Monday. A new week. Wohnungsvorabnahmeprüfungstermin tomorrow, 10am. Ride in an ambulance to Universitätskrankenhaus Eppendorf (UKE) on Wednesday morning. Operation on Thursday. Then fingers crossed that nothing happens over the weekend. Back to the Schön-Klinik some time next week.
I can’t say I’m looking forward to the UKE. I have a bit of a ‘hangover’ from that place and, to be honest, it is the wrong time of the year. Pádraig went there last year, just a few weeks later. All routine stuff, they said. I hope nobody will mention the word ‘routine’ ever again. It sends shivers down my spine.
On the bright side: Dreamboat is being watched all over the world and people are in awe of Pádraig’s friends. And they are right. If anyone ever wondered about ‘the meaning of life’, show them this video. And then give them the CD as a present. And finally, make them join the launch of the Amhrán do Pádraig / Song for Pádraig album on 03 Dec, 8 pm, in Dublin’s Grand Social. It’ll be an amazing and inspiring night!
There are things that we worry about. ‘Important’ stuff that grabs our attention and doesn’t let go. Fashion. Beauty. Headlines. Wars. Money. Jobs. Take your pick. Go down into the supermarket and wonder what on earth people are going to do with all this ‘stuff’. Check out any of the clothing shops and wonder how many trousers or skirts one can wear. So many reduced bargains shouting at you: buy me, buy me, buy me.
None of this matters.
What matters are the people you care about. Those that have the ‘time of their life’ with you. Those you dance with, sing with, laugh with, relax with. Those that will do whatever it takes to help you when you need them most. Those that you will help no matter what ‘important business’ you’re involved in at the moment.
That is the meaning of life.
This afternoon, we heard that one of Pat’s cousins passed away today suddenly and completely unexpected. He had gone to Nepal for kayaking and trekking. We’re not sure exactly what happened but it seems that he fell ill and did not recover from whatever it was that eventually brought him down. He was my age. He was active, adventurous, full of life, witty, and funny. He really enjoyed life with his family and friends. None of us can believe that he won’t be any longer with us. From one moment to the next he is gone. My thoughts are with his wife, children, brothers, sister, and his mother. May he rest in peace. And, we won’t forget him. Ever. He’ll live in our memory and be with us. Forever.
Hospi-Tales 
I liked @merrybeau1’s comment about ‘people being transformed into numbers’. It captures really well what is going on with ‘big data’ and all things being measured. Daniel Kehlmann wrote a novel called ‘Measuring the World’ (Die Vermessung der Welt), maybe there is a sequel here, ‘Measuring the People’ (Die Vermessung der Menscheit)? There is an interesting website asking the question ‘is better always good’, which is all about measuring, comparing, and improving: http://www.thebioethicsproject.org
Hi Reinhard,
I was sorry to hear about your cousin. My condolences. Your description of him and that he will live on in your memories is a testament to him.
I picked up on what you yourself had said in your thought provoking post on Numbers.
‘Measuring the Child’ can be a feature of my line of business in school. However I would subscribe to Stephen Covey’s view that reducing child to a test score is a form of identity theft.
I will light a candle for all your intentions. With every good wish,
Thank you, Mary. Don’t know what it is, but I never liked bean counting, or measuring. It gives the impression of ‘independence’ and ‘objectivity’ when, in reality, it is neither. – I like the idea of a candle, the light and warmth, and hope it gives.
My thoughts are with all of you for a smooth transition to UKE and back again and everything in between. We’re so very sorry for the loss of your cousin. Cyberhugs to you all.
Many thanks, Diane. Can’t wait for next week!
Hi Reinhard. My name is Shane Gillen. I am Niall’s daughter Caitriona’s fiance, and we briefly met around the time of Niall’s funeral. I’ve been spending the day reading your blog and so I thought this would be a poignant moment to stop and comment, and to tell you how amazing yourself and Pat seem to have been throughout this journey so far. Thoughts are with you…