In the end a few of Pádraig’s friends were available this afternoon to go on tour with us. Two of them came along, the others promised to join some other Wednesday. Just to clarify – no need to be able to drive yourself, what I need is someone to come along to watch Pádraig, just in case he needed help when I am driving.
Pádraig under the tree – on the way back to the car park.
When the Queen comes to Dublin, or when Obama comes to down – they stay in Farmleigh. It’s an old house in a big park and, at some stage, it was owned by the Guinness family. Reason enough for the State to buy it, renovate it, and then use it to show off.
We got the last tour of the house, all for ourselves. It was bliss. And a bit silly, in a good way. Which chair did Obama sit on? Did the Queen have dinner on this table? Who can stay here? How much is a night?
Turns out a night in Farmleigh is one of those things you cannot buy. Like most important things in life. Money might make the world go ’round, but the moment the world stops spinning, its use evaporates.
These Wednesdays with Pádraig’s friends are turning into something really enjoyable and important. Hard to put into words exactly why or how. But really important.
Just in case: I’ll be in Germany for my mother’s first anniversary next Wednesday so will be going out again with Pádraig the following Wednesday, 23 March – if you were available to come along… that would be great!
Hospi-Tales 
So glad you had a nice day out. We are in Germany at last and rehab going very well. I had a walk around Pforzheim today and like Ireland the weather is fab. Now I have been here for nearly a week I know for sure ‘An Saol’ needs to happen, our young people are getting a raw deal…….no equality…….Germany is cutting edge and I am so so impressed with how good the facilities are and how people are treated.
Gute Nacht aus Deutschland
Good morning, Hilary! Hope you and Emma are having a great time in Pforzheim. How much we’d like to be there with you! Yes, An Saol does need to happen, to offer not ‘just’ a few weeks of intensive neuro rehab, but years of continued targeted person-centred specialised… care and therapy for the injured and their families. Our people and us are getting a very raw deal, everybody knows this, has acknowledged it, but very few are doing anything about it in a way that would make those services accessible and sustainable.
This morning, another family is on its way to Pforzheim to stay there for six weeks. I told them you and Emma are there. Say ‘hello’ to them!