to see what their plan is for the week, exchange the progress we have observed, and see whether there is anything we can help with.

In the evening, before we leave, we play the Marino Waltz for him. Guess what, one evening he moved his head from one to the other side in the rhythm of the waltz. Now, it could all have been coincidence – but it certainly was not imagined. You will remember that Pádraig gets music therapy a few times a week. Today, the music therapist said he had been looking for us, because Pádraig had move his hand with the music. We told him about the concerts Pádraig loved and enjoyed so much, and that many groups knew him – it wasn’t easy not to see him in the crowd near the stage.

I’m back in Ireland for a number of meetings and work. I have no words to describe how I feel. So great to see Laura and Maria. The hammocks are swinging empty between the trees at the back of the garden, the cat doesn’t recognize me anymore, Pádraig’s room is there as if nothing had happened, I can see and hear him on the sofa, really comfortable under a blanket, telling me that he is watching a movie and that if I want to watch the news, I can watch them upstairs – having brought him a glass of milk. Cold. What would I give for a bit of a row about the remote. And the emersion that had, again, been left on. Why are you always blaming me???

Don’t forget the ‘swim a mile‘ event this coming Friday, in Dublin’s National Aquatic Centre (NAC), at 7pm. Here is a taste of what is going to happen, from an email Fergal sent to Swim Ireland (before you ask, I did ask him whether it was ok to publish it:) –

I am the husband of Lynn Fitzmaurice who is swimming the mile on Friday in the NAC.  The reason I am emailing you is to make you aware that both Lynn and Irene Clonan, two mothers of children who swim with Atlantis Swimming Club, are both doing this challenge in order to raise some money for Padraig Schaler.  I assume you like most of the Irish swimming fraternity have heard about the accident that Padraig was involved in during the summer of 2013 and his subsequent treatment (http://caringforpadraig.org/).

Lynn (my wife) did not take up this challenge easily.  In fact I registered her for the Swim a Mile as her Christmas present (Romantic Ireland  is dead and gone).  Her first attempt at swimming was in early January in Finglas pool where she attempted to put her face in the water.  I encouraged her to move her arms and legs, words fail to describe how her first attempt at swimming looked but she did  provide much amusement to the staff and other swimmers.  On another occasion in the NAC, I explained to her that she had to breath, kick and pull.  All went well until she realised that she had to do all 3 at the same time.  That session had some tears. Despite all this she has stayed determined, trained 3 times a week and I know she will complete the Mile on Friday evening.

Irene Clonan is another mother of Atlantis swimmers.  While she did a small bit of swimming in her teenage years her return to the pool was also a big challenge for her.  However she applied the same focus in her swimming as she does as club secretary for Atlantis Swimming Club.  For her the Swim a Mile challenge is a step on the way to doing the Liffey Swim this year. Irene has been training hard and has done 3 sessions a week in the pool usually at 5am along with the clubs competitive swimmers.   

Both Lynn and Irene are both hoping to raise a few euro for Padraig Schaler.  I am hoping that you will allow me to record and photograph (ipad) some of their swim so that I can email the recording to the Schaler family.  Reinhard Schaler was our club Treasurer up until a few months ago and Padraig’s sister Maria is a member of Atlantis. 

If you know anyone who is interested in sponsoring either of them you can get them to email me at either: ffitzmaurice@msn.com  or fitzhistorical@hotmail.com 

Both Irene and Lynn are looking forward to Friday evening and I think the way Swim Ireland has encouraged people to take up this challenge is great. 

Kind regards

Fergal Fitzmaurice

I know what it is like to swim I mile: I tried on Sandymount Beach last spring during a sea swim and failed miserably! Good luck and heartfelt thanks to Lynn and Irene! They are heroes!