As stated in Lesson #3, Tyler, one of The Island Gang, is autistic. Tyler is taken after Larry’s nephew who is autistic. Actions and statements are what Tyler has said, and what experience has shown that Tyler might say in given situations. Aside from entertaining, depicting situations that inspire good in others is Larry’s main objective with this series.
Tyler plays a key role in both Legend of Crystal Cove, and Legend of the Masks. While the others could easily leave Tyler behind due to his condition, they don’t. In fact, they go out of their way to include him, using his gift for memorizing, making sure they have the food he likes, helping him when he stumbles and falls, and showing genuine concern when he turns up missing on the 4th of July. They take jabs at each other like kids do, but when it really matters they stick up for each other, showing kindness that is missing all too often in relationships, both interpersonal and casual.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Grisham's Lessons #11 Teamwork
In Chapter 5 of Legend of Crystal Cove, Larry has a great illustration of teamwork. The Island Gang is using the boat dolly Grisham made them for the first time. With the dolly they will be able to get Little Imp down to the boat launch at Raft Island Beach all by themselves. As they begin to maneuver the vessel, Grisham sees them struggling, and then gives them some advice. His advice gets the one person who was not yet involved to perform a task that made the process easier and safer for all.
And that’s the way it is with teamwork. When all on the team are both willing and allowed to contribute, the result is always better than the alternative. This principle is worthy of a little consideration. There are times when all are invited to contribute, yet one or more don’t. There are also times when all are willing to contribute, but one or more aren’t included. In either situation, the value of the team is compromised.
Too often teamwork is too much about the end score, and not enough about the participants. Every team (sports, work, school, etc.) should have a higher purpose than just numbers. Placing people in situations where they can develop and achieve, and then allowing that process to take place, is far more rewarding than sacrificing one or more in order to hit the number.
And that’s the way it is with teamwork. When all on the team are both willing and allowed to contribute, the result is always better than the alternative. This principle is worthy of a little consideration. There are times when all are invited to contribute, yet one or more don’t. There are also times when all are willing to contribute, but one or more aren’t included. In either situation, the value of the team is compromised.
Too often teamwork is too much about the end score, and not enough about the participants. Every team (sports, work, school, etc.) should have a higher purpose than just numbers. Placing people in situations where they can develop and achieve, and then allowing that process to take place, is far more rewarding than sacrificing one or more in order to hit the number.
Grisham's Lessons #10 Understanding
With confession out of the way, The Island Gang could begin to repair any damage that was done. Grisham had listened carefully to their explanation of how they ended up in the loft. He saw the look on their faces and could discern their countenances. He instantly knew they meant no harm. They had not gone there as vandals or thieves—but out of curiosity. The nose of a dog never lies—they had no choice but to follow!
“My treasure box!” Grisham replied gleefully, as if they’d found something he had misplaced years ago. “Whenever I’ve come across unusual documents through the years, I tucked them away in that box. The plan was that after I retired, Lucille and I would spend our time sailing and exploring for hidden treasure.”
See, Grisham wasn’t even upset. Instead he was understanding and instantly realized that those items he had placed away for safekeeping—items that had provided him excitement and anticipation—could now be a source of excitement for someone else—even those who shared his passion for the northwest.
This scene takes place in Legend of Crystal Cove. Grisham's property is located on Raft Island, which is located in Henderson Bay, just off of the west shore of the Ray Nash area of Gig Harbor. Future editions of Grisham's Lessons may come from Legend of Crystal Cove, Legend of the Masks, Legend of the Orcas, Legend of Walking Stick, or Legend of the Creation.
The Island Gang is authored by Larry Johns of Gig Harbor, WA. With each title the characters are one year older. Each title includes a different Native American legend, which plays a key role in the development of the story.
“My treasure box!” Grisham replied gleefully, as if they’d found something he had misplaced years ago. “Whenever I’ve come across unusual documents through the years, I tucked them away in that box. The plan was that after I retired, Lucille and I would spend our time sailing and exploring for hidden treasure.”
See, Grisham wasn’t even upset. Instead he was understanding and instantly realized that those items he had placed away for safekeeping—items that had provided him excitement and anticipation—could now be a source of excitement for someone else—even those who shared his passion for the northwest.
