The measure of a life is not the challenges it faces, but the love, courage, and joy it brings to others.

13 years ago, on 29th May, we celebrated Pádraig’s birthday in a very nice North Dublin restaurant having lunch together. We had an exceptionally good time together.

When we were finished and left, we spent some time together outside on the pavement, chatting. Pádraig was going to Boston and Cape Cod the next day.

We didn’t know then that this was the last time we chatting together in person for along time.

Last Friday, we celebrated his birthday again.

And, for the first time in lucky 13 years, we went back to the same restaurant and had a blast of a lunch. A feast for the eyes, the nose, the palate. In the best of company.

We had to carry the wheelchair down some steep steps to the basement of one of Dublin’s very historic buildings. The staff of the restaurant couldn’t have been more helpful and kind.

Apart from the really outstanding food and eating experience, that afternoon was a perfect example of what can be done if you really try. And you never have to do it all yourself. There is always help around, often when you expect it the least.

There were a few more “firsts” last week.

For the first time, Pádraig supported his head with his arms and hands. He also actively stood up with his arms stretched out moving balls from one bowl to the other, all with a little help from his friends.

For the very first time in Ireland, we walked with Pádraig across An Saol’s therapy space. Myself behind him, two practitioners, each of them helping him with one of his legs, and the fourth person supporting his shoulders and head from the front.

It was a truly spectacular week in so many ways.

A week when I nearly forgot the terrible tragedy that got us where we are today. That has broken our hearts, but will never break our spirits.

And then, on Friday, there was a nearly full-page article about the An Saol Foundation Centre in Ireland’s leading newspaper, The Irish Times, both in its online edition and on Page 5 of its print edition.