Gatorbait

It's taken a little more than three years but we now have the T.J. Memorial Rudders and Wheels R/C Race Park open for guests. T.J. are the initials of our son Timothy Joseph and his story is one that celebrates life. Tim was born with Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy. This is a genetic disorder that slowly weakens muscle over time. We adopted Tim when he was ten months old knowing that his journey in life would not follow a traditional path.

From a very early age Tim loved wheels. I remember him turning over a toy turtle before he could even talk and making the wheels spin. He did not have a special blanket or stuffed toy. As a toddler he held a blue plastic motorcycle. It had to be blue and just the right size to fit in his hand. Early on the disease does not have much impact but Tim could never run very fast.

In fourth grade Tim got his first wheel chair. It was a convertible model that could be used with or without a battery.  He was a natural born driver and easily maneuvered the chair any place he wanted to go. Tim loved extreme sports and thanks to video games was able to skateboard and ride bikes with the best of them. We were lucky enough to see the Summer X Games in Philadelphia when Tony Hank was still competing. The whole family was amazed at the skill of the darning young athletes. This was one of many adventures we would try because of Tim. We saw Monster Trucks at Pike Peak's Raceway, the Air Museum in Dayton and a reptile and lizard show in Albuquerque. After that show we had a gecko and later a chameleon. As we sell crickets for bait I am reminded of our numerous trips to Pet Smart for a cricket run.

I guess with this background combining wheels and reptiles was a natural fit. Tim's First R/C truck was names Gatorbait. He designed the frame himself with a green and black body, a slight smile and sharp teeth. For his senior project in High School he compared gas powered R/C cars to electric powered cars. The electric were more reliable but he definitely liked the gas powered more. Tim was never shy with people he knew but was shy with strangers. His project was on video and it was great.

Tim lived his life on his own terms. He was very opinionated and passionate about things he loved. Tim had  a crazy sense of humor and could make everyone laugh telling bad jokes. Although he needed people with muscles to help him, when it came to his physical limitations, he was always patient , thankful and never demanding. Despite his own limitations he was there for friend who died from a brain tumor offering her comfort and the strength of his faith.

In some ways it is very fitting that the track in honor of Tim opened on Memorial Day weekend. Once out of high school Tim would write to soldiers on line. They each were fighting battles in there own way and respected in one another the courage it took to do your best. If life is about building character as a way to glorify God then Tim had a life well lived. He did not focus on the future or worry about the past. As his family we wanted to make the most of each day, not just for Tim, but for ourselves as well. We wish for you this same blessing and hope that when camping you, your friends and family have the chance to just enjoy the day.