This scene takes place in Legend of Crystal Cove. Grisham's property is located on Raft Island, which is located in Henderson Bay, just off of the west shore of the Ray Nash area of Gig Harbor. Future editions of Grisham's Lessons may come from Legend of Crystal Cove, Legend of the Masks, Legend of the Orcas, Legend of Walking Stick, or Legend of the Creation.
The Island Gang is authored by Larry Johns of Gig Harbor, WA. With each title the characters are one year older. Each title includes a different Native American legend, which plays a key role in the development of the story.
Grisham's Lessons #9 Honesty
For some the hardest part is confession. In Legend of Crystal Cove, The Island Gang hadn’t gone to the shed that day intent on getting into Grisham’s private stuff, but when Shadow picked up a scent and discovered that the door to the loft had been left ajar, they couldn’t help but have a look.
“That’s the next thing we need to talk to you about,” said Gary. “One time when we were out in the shed, Shadow ran up the stairs to the loft room, and pushed the door open with his nose. We knew the door was always locked, but when Shadow opened it, we couldn’t resist the urge to have a look …”
“ … We know it’s your private stuff,” Wendy said, cutting into the conversation. “We’re sorry.”
“ … They dropped their shoulders—a little ashamed of their actions. “While we were in there, this metal box sort of jumped out at us.”
See, that was the hard part. And, it was all Shadow’s fault—if Shadow hadn’t followed a scent up the stairs, they would have never gotten into the loft room, after all it had always been locked in past …
This scene takes place in Legend of Crystal Cove. Grisham's property is located on Raft Island, which is located in Henderson Bay, just off of the west shore of the Ray Nash area of Gig Harbor. Future editions of Grisham's Lessons may come from Legend of Crystal Cove, Legend of the Masks, Legend of the Orcas, Legend of Walking Stick, or Legend of the Creation.
The Island Gang is authored by Larry Johns of Gig Harbor, WA. With each title the characters are one year older. Each title includes a different Native American legend, which plays a key role in the development of the story.
“That’s the next thing we need to talk to you about,” said Gary. “One time when we were out in the shed, Shadow ran up the stairs to the loft room, and pushed the door open with his nose. We knew the door was always locked, but when Shadow opened it, we couldn’t resist the urge to have a look …”
“ … We know it’s your private stuff,” Wendy said, cutting into the conversation. “We’re sorry.”
“ … They dropped their shoulders—a little ashamed of their actions. “While we were in there, this metal box sort of jumped out at us.”
See, that was the hard part. And, it was all Shadow’s fault—if Shadow hadn’t followed a scent up the stairs, they would have never gotten into the loft room, after all it had always been locked in past …
This scene takes place in Legend of Crystal Cove. Grisham's property is located on Raft Island, which is located in Henderson Bay, just off of the west shore of the Ray Nash area of Gig Harbor. Future editions of Grisham's Lessons may come from Legend of Crystal Cove, Legend of the Masks, Legend of the Orcas, Legend of Walking Stick, or Legend of the Creation.
The Island Gang is authored by Larry Johns of Gig Harbor, WA. With each title the characters are one year older. Each title includes a different Native American legend, which plays a key role in the development of the story.
Grisham's Lessons #8 Helping other's dreams come true
Listening to The Island Gang make plans to get out on the water Grisham was reminded of his younger years—and his not so younger years. Being out on the water had dominated Grisham’s dreams from his youth, and had never really left. Something about the feeling of freedom and sense of adventure that came over him every time he hit the open water drove him to relive the experience over and over.
Now there was this new generation that had the same hunger for the water that had driven him to sea all of his life. Seeing the excitement in their eyes each time they got closer to realizing the dream of their own boat was enough to push Grisham to work all the harder getting Little Imp seaworthy.
Grisham knew of their plans to become marooned at Dead Man’s, but couldn’t bring himself to spoil their adventure. He’d explored the Native American burial ground himself and couldn’t really see the harm in it.
Knowing their dreams were attainable was all the motivation The Island Gang needed to put their all into completing the tasks that Grisham required in exchange for Little Imp.
