About
In my career as a radiologist, I routinely produced 50-80 written medical reports per day. The language in x-ray, ultrasound, CT and MRI imaging consultations is always clinical, descriptive, and accurate without expressing any emotions or feelings. Revealing Buddy’s extraordinary story to the world required a new approach to composing interesting text.
I had no aspirations of writing a book until I got to know Buddy. I first met him on a casual bike ride with 4-5 men. As a physician, I immediately recognized that Buddy had Cerebral Palsy (CP) and was impressed that he could ride a bike.
Jim and Buddy, 2025
During the next few summers, Buddy’s remarkable life became more apparent to the bikers. “Someone should tell his story,” echoed through the conversations. I decided to push the idea of finding an author. As the “Not me” responses rolled in, eventually I was the last man standing. Being retired, I had the time, so put out inquiries for an author. The responses were all the same, “Why don’t you do it?” Although hesitant, I had enough conviction that Buddy’s story of resilience, through abandonment by his mother, growing up in poverty, and overcoming the challenges of CP was exceptional enough that it should be told. “If not me, then who?” challenged me.
Jim's friends biking in Crow Wing State Park
Forrest Gump was a popular fictional character. To me, Buddy’s true story is more inspirational. He started life with more disadvantages than most. Through perseverance, tenacity, and risk taking, his story is both encouraging and motivational for all ages and classes of our society.
Buddy, although a quiet reticent person, agreed to have his life exposed in print. The process of interviewing him revealed the unique workings of his mind. A few people offered anecdotes and added color to the stories. However, Buddy’s outstanding memory provided a treasure trove of details and events dating back to early childhood.
The book is a testament to his amazing life.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Buddy’s story invaded my life in a good way. I am comfortably retired and never planned to write a book. My fulfilling activities include bicycling, volunteering in community organizations, dog training, traveling, photography, and enjoying my family. One of my enjoyable endeavors is being the founder and co-promoter with my neighbors of the Baxter Fairy Door Trail (it’s on Facebook). It’s a part of the 120-mile-long Paul Bunyan Trail as it runs through our neighborhood in Baxter, Minnesota. This half-mile-long segment includes a pen of friendly goats tended to by me, a little library, and fairy doors at the base of trees facing the trail. Cut outs of children’s book characters are attached to trees, and I have added life-size carvings of faces in a few tree stumps. It is my hope that these activities in the fourth quarter of my life, bring a soothing respite for young children, families, parents, and senior citizens.
Jim's goats
One of Jim's fairy doors on the Paul Bunyan Trail
