Lorene Scafaria

Lorene Scafaria Instagram – It’s been months and I still don’t have the words for this. Jimmy’s Dad went to wherever angels go. My uncle Dennis was the very best person. On Earth he was many things- a Brooklyn kid, a Merchant Marine, a high school teacher in London and on Guam, a chemical engineer, a cornerman for amateur boxing- but mostly he was Jimmy’s dad. The last 32 years were devoted entirely to his son’s around-the-clock care. Jimmy was born with an ultra-rare neurological disease called Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood or AHC. “A one-in-a-million kid,” my uncle would say. And he is 🙂 To see Dennis & Jimmy together was to get a front-row seat to true love- selfless, patient, dignifying, beautiful, warm, fun, unconditional love. The loss is simply immeasurable. Uncle Dennis was as good as it gets. He was a great listener and he loved people and wasn’t afraid to talk to strangers. And he was so cool. He talked reallll slowww and was the greatest storyteller. And the funniest in any room. You always knew where he was sitting by the sound of everyone around him laughing. He loved Korean films. He loved Norm’s Diner and Tiger’s Gym. And he could dance! Like really dance. He had incredible rhythm and such good taste in music and introduced me to my favorite songs. And we were pals. Real pals. I’m so grateful for the hours of in-depth conversations, the texts he would send that were so loving and genuine. All our adventures, Appalachia to Amsterdam. He was present. And he was the most authentic person. The absolute realest. And he loved coaching. He said it gave him such a sense of purpose and pride in his later years, helping fighters get better, building up their confidence, giving them the tools to protect themselves in the ring, just like he did with Jimmy. And me. He was a mentor and dear friend to so many, a big hearted baby brother and undyingly loving son. He had a hard life and the widest smile. He was one-in-a-million. And I loved him all my life. Rest In Peace, Cornerman. Thanks for all the songs. Say hi to Nanny & (Uncle) Joe & Cousin Donald & Little Lucky. I can hear them laughing now. You can find out more about AHC and donate at link in bio- ahckids.org. | Posted on 14/Apr/2024 03:24:41