The first anniversary of Tom Petty who wouldn’t back down and stand his ground. He knew there was no easy way out. He knew what’s right. In a world that was pushing him around he wouldn’t back down.

Listening on shuffle to one of the greatest collections of music ever, Dylan sang ‘Idiot Wind‘ which I had listened to many times never really been able to de-ciffre the code that runs through that song. It’s not really a song, more like one of these poems for which he got the nobel prize in literature.

It was gravity which pulled us down
And destiny which broke us apart
You tamed the lion in my cage
But it just wasn’t enough to change my heart
Now everything’s a little upside down
As a matter of fact the wheels have stopped
What’s good is bad, what’s bad is good
You’ll find out when you reach the top
You’re on the bottom

It’s life in just one verse.

Tuesday is swimming day. We’re slowly getting used to the new pool. And the pool is getting used to us. Apart from us, there were three other people in the water today. Quite incredible. Pádraig tried out a new exercise: with his knees up against his chest, and his feet against the wall of the pool, he pushed himself back into the water. Some of those pushes were so strong that we had trouble holding him. He had great fun! Seeing us struggle. And he had a great smile on his face when one of his old swimming teachers came over to say ‘hello Paddy’! She is teaching a group of small kids directly after our hour in the pool and is delighted to see ‘Paddy’ back in the water.

After a bit of a rest, we went to a friend’s house who had prepared an absolutely fantastic three-course dinner. It felt like pure luxury to be able to just sit down and eat and drink and be in good company and chat. Pádraig so enjoyed the meal he was delighted when our hosts offered him another bowl with delicious desert to bring home.

Earlier today, we decided how to proceed with the premises we’re hoping to rent for the An Saol Project.

We’ll be looking for staff, from cleaners, to nurses and therapists, as well as carers and programme co-ordinators to help me run the project. Would you be interested or do you know anybody who might be interested?