Before
Today, I learned a few important things, the most important one being that you get where you need to get, even if it takes more time then you would wish.
The first kilometres went ok, but too soon a couple of things did not work out as I had planned. A bit of a stomach pain, getting out of breadth, and then – the nagging question of why on earth I was doing this. I started to think that I didn’t really have to continue, if I couldn’t run well. I had to walk. Thought about getting a taxi home.
Then I decided to try a different strategy. I stopped running when I had to and, instead, walked.
After
The result: I finished. Not in a great time. But time was never the issue.
Tonight, my bones and muscles are aching, I am very very tired, but immensely proud for having finished.
During the day, I heard the story of Joseph and his brother Ciaran – which is all about inclusion, about An Saol, about having a life. Check it out here. And there is a short video on youtube about it too. The whole project is called ‘He ain’t heavy’. It made me think that with a bit of luck one day I will run with Pádraig. What do you think?
I heard that Donal made it to the finishing line. Well done Donal. Cian didn’t make it even to the starting line because of some serious work issues, unfortunately. Haven’t heard about Ciara and how the run went for her. Fergal and I had a couple of pints in Toner’s with a few friends and family before we made it home, just about.
Tomorrow, I’ll tell Pádraig that I kept my part of the deal and see what he has to say!
Hospi-Tales 
Hello again Reinhard, Mary & Robert, your neighbours from the Blog Awards again. First many congratulations on today’s achievement. As my father used say; ‘that didn’t get done by looking at it’! We follow your blog and continue to wish you, Padraig and all the family well. The contents of your posts always give us pause for thought.
The Clifford brothers, are local heroes, here in North Wicklow. The affection the brothers have for one another is palpable. Training and competing in marathons is certainly an effective way of enabling ‘inclusion’ for Ciaran. There is a lovely photo of the brothers online, having completed today, where, to my mind, Ciaran looks so self assured and comfortable in his own skin and his brother looks as well one might when there has been a job well done.
I love to think that you and Padraig could do the same. I feel that leaving hospital and being in your own apartment will make a considerable difference to the quality of life for you all. It should be a natural progression that Padraig will be so much more involved in family life, than he can be, while in hospital. This will be all for the good.
With every good wish, Mary & Robert
Hello Mary and Robert,
thank you so much for your comment. Our connection, made at this very strange night, is proof that there is always some good coming out of even the strangest situations.
When I heard of your local heroes and saw the pictures I thought that this is exactly what it is all about: just because somebody is different, just because he might have different needs, just because he might perceive and be perceived in the world surrounding him in a different way – that does not mean that he cannot participate in every day life, be included. The running they do together is brilliant, but I am sure that they do so many more great things together.
One day, Pádraig and I will run – not sure whether it’ll be a marathon, but you never know.
Thank you for your kind, supportive comments!
All the best,
Reinhard
Hi Reinhard, There was a lovely interview with Joseph Clifford and the designer of the racing chair they used in the marathon (Johnny Hayden) on East Coast Radio.
I thought you might be interested as they talk about the importance of taking everyone where they are at, including them and giving them dignity and their proper status; giving people the respect they deserve.
Johnny is somebody else who is triumphing over adversity having been confined to a wheel chair after an operation abroad that went wrong).
You could listen on this link. They started speaking about 11.10 a.m. (so on the second link; the one beginning at eleven).http://www.eastcoast.fm/on-air/station-updates .
I thought you might find it heartening and that after the meeting you describe with the HSE today, you might appreciate a little ‘pick me up’.
With every good wish, Mary & Robert
Hi Mary and Robert,
thank you for your comments – and the brilliant ‘pick me up’! So much common sense has disappeared from our lives and public discourse that to hear and see people saying and doing what anyone with their head screwed on and their heart in the right place would consider the ‘right thing to do’ – is just pure magic. It’s like the fairy tale about the king that had no clothes and no-one noticed, until someone actually said it. Sometimes, someone has to say it out loud and do what is right for everyone to wake up and say ‘yeah, of course’!
We just have to share some of this common sense and this ‘yeah, of course’ feeling with people sitting in offices, believing in their own fairy tales. We have to tell them that they’re not wearing any clothes – in a way.
Thanks again for the link!
Reinhard
Hi Reinhard,
I am glad that link was a ‘pick me up’ for you. Engaging with administrations and procedures can be wearing; ‘two steps forward, one step back’ especially when you need to ‘move things on’. Your analogy of the Emperor’s New Clothes is an excellent one. Sometimes the most obvious, straightforward solutions like those of Joseph Clifford and Johnny Hayden are the best. Wishing you less dealings with red tape and more quality family time, in your home surrounding, Mary & Robert
Thank you – and you are, of course, right, Mary and Robert. Hospitals are bad news. And it doesn’t get better over time. To the contrary. Can’t wait to be together again, in our ‘own’ four walls!
Reinhard
Hello, Reinhard. All the greater achievement because you found it so challenging. With best wishes, Louise.
That is a nice way of looking at it, Louise!
Reinhard
As we say in spanish “Del dicho al hecho hay mucho trecho” which means something like, “the way between saying something and doing it is very long” and you did both things, ¡¡¡¡ Great !!! Congratulations!!! Besos y abrazos flojitos para no romperte
Gracias por los abrazos flojitos!:)
Hi Reinhard. Comhgairdeachas on your achievement yesterday.So you should be immensely proud to get to the finishing line…Brian took a much easier option ,was on the side line but did not spot you. tell Pádraig, he saw Sullie(Eoghan) a class mate , Safe journey and a quick recovery..
Will do, Norma. – It wasn’t my lightening speed that prevented Brian from spotting me. It’s much more likely that he decided to call it a day:) – Reinhard
Ciara finished sub 4! Laochra all. Well done.
Hi Sophie – yes, I heard that today. It’s an unbelievable achievement. She must be so proud of herself!
Congratulations for finishing. You took on the challenge, took care of yourself and finished. The ability to come through is much more important than the style in which you did it. xx
It took a while to think that way, Diane, and this was in the end what got me to the finish line. I think there is a great life-lesson in this: that it’s not about the style or the speed, but about getting there, finishing. Reinhard