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| A hard knock life? |
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| Wednesday, 08 October 2008 | |
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Jennifer Larson Staff Writer What makes us remarkable as individuals is what we can do by defying what may seem like insurmountable odds. Nobody knows that better than Jim Grimm who was born with cerebral palsy. Although the Chisago County native is unable to speak or move on his own, Grimm has had the perseverance to develop a means of communicating, connecting deeply with others with joy, passion and purpose. His story will be shared by parents Esther and Gordy Grimm on Monday, Oct. 13 from 7-9 p.m. at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Forest Lake. “Daring to Live a Full Life with Cerebral Palsy” is part of the 2008-2009 personal and spiritual growth series presented by Lakes Area Churches BeFrienders/Stephens Ministry Consortium. Carol Sorensen, parish nurse at Hosanna, said the public is invited to hear Grimm’s amazing story as told in his autobiography The Hearts Alphabet as well as gain insight and understand the potential of people with disabilities. “He’s such a source of inspiration,” she said. “Here’s a man that can’t speak or move yet lives life to the fullest.” Putting his story into words was a tedious task. Sorensen said that Grimm used a method where he would stick out his tongue at that letter of the alphabet. Some short cuts were developed, she added. Despite his physical limitations, Grimm is an avid sports fan and loves music. There are photos in the book of him with athletes like former San Diego Padres Steve Garvey and musician Eric Clapton. Sorensen noted that Grimm is very intelligent. The 40-year-old high school graduate lives independently in a townhouse in the Twin Cities and receives aid from caregivers. She said that Grimm’s message is one for all – what is the purpose and meaning of life and how to live fully given whatever circumstances. “It makes us see that the external package is nothing to do with what’s inside a person,” Sorensen said. She noted there is a possibility that Grimm might not be at next week’s presentation due to some recent medical setbacks. Esther and Gordy Grimm will talk about their son’s life, his book and what it’s like for them as parents wanting to have a perfectly normal life for a child. Sorensen said the book covers all aspects of life, even Grimms’ sexuality. His parents – Gordy is a chaplain at Hazelden and Esther is a nurse – made arrangements for him go to a sex therapist in California. She said the book is written in such a frankness about what the situation is really like for Grimm. It was almost four weeks ago when Sorensen first learned of him. Her repairman who is a BeFriender at a Scandia church brought Grimm’s book and suggest that she read it. It just so happens that Sorensen had been praying about finding a topic for the upcoming presentation. “I was in the process of planning who to have come and here it was right before me,” she said, holding the book. The choice was truly heaven sent, she said The book has earned much deserved praise. It was honored with The Mom’s Choice Awards, an annual awards competition that recognizes authors, inventors, companies, parents and others for their efforts in creating quality family-friendly media, products and services. Bruce Nelson, executive director, Association of Rehabilitation Resources in Minnesota (ARRM) says, “The Hearts Alphabet isn’t just the story of a person living with disabilities. It’s rich on insight into the human condition and told with eloquence, honesty, wit and wonderful humor. Jim Grimm can’t live without the supports provided by others, yet it’s clear he has given his family, caregivers, friends – and all of us – even greater gifts. What an amazing man! What an amazing story! Enjoy each challenge, adventure, insight, and wondrous turn of phrase.” Participating congregations in the BeFrienders ministry consortium are Hosanna, St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Faith Lutheran Church, Crossroads Covenant Church, St. Bridget’s Catholic Church and Forest Hills United Methodist. The series The series continues with the following presentations: • “Laugh at Life ... a Medicine For Healing” by Pastor Schardin from 7-9 p.m., Monday, Nov. 10 at Crossroads Covenant Church in Forest Lake. She will be speaking from real life experiences and experiences of others on how to cope with real life embarrassments, hurts, sorrows, by finding the humor in it all. •“Mobilizing all Gods People” by Missionary and Pastor Joe Burton from 7-8:30 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009 at Forest Hills United Methodist Church in Forest Lake. He will offer insight and experiences from the past 20 years of missions. Burton has found that mission work is not about religions but about relationships as well as it’s about kingdom work, not about denomination. •“Understanding Vulnerable Adults and The Transitions They Face” by Gretchen Kirvida from 7-9 p.m., Monday, Feb. 9, 2009 at St. Bridget’s of Sweden Catholic Church in Lindstrom. She is an experienced Family Counselor and social worker. Kirvida will share her wealth of experience defining the issues facing vulnerable adults as they progress through life and how to best support and comfort them. •“Enriching Communication With Those Who Have Dementia or Alzheimer’s” by Pastor Ron Gerl and Heidi LaMeyer from 7-9 p.m., Monday, March 9, 2009 at Faith Lutheran Church in Forest Lake. They will share on knowing how to be better communicators with those who have Dementia or Alzheimer. Validation communication can make a discussion much more meaningful and pleasurable to both parties. The presentation is for all ages from teens and older. • “Working Caregivers in a Sandwich Generation” by Joan Knuesel from 7-9 p.m., Monday, April 20, 2009 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Forest Lake. Nearly one in four households is involved in caring for a family member or friend age 50 and older. Be prepared to learn what your role in a caregiving family means and collect critical information for available resources so that you are ready when the time comes. Social Bookmarking ...       |
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