My husband, Jim Cummings, has spent his life taking care of people who were in a hospital or in homes for the mentally-retarded. He has worked in the state mental hospital, and later, in the forensic unit that moved to the state prison and became known as the Secure Psychiatric Unit. He also went through the Police Academy, a number of times, and worked in just about every part of the state prison. He received a commendation for his heroic and prolonged attempts to breathe life back into the lifeless body of an inmate who overdosed. He holds a four year degree in Behavioral Science, but more importantly, he has used his training for the good of others. His present employment is that of working on an Alzheimer’s Unit of a local nursing home. This background information is preliminary to a short story.
Jim Cummings in Maine in 2008
A few years ago, Jim was caretaker of 51 year old severely-retarded man, Frankie, who was tube-fed. Jim would bring Frankie home with him, from the group home where he lived. Whenever he did anything for him, he talked to him first, and would always say, “my good buddy.”
No one had ever heard Frankie speak, or at least not in recent years. But, I was sitting in my living room while Jim was taking care of Frankie, and I heard Frankie say, with my own two ears, “my good buddy,” to Jim. It was a first and last time, but amazing! One never really knows how much good they are doing or what is filtering into the brain of someone who is generally mute.
When Frankie died, Jim went to the funeral parlor where he’d been asked to say a few words. A more touching speech I have never heard given. Jim really cares for all the people he helps. By now, I bet he can’t even add up the numbers of them.
There should be more people in the world like my husband, Jim. He is the most kind, considerate, and thoughtful person ever! Frankie was lucky. Some people find it easy to abuse others who have less power or strength. Others, like Jim, nurture the sick and the infirm and the disabled and bring out their best qualities. When I count my blessings, Jim comes first.
Did I mention that Jim also served in the U.S. Army?
Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications
Tags: Jim Cummings
Thanks for sharing this touching story. Jim has a wonderful heart and is a blessing to all those he serves. Bless him!
A wonderful story. I am a retired RN and I can say your husband is a “jewel”. There are so many Frankies in the world that need the love and care of generous people like your husband.
Your husband is a very special man, and Frankie and others like him were lucky to have him. What a sweet tribute to Jim. And what a good buddy!