Do you believe in miracles? I do… Do you believe in happy endings… I most definitely do.
This story has a happy ending and I am going to jump to the punch line.. and then fill in the details. Paddy made a miraculous recovery and completed the Iron Man challenge yesterday in Nice in 13hours…
This is what happened…
By Friday evening we were resigned, Paddy included, to a weekend in hospital and the disappointment that his Ironman Triathlon challenge would be postponed until such time as he was better. The French Doctor said, that short of a miracle, there could be no way he would be race ready by Sunday…
Saturday morning… he woke up and felt nothing short of fantastic. All his symptoms had disappeared and he was raring to go…
When the Doctor did his morning rounds and saw Paddy… he couldn’t believe the change and promptly released him from hospital. I know what you are thinking… Believe me, if I had been there with him I would have persuaded the Doctor to keep him in hospital for another day to avoid all thoughts of the competition. I wasn’t there… ( we had driven home late the night before to collect a change of clothes for the weekend) and by the time Paddy called me to say he was checking out he was already on his way to register for Sunday’s event…
Can you imagine my shock… and horror? By the time we had arrived back in Antibes… it’s nearly 3 hours away… he had signed up. He is not a naive or reckless guy and he knew that we wouldn’t be happy about this. He promised us that he would not start the Ironman if he didn’t feel up to scratch and that he would stop during the race if he felt at all compromised…
I don’t think I need to tell you what kind of evening I spent on Saturday… worrying if he was going to race or not… but he is too old to be told what to do and I just had to trust his common sense… He looked in great shape and I found it hard to believe that he had spent the last two days in a French hospital attached to a drip…
As he swam off into the Bay of Angels at 6:30 on Sunday morning it was with trepidation and fear that I cheered him on. He made the 4km sea swim in one hour without any trouble… The bike ride was his biggest hurdle… he made that in seven hours… exactly the amount of time he had allowed for… That was the longest seven hours of my life… When he rode in to the bike changeover area… he looked as if he had just been out for a quick scoot around the block… not an arduous climb up and over the hinterland of Nice…
The marathon, 42 kilometres or 26 miles, was an aller-retour back and forth down the Promenade des Anglais… We watched him on each lap and never once did he falter…
When he crossed the finish line… our excitement and pride was off the charts. He ran his race as he had planned yet with a major setback that none of us had foreseen. To say I am relieved is a massive under statement… I feel as if I have survived an emotional triathlon…
I believe that you helped make this happen… all your kindness.. your words of comfort and your heartfelt sentiments reached him. He read every comment and I forwarded him all of your emails… This show of support was the miracle that he needed… Paddy knew that there were friends all over the world wishing him well, praying for his recovery… what a very fortunate and blessed boy he is…
As for the mother… your wise words and gentle support… got her through to the finish line… A million thank yous … xv
A very happy ending...
Isn’t this blogging business amazing. How it brings us all together from every corner of the globe, how it gives us a peek into each others lives and connects us. I was just on Twitter when I saw your Tweet Vicki & my immediate reaction was, “Oh Gosh, he did it” and then I had to race off and read your post. That’s brilliant! You must be very proud and must have one very determined, very fit son. Meaghan
So much happens here if I don’t check in everyday!! What an ordeal, but what a marvelous ending! Give the fellow a hearty handshake from me. He did well!
Gracious Vicki, I can’t even imagine your stress levels!! From hospital bed to iron man in a split second, what an amazing story. Well even if he is too old to be told what to do, maybe he might listen to his mama, and her friends, and take it easy for a day or two now it’s over!
Well done Paddy! Fantastic performance!
