It’ll have to be another short post tonight. One reason is that whatever is supposed to be easy with an Apple Mac when you migrate to a new machine turned out to be really complex when I tried it today; I’m still using my phone instead of my laptop to write this (remember when phones were used to make phone calls?).
The other reason is that Pádraig is keeping well. With a good friend from Ireland visiting over the weekend, as well as his older sister.
He keeps trying to make a real extra big effort to talk, say things that are easy and simple for us, complex and difficult for him. Of course, we have to be careful not to be over-enthusiastic, but we have no doubt that he is trying to respond to people who are talking to him
Tonight, when we left, he was so close to being himself, handsome Pádraig, saying ‘slán’ to his friend and family when we left. We are so sure he did. No doubt.
And this is just the start! Right?
Hospi-Tales 
Reinhard,
Good to hear that news about Pádraig. I wanted to thank you again for coming to Connemara to talk on the show. So many people have spoken to me since about it – particularly people who live in our area in Glasnevin who knew Pádraig. One woman remembers him from when he was in school…I think she said she remembers him always carrying his guitar on his back…(Ihope i got that right!). Anyway, all were anxious things come right for him, were struck by his story and the injustice of it all. But were so very supportive of what you are trying to achieve.
I will be keeping an eye on your blog myself, and wish you all the best.
Róisín
Róisín, thank you for the invitation and the opportunity to raise what has been happening to him (and really so many others in a similar situation to his). There is such a huge contrast between the really incredible support he has received since the accident happened from his wider family, his friends, and complete strangers. There is a primary gaelscoil in Donegal where a teacher put together a book with letters from the kids to Pádraig. Another gaelscoil sent in handmade ‘flowers’ the kids made and glued on to ice-cream sticks. And you have probably heard about the swims, the quizzes, car boot sales, coffee mornings, concerts, and the CD to come out soon – all in support of Pádraig. I don’t think that any of this would have happened anywhere else in the world! We have been so inspired by all of this, that we had to respond – and An Saol is this response. Watch this space!
Thank you again for your hospitality when Maria and I met you in Connemara! I am so embarrassed that I only managed to squeeze in cúpla focal i nGaeilge at the end – one day all this will change (although it might take a while:)!
Go raibh maith agat agus go léir an chuid is fearr,
Reinhard
Yep, just the start.. of this new step in his recovery/rehabilitation/return. He’s not going back, just forwards. God strengthen him.
Seos
Just forwards, Seos, just forwards!
Great news!!! Fantastic!!! Besos y abrazos al hola y adiós!!!
We’re working on the ‘adiós’, Ana! 🙂