Remembering Jimmy......

Today is a somber day. I say this because it marks the anniversary of the day that our world lost a very special young boy, Jimmy Lucarell. Many people in Girard knew Jimmy and his family. His mom and dad, Jackie and Bill, and his older brother Billy have been a part of this city and our lives for many years. We met and became friends back when Jessica’s older sister Nicole was in kindergarten, as was Billy. Jimmy was the same age as Jessica and Stefanie and he soon developed a crush on Stefanie! Of course, she didn’t particularly like boys at that age but that didn’t stop him!! He was a kind and playful spirit who saw the world in a grown up way since he was forced by fate to do so. You see, Jimmy was diagnosed at a very early age with Fanconi’s Anemia, a rare blood disorder that is very difficult to treat, let alone cure. In his short life, he endured more medical tests and treatments than most of us would experience in a lifetime. Yet somehow, he still managed to be a kid and live life to the fullest. He played ball, loved to play the drums and continued to try to win the heart of Stefanie, even giving her (& Jessica) their first “Birthday Rose” so many years ago. He showed more courage and strength throughout those years than many adults could muster in a full lifetime. I attribute much of this to his parents, especially his mom, my dear friend. She too showed this same kind of strength as she became my inspiration. Throughout their “personal hell”, they still found a way to keep life as normal as possible. The “new normal” as we call it. Their fear, their heartache, their life of uncertainty…. These days I draw off that courage as we face our trials within our family. As any family who’s been afflicted by cancer knows, it is the family’s disease. The patient is the patient, but the whole family lives the life. They can gain strength from the disease or they can falter and let it consume them. The Lucarells chose the first option, as we all watched Jackie and Bill live every parents worst nightmare. First, the disease. And then Jimmy’s death... I have thought of Jimmy often over the years but especially over these last few. It seems so unfair when a young person has to fight so hard just to do and be as any other child. But life isn’t fair. Sometimes it just stinks. And no one knows that more than them. One of the last times that I saw Jimmy was at the kids Sixth Grade Banquet. He had been through yet even more treatment and the drugs were showing their effects on his body. I guess he knew that his time was limited and he told me he wasn’t afraid to die. Bravery at it’s very best. Then, on February 10, 1998 Jimmy lost his battle at the tender age of 13, and although his physical being was taken from us, his spirit, his strength and his courage live on. Jackie has told me that she feels that Jimmy is watching over Jessica and I believe that he is too. And I know that if he’s able, he’s putting his two cents in to “the man upstairs”, so that Jessica can have a complete recovery and continue his message of courage and fortitude. Thank you Jimmy – for allowing us to be a part of your life and for teaching us so much about how to live ours. We miss you, and we’ll always carry you in our hearts.