Jimmy, in His Own Words.

It’s been a while since we first met my residual limb, or my stump, or, as David has named him, Jimmy. Since he’s the subject of so much that happens here on the blog, I figured it might be a good time to interview him, to get some perspective from his point of view.

The following is an unedited interview that takes place in my office at 9:00AM, post Americano.

ICDIOOF (Me): Good morning. How we feeling today?

Jimmy: Good, thanks. A little itchy, but I’m told that’s part of the healing process.

Me: Let’s talk about that. How has the healing process been for you?

Jimmy: Yeah, good. You know, I have my up days and my down days. I know Mike is frustrated with the time it’s taken, but I really am glad we’re going slow and taking our time. I don’t want to be out for longer than I need to be.

Me: Out?

Jimmy: Out of action. I think it’s time to get stuffed in that carbon fiber tube and get to work, you know? I have big plans.

Me: Like?

Jimmy: Well, I know you heard about running. That’s going to be pretty good. I’d like to walk the dog. Go to the other bathroom in the house. Cook while standing up. Be able to get in and out of the car without help. You know, stuff like that.

Me: So, mostly daily activities?

Jimmy: To start with. I mean, you know, I’d like to get to a base level, but I have been thinking about dancing or bungie jumping…stuff like that.

Me: Really?

Jimmy: Yeah! I’m ready. You know, when I was part of a foot, I took so much for granted. Now, I’m looking at the world in a completely different light. I’m not sure what ‘normal’ is supposed to look like, but I’m certainly not interested in that anymore. Let’s face it, I have more time past me than ahead, and that’s ok, but I’m certainly not going to waste it wondering if I can. I’m just going to try. And do.

Me (laughing): So Yoda was right.

Jimmy: For the most part. He also discovered CLIF bars, but no one is ready for that discussion.

Me: Ok, so you mentioned that you had more time past, but we’ve only just met you What do you want people to know?

Jimmy: I was hiding in there the whole time! Seriously, though, I want people to know that I’m not scary, not to Mike and not to the world. I’m just…here. And I’m excited for the future, and happy for all that I’ve gotten to do so far. Just really want them to see me for what I am, and not what I represent.

Me: What do you mean?

Jimmy: I think maybe people meet me and are sad. And I get that. But the thing is, I’m not sad. Not at all. I know what the other scenarios were and are, and I don’t want any part of that shit. Excuse my language.

Me: All good.

Jimmy: I just feel really strongly about this. I can see the look in some peoples’ eyes when they meet me for the first time. Like they’re disappointed, or confused, but mostly sad. And I know why that might be, but I promise you, I’m ready for what’s next, and I think what’s next is going to be glorious. Mike is living his bonus life, and I’m so happy and proud to be a part of that.

Me: That’s fantastic. One more before we have to go.

Jimmy: Already? Wow.

Me: It’s ok. You’re a fictional residual limb, attached to me. We can do this whenever we want.

Jimmy: Whew. Ok.

Me: What do you want people to know that they don’t?

Jimmy: It doesn’t hurt. That’s the first thing. No pain. Oh! And I’m kind of smooth. To be honest, it’s nice to touch me. Just sort of…reassuring. Does that make sense?

Me: Perfectly. Thank you so much for the time.

Jimmy: You got it. I’m headed out to go walk again.

After this, he tried to leave without me, but I wouldn’t let him. Still, he was right. We’re going to walk again today. Perhaps a second video will be forthcoming

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As always, if you have it in you, please give a thought to donating time or money to Hospice Austin. They do amazing work for people who are going through the hardest thing a person can face.

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