You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.
Christopher Columbus

Have you ever been out of your depth? Thrown into the deep end? Felt scared, frightened, terrified? With absolutely no control over what was happening? Powerless and totally dependent on others?

I was. Completely helpless and terrifyingly vulnerable. And so was Pádraig.

Everybody faced with a devastating brain injury will almost certainly have had the same experience.

Our only point of reference were the professionals. The neurosurgeons. The ICU nurses. The rehabilitation specialists. They were to lead us out of this horrific situation we found ourselves in when our lives changed beyond recognition. Within a split second. Without preparation.

We lost sight of the shore and started navigating uncharted waters in search of land.

Experienced sailors say that being at sea is one of the most genuine and uncompromising environments one can experience. It poses a direct challenge to the very core of our being. If the sails are set wrong or if the equipment needed is not ready, the sea exposes these shortcomings without mercy. They say that the sea rigorously tests one’s determination, bravery, and character.

This weekend, we are on our annual 32-hour sea trip from Rosslare to Bilbao. When facing the depth of the Bay of Biscay with its mountain-high waves, we are going to be safe. We trust the captain, the crew, and their equipment.

Those who face the consequences of a severe brain injury need to know that they can trust the health system. That that system will never write them off or leave them behind. That the equipment is ready, the crew is there, and the sails are set in the right way. That all are ready to provide support and guidance through the storm, the mountain-high waves.

This is what Pádraig inspires us to do. Every second of the day. At home and at the An Saol Foundation. He is constantly testing our courage, our determination, bravery, and character.

He has all the confidence in the world in us: that we will, all of us together, cross that ocean because we have the courage, the determination, the bravery, and the character to lose sight of the shore.

What a privilege that is.