I do believe in miracles and this is certainly one. I just cannot believe paddys stamina and sheer will. I am so impressed and Vicki I am so glad it is over for you. What a hard thing for you to endure, all is well that ends well
Amazing! I was there yesterday, by the finish line, cheering them on as they arrived, exhausted, some running (slowly,) some walking, but still standing! How brave they all are, men and women, and Paddy is the bravest of all. It gives me the goosebumps just thinking about what he overcame, and accomplished. He made good time too. You can be a proud (and relieved) mama, Vicki. I am so happy everything worked out and Paddy got to live his dream. Well done, young man! Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)
Crikey, the Archers are made of pretty tough stuff! Can’t believe it. Was only just talking to someone about your previous post this weekend. Congratulations to Paddy, Vicki and to the doctors that got him back on track.
WOW!
I feel like I have just witnessed a miracle….
here’s hoping that he has fully recovered and there’s no looking back.
What an awe inspiring tale of the power of positive thinking. Congrats to Paddy for making his dream come true…..against such overwhelming odds! Rx
WOW! ! ! !
Congrats to Paddy! 
Glad you made it through, also, Vicki! 
Wonderful news that he made such a speedy recovery and that he got to do what he had worked so hard to do!
Oh that is wonderful news Vicki. I am sure your heart was in your mouth the whole time. Oh I am going to struggle when my boys are too old for me to tell them what to do and what I think is best. Such a happy ending! Thank goodness! A-M xx
Well goodness me Vicki ….. I certainly didn’t think that I would be reading THAT this morning….what on earth do they put in their drips nowadays ?!!!! Whatever it is, I could do with some !!
Many congratulations to Paddy….. a massive feat in the best of circumstances, but to complete it in such a good time after what he’d been through the previous couple of days is just short of a miracle.
I hope that you can all put your feet up for a few days to recuperate !!
Once again, many congratulations to Paddy ….. I’m feeling worn out just thinking about it !! XXXX
Wow! Bravo, Paddy!! That is a huge surprise and thank you so much for telling us the happy ending right away.
While I was reading, I was trying to imagine what it must be like to swim for so long, then bike for seven hours and then run for nearly five!!! Can’t quite get my head around it and that Paddy was capable of acheiving his dream while just out of the hospital…well, I imagine that he has wonderful things in store for him with that kind of determination. Very inspiring.
And yes, I do believe that collective thoughts and/or prayers really help. But all that matters is that he is well now! Hoping you all have a supremely restful day.
Amazing… Paddy & his success! What a child you have!
xoxo, Chris
I admire every individual who competes in an Ironman event. Congratulations Paddy Archer, superhuman effort.
Makes me happy to know our comments were like “cheers” to motivate the little engine that could….
Miraculous recovery – Guinness book of world records for speediest recovery!
pve
It’s good to believe in miracles. Seems there was a lot of faith and some magic mixed in with that drip. I have to say, this has brought a little tear to my eye, Vicki. I’m so happy for all of you! Congratulations to Paddy for working so hard and being so inspiring.
Just fantastic news! What a champion! Many congrats to Paddy. Nice to see determination and a bright spirit shining through to victory.
Wow…that is such fantastic news, congratulations Paddy. You made many people that don’t even know you very proud of your total commitment.
What a fantastic effort Paddy! And Vicki, if I was feeling emotional reading your account of the race, then I can only imagine how you were feeling. I’m sure you’ll make sure he has a check up just to make sure his system hasn’t been put under too much stress (as the mother of a son who has done a couple of marathons, I know the body can only take so much,sometimes)
That goes far beyond dedication…that’s otherwordly spirit and passion! Hope he is resting comfortably after such an intense ordeal both before and during the race! Il a un maman très fier, j’en suis sûre
I hold my breath when saw this post. then started to read… and to be honest, thank you for letting out that there is a happy ending. Good job he is not my son!LOL. Mine would know that my heart would not survive such extremes, just watching… Congratulations abut the happy end!… Simply… Wow!
From a South African, now Australian mother on holiday in Spain — happy endings are the best thing. Three cheers for you all, and a well deserved medal for son and familia.
