Since then, my life has revolved around my brother.
Growing up with me will always be "taking my brother out to play".
I can't go anywhere without him, so I urge my neighbor's children to come to my house to play some out-of-control child-centered entertainment.
My mother taught Jimmy something practical, such as how to brush his teeth or tie his belt.
My father, a saint, only supported this family with his patience and understanding.
I am in charge outside. I uphold justice by tracking down the parents of my brother's children and report them.
My father and Jimmy are inseparable.
They have breakfast together and drive to the Navy Shipping Center every morning on weekdays, where they all work-Jimmy unloads color-coded boxes.
After dinner in the evening, they will chat and play games until late at night.
They even whistle the same tune.
So, when my father died of a heart attack in 199 1, Jimmy was a basket case under his elaborate disguise.
He just doesn't believe it.
He is usually very amiable, but now he doesn't talk at all, and no amount of words can penetrate the vacant expression on his face.
I hired someone to live with him and drive him to work, but no matter how hard I tried to keep everything the same, even Jimmy realized that the world he knew was gone forever.
One day I asked, "Do you miss your father?"
His lips trembled, and then he asked, "What do you think, Margaret? He is my best friend. "
Our tears began to flow.
Six months later, my mother died of lung cancer, leaving me alone to take care of Jimmy.
He didn't get used to working without my father at once, so he came to live with me in new york for a while.
He goes wherever I go, and seems to adapt well.
Nevertheless, Jimmy is eager to live in my parents' house and do his old job. I promise to help him come back.
Finally, I solved the problem.
He has lived there for 1 1 year, lived with many different caregivers and grew up alone.
He has become an indispensable person in the neighborhood.
When you have mail to pick up or your dog needs to walk, he is your person.
Of course, my mother is right: it is possible to have a home that can accommodate both his limitations and my ambitions.
In fact, caring for someone who loves me as much as Jimmy and appreciates my efforts has enriched my life more than anything else.
On Jimmy's 57th birthday, a few days after the disaster on September 10, this point was deeply moved.
I held a party for new york at his home, but none of our family members could join us, because it was difficult to travel, and they were still considering the pure fear brought by the disaster.
I called on my loyal friends to help turn it into a happy and festive occasion, but I ignored the fact that most of them were exhausted.
What I shouted was not the habitual "please don't give me a gift", but "a gift! Please! "
My friend, whom Jimmy has known for many years, brought ideal gifts: country music CD, a sweatshirt, a belt with "J-I-M-M-Y" printed on it, a knitted wool hat and a cowboy costume.
The evening is a gift, and then the chocolate cake from his favorite bakery. Of course, it is not complete without a singing ceremony.
Jimmy asked a thousand times, "Is it time for cake?"
After dinner and presents, Jimmy couldn't stand it any longer.
He waited anxiously for the candle to be lit, and then when we all sang "Happy Birthday", he blew it out in one breath.
However, Jimmy is not satisfied with our efforts.
He jumped up in the chair, stood up straight, stretched out two index fingers to direct us, and shouted, "one ... more ... time!" "
We sang with all the energy left in our souls. When we finished singing, he gave a thumbs-up and shouted, "Great!" "
We want him to know that no matter how difficult things become in the world, there will always be people who care about him.
We finally reminded ourselves instead.
For Jimmy, the love we sing is a welcome reward, but he mainly wants to see others happy again.
Just as the death of my father changed Jimmy's world overnight, September 1 1 changed our lives; The world we know has disappeared.
However, when we sang for Jimmy, then hugged each other tightly and prayed for world peace, we realized that no matter what happened in our life, the constant love and support of friends and family would help us tide over the difficulties.
Jimmy's simple way of coordinating everything for us is not surprising.
There is no limit to what Jimmy's love can achieve.