We all agree about some things. For example, we’d probably agree that every day is different (unless you’re celebrating Groundhog Day in Pennsylvania:). We all disagree about other things. For example, we’d probably disagree about who is the most perfect person on the planet – or even in our lives.

I’ve thought about what would be a perfect life. And what would make a life a perfect life? Is ‘perfection’ dependent on ‘duration’? Or has it got to do with ‘impact’ or with ’emotion’ or with ‘memory’? Would you’ve had a perfect life if you had loads of adventures; made loads of experiences; really deeply touched others so they’d never forget you and would even tell their children and grandchildren about you; inspired others so that they did things they never even dreamt about before, they never thought they were crazy enough even to try, they never believed they would be capable of? – I know one thing: a perfect life hasn’t got to do with how much money you made, what kind of car you’re driving, what kind of important job you are doing or how much money you could sell your house for.

Then I thought: perfection probably doesn’t exist in people. I think even Jesus had moments where he really annoyed others and didn’t quite do the ‘right’ thing.

And then I remembered Leonard Cohen’s song/poem which really sums it all up for me.

Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering.
There is a crack in everything,
That’s how the light gets in.

Forget perfection. Look out for the crack. That’s where you’ll find true friends. They’re never perfect. But they’re there for you when you need them.

Pádraig didn’t manage to get out today, the ward was too busy to allow a nurse to be freed up for the ‘walk on the wild side’. We’ll be working on getting clearance to take him out on our own; from our point of view, he should be stable enough, and we’d be happy to take the risk. That mightn’t be enough to swing the doctor’s opinion, but we’ll give it a go, who knows! We also realised that the hospital food is not so great: too sticky in the mouth. He still needs something that goes down really easy – like ice-cream, or at least yoghurt or Ready Brek. Otherwise, a perfect day – as much as a day can be ‘perfect’. These days.

Nearly forgot: Check this out:

http://www.blogawardsireland.com/best-blog-post-2014/

Not quite sure how it works, but I think it needs your vote:)