It’s hard for Pádraig to lift up his leg from the ground up when he is sitting in his chair. Try it out yourself and you’ll find out what I mean.
It’s quite a bit harder for him to lift his leg up from the ground in stages. 1-2-3 going up, and 4-5-6 going down. Try it. It’s hard.
Yet, this is exactly what he did today. Not just once or twice, but a few times. For the first time ever. Another first.
As if that hadn’t been enough, he started to move his arms (almost) by himself when he was using the arm trainer in the MOTOMed. A little bit more than a year ago, we had a discussion with a few important people telling us that using the arm trainer would damage Pádraig’s shoulders.
Sometimes, it’s better to question what important people are telling you. And sometimes, you’re better off ignoring what they’re telling you.
Hospi-Tales 
Padraig and Reinhard
Welcome back to Ireland. I hope you enjoyed Germany; the photos were lovely.
Now Padraig it’s back to routine with guidance and help from people around you. Your dad is wise; he has found the necessary aids to help you strengthen your muscles in your legs and arms. It may be boring for you; and I know really difficult also, but keep your spirits and you will progress. Long ago and far away I used to hate physiotherapy exercises. Eventually I found walking up and down stairs (maybe 30 times a day) my way of dealing with balance problems.
Padraig because of the impact on your physical health; much concentration will be directed towards recovery in this area; however do not forget about the power of the brain/mind/soul. Nobody can really measure your thoughts and with the aid of adaptive technology that isolation you would once have been subject to, need no longer be the case. I use Twitter to augment my memory each day and cope with Broca (which is where speaking language is a problem). I start with going for a quotation be it Anti-Bullying; Emotions: Ethics: Aristotle; Stephen Hawking: anything that creates a quote on A-Z and then I cut and paste it and sent it to people on my address list. Padraig, your character, your basics traits remain – they just need express. By the way: Jack Dorsey is Chief Executive of Twitter and he is @jack. Keep him on your list too.
It is the beginning of Spring. I have just taken Freddie my dog to the park. I have a harness on him because he is a bit aggressive – he came from Dogs in Distress, so he had a bad experience prior to arriving with us. No longer can you see his back bone and dampened coat.
Padraig & Reinhard, it is my hope that each day or maybe even each week I will write to you. Forgive me if I repeat myself.
Best wishes
Michelle
Hello Reinhard and Padraig
I am just scrolling thru emails and want to say thank u. My friend for years now in his 70’s had a stroke and also sprained his ankle: he is finding it difficult to walk so I am now going to encourage him to use your 1 – 6. Hope you enjoy the day. Michelle