I’m speechless…..
except to say…this boy has a determination beyond imagining…
Ecstatic for Paddy! Well done, what an amazing feat Vicki. I would say Paddy comes from the very best Aussie stock…knowing his mother, I am not surprised. Lots of high fives all around and now the part that every mother would tell him….rest, rest and rest. He will remember this for the rest of his life as one of his greatest accomplishments, don’t you just love it when that happens to our children.
Jeanne xx
Yeah Patty. Congratulations. Way to go.
Sam
Congratulations!!! A miracle indeed!
G’day Paddy. SO happy to hear your good news! Congratulations … what a lovely ending to the story. That special Australian sunshine and energy I sent you must have worked! And dear Vicki, … all in a day’s work for a Mum! Now go and pamper yourself. love Mary-Jill xo PS I agree with the first comment, isn’t it wonderful how this blogging connects us!
I TOTALLY BELIEVE. Hallelujah my dear and your son will NEVER FORGET THIS. BRAVA, PADDY!!!!
This is so exciting Vicki. Enjoy every moment. Anita
I love a happy ending. Congrats to all.
Congratulations Paddy. I’m glad he was well enough to do the race and finish.
Judy
Aw, it is so nice reading this, I felt like I was there with you all!
Can’t believe he did it with the set back, absolutely amazing!
Hope you are well Vicki.xxx
From Miami – way to go, Paddy! Congratulations – iron will from an Ironman!
Fantastiqué!
Wow! Incredible! The resilience of the human body and spirit is quite amazing. Congratulations to Paddy, and to you!
Woah!! It’s surely the power of positive thinking!
He’s a STAR….. but then you knew that already!!
You….might need a longer holiday to recover though
)))))
Big hugs from England XOXO
Jane
How strange. I was just talking about your blog and your son’s situation to my husband over breakfast yesterday. I know we don’t even know each other, but through reading your blog, I feel like I have a friend in France. How strange.
I’m so glad to hear your son was able to compete and safely finish this competition. Congratulations to him…and congratulations to you as his mother for instilling him with an amazing sense of discipline and fortitude.
Please give my congratulations to your son, what an amazing feat of strength and will! You must be so releived and proud at what he has accomplished. I wish I was in Nice to see the race, but I lived it vicariously through your blog. Here’s hoping you have a lovely yet slightly less exciting week ahead!
Congrats Paddy – a sensational, brilliant effort! And well done to you Vicki for doing what every mum does ..taking that emotional roller coaster with our children not matter what their age.
That is some spunky boy you’ve raised!!! Congratulations Paddy, the Iron Man is grueling and you did it. V, I’m sure it took a log out of you as well. Now everyone rest and celebrate!
V
Vicki,
This is such a great ending to a scare no mother wants to experience. Congratulations to your son!
What a nice way to start the week.\
Karen
Congrats to Paddy – and you!
Like Paddy I too have had major illness with a miracle result. I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and the miracle came when I accepted that I would die very soon. That was 16 years ago and I am very healthy and have no sign of the illness. I truly believe that what you fight diminishes you. Ex. you can’;t fight world hunger – but you can work for a soup kitchen. Accepting that Divine right action is always taking place in our lives is my key to total happiness. God bless!
Goodness! What a miraculous healing. Dreams and wishes come true. I’m so glad your son got well so quickly and was able to participate in his event.
As someone who has a daughter who also competes in such events my heart was with Paddy and with you Vicki. Congratulations on his recovery and astonishing results! (the swimming competition is terrifying and biking on those hills – impossible) No more les hôpitaux and much succès in the future!!
Teriffic! Congratulations to Paddy! Kids.. We’ve got to love them, we can’t hold them down! Can we??
Vicki!! I would have been hysterical upon hearing my son was on his way to compete after his time in hospital!! So glad YOU and your son for through this!!
Cheers to all of you on this glorious outcome!!
What a absolutely wonderful story Vicki and a round of applause, many hugs, and a huge pat on the back to Paddy! Incredible! Stupendous! Miraculous! It was the first thing I looked for this morning and so happy for all of you. That must have been some day! (lots of exclamations). You are all resting today………..right? Much love and Congratulations Paddy from Canada. XO and XO
That is fabulous! Cheers!
