He runs to make his mind still, to organize himself and to get rid of the noise from this loud, confusing world. The more he's moved, the more he's introduced patterns and rhythm into his routine. Laps around the house are a daily ritual. He's made it more complex as he's developed, but the basics are the same. There is a pattern of movement -- specific foot patterns based on whatever song or chant he chooses to accompany the run, and he can not be stopped until he is ready to be.
Recently, James and Tony got the chance to meet one of our all time favorite Red Sox players, Kevin Youkilis. But instead of talking baseball like most 9 year olds would do, James cut to the chase and got into what REALLY matters.
James: "Do you drive a fancy car?"
Youk: "I drive a Lexus."
James, very matter-of-factly: "That's notvery fancy."
Youk: "Does your Dad drive a fancy car?
James, even more matter-of-factly: "no"
Youk, thanks for all the great memories, and for being a good sport both on and off the field. We are going to miss you tons here in Boston. Oh, and James thinks you should drive a Ferrari.
I've been impatiently waiting since last night to be able to post this, kicking myself that I didn't bring my computer to the cottage, because I've been absolutely dying to share it.
Yesterday, Uncle Steve's amazingly generous friend drove his Lamborghini to our family cottage. Just to see James. We couldn't tell James beforehand. He would have been devastated if it didn't happen, and honestly, the anticipation would have been too much for him to handle.
As much as I knew he was going to love it, I didn't expect to be able to share the experience with family and friends who weren't there. I've been trying for months to convey James' love for cars, but I can't do it justice through my own words. It needs to come directly from him. And he is so nervous around cameras that it is difficult to capture his enthusiasm in a photo. He always looks strained and nervous when he looks towards the lens.
But when you watch this video, you'll understand. Completely.
We coaxed James to sit in it and took a ton of photos. He was too nervous to go for a ride, but was happy to watch his cousin and uncle go. He walked around the car hundreds of times, memorizing every detail, and talked to Steve's friend a mile a minute. They were talking in a language that many of us there were in awe of, but could not fully understand.
And then, well after all the photos were taken and Steve and his friend went for a drive to the beach, everyone moved on to play games and get ready for dinner.
That is, everyone except James.
Because for everyone else, it was a great afternoon with a super nice guy and a really, really cool car. But for James, it was something much, much more.
