A soccer star has Tourette’s Syndrome

So this is a wonderful thing. The other day, as I posted on this blog, Art and I watched the World Cup US match at the Riverview Theater. We lost but Art (and the entire country) was in awe of Tim Howard, the US goalkeeper. He stopped a record number of shots and was just amazing. And recently we learned he as Tourette’s Syndrome like Art! (here’s a post explaining his TS from a while ago)

This coincides with Arthur being more aware of his TS. When we all made wishes going around the dinner table one night he said, “I wish I don’t have Tourette’s Syndrome.’ His tics come and go but have lately been more severe with head turning and eye rolling.

So it was with great joy and a tears in my eye when I read him a story about Tim Howard and his Tourette’s Syndrome. The story called it his ‘secret weapon.’ When Arthur realized what it means—how he, too, has a love of soccer and has TS, and then seeing this guy idolized and successful and open about his condition–Art melted in a puddle of happiness, too. “Papa!?” he said trying to hide his smile. “How does he play so good with Tourette’s Syndrome, how is that possible?” I just gave him a big fat hug.

Ahoy matey!

Art just finished a 2-week stint at a sailing camp on Lake Calhoun, graciousy paid for by Joanna (Jessica step mother and friend to every in this house). So generous of her. And then Josh, the master sailor, picked up Art every day at 8:30 and drove him to the camp, often picking him up afterwards to boot. So generous of him! Art had a really fun time, often sailing with another kid or two his age ON THEIR OWN. Jessica had a chance to go today and see him tootle around and took these photos. They dressed as pirates today and dug for treasure (candy). Art even shared his booty with his siblings. So there you go.