Congrats to Paddy! Yea!
Now Mom and Dad need a break. You’ve been on a roller coaster…up..down..around…and back again! A Parents’ Triathlon!
Vacation time!
Casee
Congratulations to Paddy! VERY well done. Angels were with you every step of the way.
I think that all Mother’s can relate to your emotional marathon Vicki. I’m certain that you are exhausted by the hills and valleys you traveled with your Son. And now it’s nice to see the excitement and celebration that your family shares of Paddy’s accomplishments.
What a great story.
Congratulations to Paddy! Now there will be nothing he can’t do if he puts his mind to it.
And Vicki, bravo for having raised such a determined son.
xo,
Sophia
Vicki-
This is fabulous news! Yes, miracles do happen. I am so happy for your son and your family. I know that this has been an emotional roller coaster for you and your family.
Such a great ending. Now take a day to relax and recover, Vicki. This had to take a toll on you.
Happy Monday.
Teresa
xoxo
Vicki, I do believe in miracles and most suredly the power of prayer, it can over come all obstacles and it did, when we log into our computers in the morning we don’t think about the impact, the joy and sometimes sorrow we will experience that day as we connect with friends we have never seen in lands we have yet to visit, that in itself is a little miracle. So glad Paddy made his function but most of all that he is healthy and strong, have a fantastic week, hugs
Oh, yes. I do believe in miracles and I love happy endings. This is a great story. I’m so glad he was able to compete and finish. My son in law trained and trained for a 24 hour biking race last month. He was overcome with heat/dehydration and had to drop out. I felt so bad for him.
Vicki,
Well done! God is good and shows us through his grand actions. Yay Paddy good for you. Oh Vicki thanks for sharing…this is so wonderful to read. It is a wonderful wonderful post. May blessings continue to chase you wherever you go!
THAT is amazing! You must have been scared to death all the time this was going on, but “All’s well that ends well”..and this certainly meets that adage! Congratulations, Paddy..
And PS, I have started reading “It Isn’t All Mink”..and you haven’t steered me wrong yet! Thanks
Wonderful news! Great to wake up today and read such story of accomplishment and faith! So, all the way from Brazil I send my love to you all…
Hi Vicki, Oh, your mother’s heart! I definitely believe in miracles and know that there is so much more to our existence than what what is seen or can be explained. I am so excited for Paddy. To overcome against all odds and achieve his goals is inspiration to anyone who learns of this journey. Thanks for sharing. xoxo (prayers&blessings) Mary
So excited for you – and Paddy – that he was able to race! I know how stressful it is waiting for them to complete each part of the race and so glad you were there to greet him at the finish line. Hope you will buy the finish pictures and post when you get them
Bravo!!!!!!!!
Wonderful story, so inspiring and truly miraculous. Congratulations to Paddy for his fortitude and fitness ability.
You were also an inspiration and example to all parents Vicki for
respecting your son’s judgement to participate. Concerned, yet supportive and strong throughout his competition, now that is what parenting is all about!
Big huge congrats to Paddy!! So happy to hear of his speedy recovery so he could compete. Totally completely amazing. Cannot keep a young, mostly-healthy, good man down. xx’s
Wow, thank God. Congratulations to Paddy and Mom and Dad. Very cool indeed. Paddy, you are seriously hard-headed, aren’t you??? Sometimes life demands hard-headedness to make things happen. Congratulations to all!
Wow, Congratulations to Paddy! This is an amazing story. Miracles do happen!
Wonderful. Beyond wonderful actually. Miracles do happen and I am so happy for you, such an amazing feeling for a parent. Savor it and hug the boy for all of us.
Sharing your joy! Nothing can make us as miserable or happy as our kids!
