DOD KNOWS
(THE JIMMY BOOK)
DOD KNOWS tells the story of Jimmy Stuckey, an unruly five year old boy with Down’s Syndrome, who was taken into the Martin home because no one else wanted him. What started as temporary foster care for a few days turned into fifty years of fun, laughter, and unpredictability.
Weddings.
Jimmy loved weddings, and he made them interesting…real interesting. Here, following the best family traditions, Jimmy has been planted in the “getaway car” of the bride and groom. He seems pretty happy about it, doesn’t he? (Chapter 14).
Football.
Now we are down to basics with Jimmy. He loved football. Here we see the author as a young boy with his Uncle Jimmy. Playing football with Jimmy was a dicey proposition - especially for a young boy. Jimmy was extremely competitive and he really didn’t have much regard for the rules. Every person who has played football with Jimmy remembers it. (Chapter 2).
Cameras.
This guy loved cameras - cameras and cassette tape players. And he took great pictures! Which always baffled the rest of us because he kept both eyes open the whole time he counted and clicked. Jimmy was an amazing person whose personality and strength of will influenced every person around him. (Chapter 10).
Buddies.
Jimmy was my buddy and that never changed as we grew older. Do note the perspiration that has matted our hair. We have finished what was no doubt a spirited game of football at the annual Thanksgiving family reunion (“big Turkey day”). Jimmy was my buddy - “weal ol’ buddy” (real old buddy) as he would say. “Ol’ ball head, culey bird, kickapoo, warfwop.” (Chapter 22).
“Thanks again for the copy of Dod Knows. I enjoyed reading your well-written book which made me think of my older brother. You are quite a writer. You pulled me into your family as you wrote of Jimmy. I have to say, I had to fight back a few tears as I read the last couple chapters of the book. I give you five stars on this one!”
JAMES WOODWARD
Co-founder and Executive Director (retired) of Christian Adoption Services, Inc. (Adoption Agency in NC and SC)
After breakfast, Grandaddy turned and focused on Jimmy. With a tone of intentional certainty, he said, “Jimmy is more valuable to us than anything in the world.”
I looked at Jimmy. Jimmy just sat there.
Now Jimmy was a talker. He didn’t just listen and respond. Jimmy initiated conversation. Conversation confirmed relationship and Jimmy was a relational person. He didn’t miss many opportunities to talk.
But on this occasion, Jimmy didn’t respond.
As I looked into Jimmy’s eyes though, I could see that he felt the full impact of that statement. He did not have the look of a man that had just been flattered - although a compliment was clearly intended. Jimmy had the look of a man that was accepted - a person who fully belonged. Jimmy realized exactly what was being said.
Grandaddy continued, “We wouldn’t trade Jimmy for all the money in the world.” Jimmy sat there and never said a word. He didn’t need to say anything. He knew where he stood.
-From the Prologue of DOD KNOWS