Random Summer Musings on Jimbo and his Family

Now that summer’s almost over, I thought I’d share some highlights:

Pat and I started the summer by taking in a music legend, Barry Manilow.  It brought back a flood of memories for my wife, namely dancing with Jimmy in our living for literally hours upon hours.  It was the one thing that actually seemed to soothe him and provided Pat with a chance to hold and snuggle our baby son, who was more content being left alone.  As Jimmy grew up, he also became a fan.

We then went to Deep Creek Lake in Western Maryland with our entire family in late June.  For the first time ever, Jimmy made it through a week-long vacation without a single meltdown.  To quote Barry, “It’s A Miracle!  Oh Oh Oh Whooo.”

All summer long, Jimmy participated in Special Olympics kayaking.  Jimmy’s ability to kayak and manage a paddle is another miracle, given his autism and gross motor challenges.  Soon after he was born, he was diagnosed with mild cerebral palsy.  This makes it extremely difficult for him to do one thing with his left hand and something quite different with his right.  But with the help of a whole bunch of super SO volunteers, he learned how to paddle; although he still can’t kayak solo.

Lastly, Pat and I just went to see the musical Hamilton in D.C.  Wow, what a show!  It helped that I spent time familiarizing myself with Hamilton, Burr, Lafayette and a few of the other roles.  But what’s funny is that here we have a man who came from very humble beginnings and accomplished so much, and yet throughout a good part of the show I was focused on his role as a father.  Because of his dedication to his work, his dreams, and getting “his shot,” he sacrificed a great deal, including family time.  Our country owes a tremendous debt to Alexander Hamilton, but that’s one hell of a sacrifice. Unfortunately, like women, men can’t have it all; couldn’t then and can’t now.

Putting the finishing touches on my book; ‘til next time…

Please note: I am currently writing a book about my entire family and how we have grown over the years, in large part because of Jimmy.  My son Jimmy is a middle-aged adult on the autism spectrum.  The voices and perspectives of my son, my two daughters and wife as well as friends and professionals are included throughout.  It’s a real, uplifting, and remarkable story; one which I have wanted to share for a long time.  The book will be published later this summer.

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