Vicki,
Wow…I can only imagine the emotional waves you, your husband, and your son experienced these last several days!!! I have no doubt that tears of joy (and relief) filled all of your eyes at the end of such an arduous race. I’m so inspired by this story and a bit embarrassed that I had assumed he wouldn’t race on Sunday–I’m usually much more optimistic–always waiting for the miracle.
Perhaps the surprise in this miraculous recovery makes it all the more wonderful.
Congratulations, Paddy! This is a memory that you will carry with you throughout your lifetime. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Archer for raising such a fighter,achiever, and chaser of dreams!
Mandy
He ran the triathlon?! Holy moly!! I don’t know what else to say! That’s an epic effort. Congratulations and I’m glad all of you pulled through it all
Now that I think about it, it’s probably something that I’d do and my Mum would be horrifed – so I’m especially glad that you made it through it, because having watched my own Mum, I can only imagine how nervous you must have been.
This is such an incredible story. I’m still a little in shock!
as Einstein said”There are only two ways to live your life, one is though nothing is a Miracle, the other is as if everything is” Congratulations, Paddy for bringing a miracle to life + To VA for being such a grand mother, and to all the french doctors. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
O-M-G……BRAVO!!!!!!!
Congratulations, I love happy endings!
Nathalie
Amazing!! I can’t believe that anyone could do that many hours of exertion, even in perfect health!
Congratulations to him (and you)!
C’est vraiment un miracle! Grace a Dieu et a sa maman! Magnificent effort – but crazy too. Best wishes et bon courage, Pamela
Praise God! And congratulations to all of you!
What a fabulous ending Vicki! Congratulations to Paddy’s will, strength and determination—and to yours. I don’t know if I could have done the same with my son… Thank you for sharing your miracle, stories like this (continue to) make us all believe anything—and everything—is possible…
Wow! I was sitting here, scrolling through the blogs and I saw your news! I said so loud- ‘oh my goodness’ it woke my dog up from his sleep under my desk!! I am delighted that it all turned out well for your son, but I would have been just like you, until it all finished well.. I think he must have been super fit, but whatever it took to get him there is quite amazing….. well done to him, and for you too!!!!
Amazing results!!! Yes! Blessings of joy and answered prayers! How fun to read this! I love good news! Thanks for sharing!
Vicki what wonderful news. Before I even had a chance to comment on your hospital post, he was up and out…and then swimming, running, biking…amazing story…amazing young man. Congrats to Paddy and the whole family! You must be soooooo proud.
I’m just catching up on all your posts now Vicki….what a very scary, nervewracking time – and how absolutely incredible that he managed to complete the Ironman….I have a couple of friends who do them & I know they are not easy at all. You must be so proud!! I can only imagine how you felt while he was participating though XX
Miracles do happen. So very happy your son was able to compete in the Iron Man. He did very well indeed. The quote from Shakespeare held true for Paddy “All’s well that ends well”. Very happy for him, and doubly happy for you!
Congratulations to you and to your son. However, from a mother’s viewpoint you ran the tougher race. Because no matter how long we train for carrying our children’s troubles on our shoulders we don’t find it gets any easier or any less stressful. I’m happy for you and for Paddy that this all turned out so well.
Vicki!! What a story of courage and determination of your Paddy! Miracles do happen and prayers were answered. What a mammoth effort! Congratulations to Paddy! My heart as in my mouth when I was reading your post! So lovely that he got such much support but HE DID IT!!! Well done Paddy!!!!!!!!!!!
Wahoo! Well done Paddy.. you’ve surely made a memory with this very remarkable achievement. Well done to proud mum Vicki for supporting (through her belief in her son, and being there for moral support at the event)and for sure.. I believe in miracles.. Paddy, hope you take your stunning medal to show the hospital staff what an Aussie bloke is made of! I like a good ending story Vicki x j
I just found your blog from “For the love of a house”. Please pass my congratulations on to your son, for competing and completing the IM…what an impressive time! My husband competed in IMLP, last July, and we found out a few days later at a doctor’s appt., just how ill he was. I knew that he was not well, at the end of his bike, but he insisted on pushing through. Guess that’s what makes them an IM. My husband said that he feels bad for the family/friends of the triathlete, because we have hours of worry; they are on the course competing after spending months training. Back to reading more of your blog.
