Family Voices
Meet the Parents and Grandparents of Jack Frye
Jack Frye is a five-year-old from California living with Hunter Syndrome whose energy, love of life, and sense of humor impacts the lives of his family. We took the time to chat with Jack’s parents, grandparents, and teacher. Take a moment to learn about Jack in the words of those who closest him, and how he has taught them about enjoying life to the fullest.
From Kim Frye (Jack’s mother)
1. What is Jack's favorite pastime?
Jack’s latest past time is bowling. Wii bowling, real bowling, bowling with fresh fruit—it’s all about the bowling. He loves to be involved in outdoor sports as well. He has a love of playing baseball in the backyard with family as well as throwing the football around as he waits for his bus to arrive in the morning.
2. What is his favorite food?
All who know Jack become aware rather quickly of his apparent insatiable appetite. His greatest obsession these days is buying hot lunch at school and he loves this for many reasons. It is a clear indicator of his 1st grade status (Kindergarteners do not buy hot lunch) and regardless of what is on the menu for that day grilled cheese is always a back up item. Grilled cheese is at present his most favorite food group.
3. Jack’s favorite TV show?
Jack has quite an affinity for superheroes in particular Batman and Spiderman. However he won’t pass down an opportunity to view the Teenage Mutant Turtles or The Incredible Hulk.
4. What makes Jack laugh?
Jack has a wonderful sense of humor. He laughs at almost anything silly but he loves to make you laugh.
One evening recently the family was roasting marshmallows and we all had one too many of them. There was a quiet moment and Jack said “so what’s for dessert mom?” We all looked at him in disbelief since we were all so full. I said “Jack you just had dessert. You’ve eaten almost 6 marshmallows!” He waved me a way and with a big belly laugh he said "Aw mom, I was just kidding! I was joking!"
5. What does Jack do better than anyone?
Jack has an incredible way to make almost anyone smile. His enthusiasm is contagious and his spirit is hard to ignore. He loves life and loves to please. It is abundantly clear that he enjoys this gift and experiences the joy of his ability to touch people.
6. What has Jack taught you?
Jack has taught us all not take life too seriously and to enjoy each and every moment we can. He has been and continues to go through many challenges most kids do not and despite this his smile never fades.
From Jack’s Grandparents
1. What is Jack's favorite pastime?
Jack doesn’t have just one favorite past time. He loves watching TV, shooting hoops, riding his riding toys, kicking the soccer ball, jumping on the trampoline & playing with the dog.
2. What makes Jack laugh?
What makes Jack laugh…tough to say since sometimes he seems to laugh for absolutely no reason but I would have to say slapstick type events on cartoons.
3. What does Jack do better than anyone?
Jack can, better than most, make up an excuse, a reason for not doing something which will all seem quite logical. His thought processes are mind boggling.
4. What has Jack taught you?
Jack has taught me the essence of living the full life…you are only disabled if you believe it in your mind, there is no such thing as ‘I can’t do it’, perseverance will always win out over easily giving up & wet slobbery kisses are the best thing in the whole wide world.
From Jack's Teacher
1. What is Jack's favorite pastime?
On a rainy day Jack loves to watch leap frog with his friends.
2. What makes Jack laugh?
Jack enjoys listening to a funny story especially ones that rhyme like a Dr. Suess story.
3. What does Jack do better than anyone?
Jack has the ability to tell you a very convincing story! I'm often amazed. He loves to talk with adults and have long conversations about family and friends or a reflection of when he was little!!!!!
4. What has Jack taught you?
I think Jack has taught me that sometimes we need to sit back and take in what really matters. I would rather have smile than a tear any day!