Commitment is an act, not a word.
Jean-Paul Sartre

Why is it so difficult to align what we know with what we do? I never fully understood what a “dialectic” relationship is. This might be one. It’s a case of: well, on this side… but then again on the other side…

It’s a question like the one about ‘freedom to choose’ against ‘everything is planned for us already’; or ‘there is a moral imperative’ against ‘it all depends and there is no right or wrong’; or ‘life’ and ‘death’ decisions.

The thing is, whatever the answer, one has to make up their mind. Even if this is hard at times.

It’s even more complicated than just deciding. Because making up your mind is only the beginning. You say the word – that takes a second. Then you have to act – for a lifetime.

The PhD student who had been working with Pádraig for more than three years came back last week to see Pádraig and us for a last time. When he went through the 14 sessions he had with Pádraig, it became apparent, how much hope, energy, amazement, and fun they all were. And how much work he had invested.

He will be handing in his PhD in a few weeks time. The lasting legacy from his work for Pádraig is mostly in memories and experiences rather than a change in Pádraig’s ability to access devices to communicate, to play and have fun, or yo play an instrument. Nevertheless, they were fantastic.

Pádraig has made up his mind. He will not be quitting. He has a level of tolerance and hope, a believe in humanity and decency, and a focus, that are all extraordinary and inspiring.

It is him who keeps me going in times of doubt, sadness, tremendous disappointment, helplessness, disbelief, and desperation.

When I need to believe that I can do what I know. That I can commit and make my actions follow my words. I think of him.