Vicki,
I am so pleased Paddy is ok. Huge Congratulations to him on competing in and completing the Ironman. That is a HUGE effort…under any circumstances and especially when you are not in full health.
You and Mr FF must be utterly proud of him.
I hope is has pulled up ok free of injury and his health is still ok.
Have a great week.
Jess xx
Hello Vicki
Thank you for sharing this wonderful new with us.
and
Paddy, I would love to hear you speak of this wonderful accomplishment.
Do you plan to write about it? or perhaps make a short video.
Congratulations and thank God.
Helen xx
Well done PA!!!!! Don’t know what was in that drip, however I may just check into that hospital in Antibes myself for an energy boost!
Seriously, a mammoth effort considering the past few days. Congratulations!!!
Toutes mes sincères félicitations… Je suis très heureuse d’apprendre une si merveilleuse nouvelle. Incroyable. je pense que votre fils a une telle ténacité rien ne l’aurait arrêté. Bravo !
Et quelle glorieuse victoire… Bravo Paddie !
Gros bisous à vous deux…
Wow, what an amazing story! Congratulations to Paddy, that is true commitment on his part in the face of everything he had gone thru the past few days! You all must be so proud! xxoo
I would have thrown myself across the start line to stop him – just as well you are his Mum not moi! My boys have been trying to swap me for another Mum for years, but all their mates politely decline when the offer is made. I hope that brave, strong, determined, stubborn, gorgeous boy of yours is now relaxing under a shady tree for the next 2 weeks doing absolutely nothing.
Millie xx
Well done Paddy, you know Vicky , Ron and I are in Scotland at this moment and one of our friends, Cameron, finished the Iron Man here in Scotland last Saturday….I hope our son and his mum are doing fine now…
Hugs
Erna
Incredible story…and a testament to the power of the human mind and will to get something done. I do believe in that and clearly Paddy has it mastered! (Please Paddy share your secret, perhaps I can apply that mind of steel to my diet and exercise regimen still waiting to get off the ground, lol)!!
Congratulations to him and to you too Vicki for I know a mothers angst when you are sitting on pins and needles as I can imagine you were!!
So happy there was such a happy ending…..bravo!
That is such wonderful news and yet I know how I would’ve felt if it were my son! What an accomplishment, though! I know you are so proud of him! I’m so glad to know that everything ended well after all was said and done! I can’t even fathom competing in something like that!
How fabulous, Paddy. Congratulations to all of you.
Best…Victoria
Hourrah !! Vicki, this is such a miracle indeed ! and wow this is such a wonderful achievement…mille bravos to Paddy and you must be so proud…this is the best of the best happy ending! xo Lala
It has been a pleasure to see your heart shine for your son Paddy during this intense time Vicki. I have been an avid reader of French Essence for years but not once commented. However I feel it is so important to say at this time that your son Paddy was on my lips of prayer! I agree with you … it was a miracle that he not only made a miraculous recovery to race, but a true declaration from him of his ability to believe in himself and win against all odds. Well done Paddy and to you the whole Archer Family …. Phew….. très magnifique
WHOOHOO!!!!! Well done & congratulations!
Oh Vicki! What an extraordinary story. I am so relieved for you all. And happy that Paddy is better again. J x
I read your post on Paddy’s recovery with tears streaming down my face. I do believe in the power of prayer and in the miracles that can come from it in seemingly impossible situations. I have certainly witnessed it first hand and am so pleased to hear this wonderful news. Congratulations Paddy!
I want some of that drip!
And those sweet glasses. How fantastic to have such a happy ending! Congrats to all! Paddy sounds like a true darling of a son.
Wow! Vicki, he is truly resilient! Congratulations to Paddy. You must be as proud as punch
~ Clare x