Leaving His Mark, a Field Trip and a Minor Illness

  • Post category:Illness / School
  • Reading time:3 mins read

Leaving His Mark

I think as parents, we all want our kids to grow up and do amazing things; make the world a better place. After James was born, and we learned about all of his medical issues and needs, Stacy and I didn’t think he have a chance to “make his mark on the world.” Boy, were we wrong! This kid continues to amaze us. Here’s a boy who can’t walk, can’t talk, can’t eat by mouth, and can’t use any of his limbs, but yet he has touched the lives of countless people. How many of us that can do all of those aforementioned things have had as much of an impact as James has? I am 42 years old, and I’ve probably only touched a small fraction of the lives that he has. When you’re sometimes referred to as “James’ dad” rather than by your first name, you know your kid is more popular than you are.

So where am I going with this? Well, a couple of months ago there was a voicemail on my phone at work from a sergeant with the police department in the city where I work. The message was relatively short…his name, his number, and asked me to call him when I had a chance because he had a couple of questions to ask me. My first thought was “crap, what the hell did I do?” I went out for a cigarette and tried to think of things I could have possibly done and to calm my nerves a bit before I called him back.

As it turned out, it was nothing that I did; James did it. Well, I guess it was all of us (James, Stacy, and I). The sergeant was the president of the 421st raduating class of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command program, which is a 10-week leadership and management program for law enforcement professionals who wish to move up to more senior positions. At the graduation ceremony, the graduating class gives a legacy gift to a family or organization of their choosing. We were chosen as the recipient of this gift and were invited to their graduation ceremony and luncheon.

 

A formal dining table is set with a white tablecloth, plates, silverware, glassware, salt and pepper shakers, and a small container of sugar packets. At the center of the table, a silver card holder displays a white sign that reads “RESERVED Fulkerson Family.” In the background, other tables are arranged in a similar style, suggesting a banquet or event space prepared for a gathering.

 

A purple graduation program booklet from Northwestern University’s Center for Public Safety rests on a surface. The cover features the university’s gold emblem at the top, with text beneath it reading “School of Police Staff and Command” and “2018 Graduation Program.” The design is simple and formal, with the gold lettering standing out against the deep purple background.

 

A printed letter on a purple background offers congratulations to graduates of a law‑enforcement leadership program. The message acknowledges the difficulty of the program, welcomes graduates into a global network of senior law‑enforcement alumni, and encourages them to continue learning and applying their training to strengthen public safety. It emphasizes mentorship, professional growth, and ongoing support from the institution. The letter ends with a handwritten signature and a John F. Kennedy quote about education and personal potential.

 

I really have no words. Who would have thought that a kid with so many deficits would have such an impact? Certainly not me. But here he is showing all of us that you don’t need to have all of your faculties to leave your mark.

Thank you graduates for your generosity; thank you for doing what you do; and best of luck to you.

 

Field Trip

James went on a field trip last week to the FireZone where he learned what it’s like to be a firefighter.

 

James in his wheelchair wearing an orange shirt and a neck pillow sits in front of a fire‑safety display. Behind him is a mock building façade with a window showing artificial flames and smoke. To the left is a model rescue boat labeled “FIRE + RESCUE,” along with a mannequin dressed in firefighting gear. The space looks like an educational or interactive safety center designed to teach about fire and rescue operations.

 

James sits in his wheelchair wearing an orange shirt with the word “CHILL” visible on the front. Behind him is a large ambulance with a red‑and‑white design and the word “AMBULANCE” across the side, along with additional text indicating specialty care transport. A logo featuring flames and the words “FIREZONE — The Firehouse Adventure for Kids” is also displayed on the vehicle. The setting appears to be an indoor garage or facility with yellow floor markings, giving the scene the feel of a hands‑on, educational environment related to emergency services.

 

A red fire‑rescue boat is displayed indoors as part of an interactive exhibit. The boat is equipped with safety gear including a yellow oxygen tank, life jackets, and a steering wheel. James sits in his wheelchair on the back of the boat, while a mannequin is positioned above in a suspended metal rescue basket, creating the look of an active rescue scenario. Large printed backdrops behind them show fireboats spraying water at sea, adding to the immersive, action‑themed environment.

 

James sits in his wheelchair wearing a bright orange shirt with the word “CHILL” visible along with blue jeans and black foot supports. Behind them is a red padded wall with black mesh windows and a section labeled “FIREZONE” decorated with flame graphics. The wheelchair has red frame accents and footrests. Nearby on the floor is a large wheel‑shaped prop and a white cube shelf. The space has the look of an indoor fire‑themed play or activity area.

 

Minor Illness

On Monday of this week James seemed like he was coming down with something. Of course, when we sense something starting, we get a bit worried. Especially now with this flu bug going around. Fortunately, it just turned out to be just a minor illness. That is something we rarely say…a minor illness. When James gets sick, he usually gets really sick. Lots of oxygen, lots of suctioning, a trip to the ER for an x-ray, and if he’s lucky, he earns himself a hospital stay. Or should that be if he’s not lucky?

No x-rays or hospital stays this time. Just a couple of days off from school to relax with mommy.

 

James lies on a pillow on a carpeted floor, covered up to the shoulders with a blanket patterned in red, black, and white shapes. He has short dark hair and an oxygen tube positioned in his nose. The scene feels quiet and intimate, suggesting rest or home‑based care, with the soft textures of the blanket and carpet adding to the sense of calm.
January 22: Not feeling so good

 

A four‑photo collage shows Stacy and James lying close together on the floor, relaxing side by side. James is wearing a yellow shirt with a cartoon graphic, Stacy a pink top. Patterned pillows fill the background, giving the space a cozy, lived‑in feel. Purple text on a light wooden background frames the collage, reading: “CHILLIN WITH MY BUDDY” and “FAMILY THAT SHARES GERMS TOGETHER, STAYS TOGETHER!” The overall mood is warm, affectionate, and a little playful.
January 23: Feeling better