I spent the weekend with my quite 'inspirational' sister who has taken to the pretty Austrian town of Feldkirch with real purpose. Penny has set up a temporary 'home' in a very charming family run hotel, the Hotel Alpenrose, where she has already been mistaken for the Hotel Manager and where some of the guests no longer dare to complain about a lack of hot water at breakfast! The locals are incredibly kind and they will miss her when she eventually returns to the UK.
Having seen and spent time with Paul, I have to be honest and admit that this is as tough as it gets. He is being cared for quite wonderfully and so professionally and he has to possess the most incredible will power, courage and determination to be where he is today. This is due to the skill and the gift of the medical team. Penny, Charlotte and William are deeply appreciative of the overwhelming love and support that is flooding in from all over the world.
Penny urges patience over the coming weeks and months. It is still far too early to determine where we are heading, but there remains hope and the toughest piece is having to wait. It is going to be many, many weeks before there is any real news and we are able to understand better the full extent of his injuries.
Paul is strong, fit and taking his time. His recovery is going to be 'peaks and troughs'.
I have learnt in the 50 years that I have known my darling sister, that you should never 'under-estimate' Penny.... and my goodness this weekend has only further re-inforced that view! As I write, we are into Day 18 and we have a long way to go.
Please keep your prayers and wonderful love and support coming - particularly via this 'blog'.
Graham - Feldkirch AUS
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We are very much praying for Paul's recovery, and send our love and support to Penny, Charlotte and William.
ReplyDeleteIt is good to know that Paul is in such excellent medical hands in Austria. Clearly there is going to be a tough path ahead but Paul is one of the few people we have met who has the strength of character and optimistic view of life to make it through.
Much love
Andrew, Cory and Harry
I am sending lots of love to my Godfather Paul, and all my family's good wishes for his recovery. We are all thinking of him, and Penny, Charlotte and William, while we wait for news of his progress.
ReplyDeleteHe has always been a hugely energetic and fun part of my life. Freddie (Briggs)
Thoughts and prayers for strength and recovery are winging their way to Austria for ALL of you from Bonnie. (formerly Briggs - sat next to you at Freddie's christening)
ReplyDeleteIn North Wales, London, Guernsey, Antigua and Shanghai, the Bankes family are thinking of Paul and praying for his comfort and full recovery - and SO full of admiration for all the wonderful attention he is receiving from his family and friends and the amazing medical staff. He is truly in our thoughts every day, and we hope that the positive thinking and loving support from his friends, cheering from the sidelines, will help Penny and the children whilst Paul slowly improves. We send lots of love to Paul and hugely cheery wishes - from Sheri and Nicholas Bankes in North Wales (and offspring in the other places). XXXXXX
ReplyDeleteThis will be a long chapter in the Hilton's Family Book, but the pages will surely turn and happier outcomes revealed. Much love and thoughts, Amanda x
ReplyDelete'Courage and Fortitude are lovely words,
ReplyDeleteAnd lovely are the virtues they define.
Yours be the courage laughing soldier,
May the fortitude be mine.'
We are thinking of you Penny and willing you strength. God bless Paul. Keep on fighting. With love from all the MacLellans.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteIf you can go to St Kilda in an open boat you can get through this.
Looking forward to a Dram with you in the boathouse.
Elisabeth Scott told me about Paul at the weekend. We remembered fondly 'the King of sports action'and agreed that if anyone could pull through this he can. Having lived in Switzerland for 5 years and knowing Feldkirch reasonably well I am sure he is in the best possible care. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
ReplyDelete