It all depends.

People could be looking at the same situation and come to completely different conclusions. It all depends on your perspective. How you see things depends as much on from where you are coming from as on what you are looking at. Robin Williams, a genius who left us way too early last week said in Dead Poets Society:

“Remind yourself that you must constantly look at things in a different way. Just when you think you know something, you have to look at it in another way, even though it may seem silly or wrong. You must try. You must strive to find your own voice. – Most people lead their lives in quiet desperation. Don’t resign yourselves to this!”

Pádraig could have given up a long time ago. He didn’t. Instead, he is giving us the energy to do things we never thought we’d were capable of, to see life from a different perspective. He won’t live a life in quiet desperation – and he wouldn’t want any of us to do so. Ever.

For the first time this week (and the third time in total), we went out for a walk with him in the garden and grounds of the Schön-Klinik. It was lovely, although it started to rain and we had to get back into the building.

I’m beginning to put the memories of respirators, pneumonia and antibiotics, phone calls at night, worries, the feeling that my whole body was just flushed in shock, I’m beginning to put that away, I want to forget about it. Forget that this ever happened.

One of the quotes hanging at home on the wall of his room is by Oscar Wilde: “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.” Sure, what else would be worth looking at?

It’s all about perspective. Isn’t it?

Keep the date for the poker night for Pádraig (23 August) and the Sea Swim for Pádraig (06 September)!