This is something I have been wanting to write about for 9 years now. Its always been there. Just never made it to pen and paper. I hope to do this story justice. Because as you will soon read, it deserves that and so much more.I want you to really think about who is a celebrity to you?
Someone who is in the movies?
Has a wonderful singing voice?
A man who helped his team make it into the World Series?
Oprah?
They land on a billboard and become someone by memorizing lines or have their voice altered by auto tune.
Is a person a celebrity because they can run faster or hit harder than another?
In the world of reality t.v. Celebrity-ism is almost a joke. Sorry Kim Kardashian, but if I were you I would hide in a box for awhile. Please, go feed the hungry and do something good with your 15 minutes of fame.
My father always taught me that you must earn respect, not ask for it.
You must do or be something amazing for me to give you celebrity statis.
It sort of goes hand in hand for me. You have to really make a difference for me to put you on a
pedestal.
Do something.
Grand.
Life changing.
Significant and brave.
I would like for you to meet my friend James Anthony McDonnell.
Born into our world in 1960.
Jimmy as he is known by all has Down Syndrome.
Hard to imagine that in 1961 Jimmy would not have been brought home. He would have been forgotten. Institutionalized and left.
Alone.
But God knew exactly who to give Jimmy to.
God blessed Jimmy to Cathy, his mother.
As I like to call her the fiercest, most amazing lady I have ever met. Stronger than an ox in more ways than one.
You want to meet a survivor, a hero, then knock on her door. (That I will save for another day)
Jimmy was born and went home as a little baby boy.
"He had 10 fingers and 10 toes, and 2 eyes", said Cathy.
No one said a word.
No one questioned a thing.
Funny though that when Jimmy's uncle first met Jimmy he said "Where did you get this Chinese baby?" They laughed it off and Cathy went onto raise her child the best she knew how. Jimmy just didn't develop quite like her sisters kids that were around the same age. At about 6 months old Cathy brought Jimmy in to see their pediatrician.
After reading Dr. Spock Cathy knew something was wrong.
Mongoloid.
Back in the olden days they referred to our children as Mongoloids. Due to the fact that their almond shaped eyes resembled those from Mongolia.
Since then much research and studies were found by a Dr. Down that gave insight and knowledge about the syndrome giving it the name today.
Cathy joined one of the earliest DS groups around. There she found information and places to help Jimmy with his journey.
In the beginning of school a teacher said that Jimmy would never learn. He may be trainable. But he will never LEARN.
Can you imagine?
Professionals evaluate our children in a small time frame. In 2 hours they have the ability to tell us who and what our children will be.
Hell, I don't know who I am going to be and I am well over 6.
As I have also done, Cathy said "NOT MY CHILD!"
How can you know him in 2 hours?
Bam.
Jimmy went to school until the age of 22. The day after he graduated he went to work.
His first job was at McDades warehouse. His siblings showed him how to ride the bus. After 2 days Jimmy was on his own.
I cannot imagine the strength that his mother must have had.
Jimmy also kept a busboy position at the local pizza joint on Saturday nights. He worked at Foxes pizza from 16-32 years old.
Jimmy's main career was at the Cook County Treasury Office. He began as a temp. and is still employed there today.
Alone.
This is where his love for reading began.
Jimmy would read both local papers daily.
Never missing a section.
A few times Jimmy actually did not get off at his regular stop because he was too entranced in his reading.
Jimmy loves to read.
When asked what his favorite section of the paper is he glows like a Christmas tree. "The sports section."
You will probably never catch Jimmy without a White Sox shirt or cap on. Jimmy is without a doubt their biggest fan and always will be.
I remember going to the Bulls game with Jimmy many years ago. Jimmy had the pleasure to practice in advance with the players.
Really?
I could go on forever about his achievements.
He is one of the very first Special Olympians.
Jimmy loves to travel.
Jimmy loves to smile.And he sure loves to talk.
"I love people, all people". "I am happy go lucky, and I respect every ones feelings!"
Jimmy loves watching wrestling on television.
He loves the colors blue and green.
Jimmy does not lack self confidence. "I like all people. Not half of the people. I'm a people person. I do things for people. I am very gregarious!" (yep he said that!)
Back in the day you would find Jimmy sitting at a neighborhood watering hole. Probably never bought his own beer. He sure loves the ladies. "Girls, I like them all, right mom?"
I have spent a lot of time with Jimmy. I often ask him "Whats it like to have Down Syndrome?"
The answers vary a tad. But he mostly mentions that "He is the same."
"I'm a normal guy. If you don't like me, walk away, keep walking and go home."
Jimmy's love for Nathaniel was instant. Jimmy met Nate soon after Nate was born. I remember Jimmy smiling at Nate and saying "He looks like me!"
Jimmy is always telling me that Nate is just like him. "Happy go lucky, runs around a lot and not different." We have the same personality and we make people happy."
Jimmy just loves.
He smiles.
He enjoys.
He reads.
He works.
It was never easy.No one will ever lie and tell you that.
Cathy and I have a bond.
An unspoken connection.
She knows.
She really knows.
But she believed.
Jimmy is 51 years old.
Jimmy has had a wonderful life.
One that has impacted many people.
He has given to society and he has made many smile.
Always will be.
But his mom,
well she is my hero.