It doesn’t take much to help keep the dreams of others alive. A little encouragement and recognition go along way.
Now there was this new generation that had the same hunger for the water that had driven him to sea all of his life. Seeing the excitement in their eyes each time they got closer to realizing the dream of their own boat was enough to push Grisham to work all the harder getting Little Imp seaworthy.
Grisham knew of their plans to become marooned at Dead Man’s, but couldn’t bring himself to spoil their adventure. He’d explored the Native American burial ground himself and couldn’t really see the harm in it.
Knowing their dreams were attainable was all the motivation The Island Gang needed to put their all into completing the tasks that Grisham required in exchange for Little Imp.
It doesn’t take much to help keep the dreams of others alive. A little encouragement and recognition go along way.
Grisham's Lessons #7 Sacrifice
Larry’s perspective on MS comes from his grandmother who suffered with the disease for years. The character Reg Grisham is actually taken from Larry’s grandfather, whose soul purpose in life was to make his ailing wife as comfortable as possible. His grandfather didn’t live near the water, and didn’t have a sailing yacht, but he did willingly lay aside all of his personal desires to care for his wife.
In Legend of Crystal Cove, Grisham, upon learning that Lucille’s disease had progressed to the point that she required more care than he was able to provide alone, Grisham located Le Chateau, an all inclusive senior care center that could do what he could not. Le Chateau was much more than an assisted living center. It was a large campus that included private condo’s, senior apartments, as well as assisted living facilities equipped to handle all types of patient care. With the exception of extensive surgeries, which were handled at the nearby hospital, full medical care was available onsite.
Le Chateau was located on piece of land overlooking the Narrows, and included amenities that allowed folks to do as much as they were able without leaving the gated community. Golf, tennis, beautiful gardens, a hall for social gatherings, a movie theatre, and a large pool were all part of the offering.
The love of Grisham’s life, aside from Lucille, was his 52’ sailing yacht, Sea Imp. She was the result of years of hard work and saving, and the fulfillment of a dream. He would be able to hang on to his estate at Raft Island, but would need to sell Sea Imp to pay for his wife’s care at Le Chateau. Perhaps the only thing that hurt worse than parting with Sea Imp was seeing Lucille’s health decline. The yacht broker located a buyer and the deal was made—it was a decision he never regretted. In Lucille’s final years Grisham gave her the best he could, something his sweet companion was so deserving of.
In Legend of Crystal Cove, Grisham, upon learning that Lucille’s disease had progressed to the point that she required more care than he was able to provide alone, Grisham located Le Chateau, an all inclusive senior care center that could do what he could not. Le Chateau was much more than an assisted living center. It was a large campus that included private condo’s, senior apartments, as well as assisted living facilities equipped to handle all types of patient care. With the exception of extensive surgeries, which were handled at the nearby hospital, full medical care was available onsite.
Le Chateau was located on piece of land overlooking the Narrows, and included amenities that allowed folks to do as much as they were able without leaving the gated community. Golf, tennis, beautiful gardens, a hall for social gatherings, a movie theatre, and a large pool were all part of the offering.
The love of Grisham’s life, aside from Lucille, was his 52’ sailing yacht, Sea Imp. She was the result of years of hard work and saving, and the fulfillment of a dream. He would be able to hang on to his estate at Raft Island, but would need to sell Sea Imp to pay for his wife’s care at Le Chateau. Perhaps the only thing that hurt worse than parting with Sea Imp was seeing Lucille’s health decline. The yacht broker located a buyer and the deal was made—it was a decision he never regretted. In Lucille’s final years Grisham gave her the best he could, something his sweet companion was so deserving of.
Grisham's Lessons #6 Creativity
Grisham was fairly handy, evidenced by the projects and equipment that adorned his shed at the time that The Island Gang came along. Grisham’s shed had three double-wide garage doors at either end of the building, and through the center was twenty-six feet to the ceiling.
He’d built a loft style office in the center of the shed. It was suspended by steel cross members that spanned the width of the shed, allowing for unencumbered access through the middle. A three quarter’s high perpendicular wall installed at the center of the far side of the shed divided one section of the shed front to back. The wall was used to hang boat supplies. Just below the wall a floor drain had been installed. The drain served both sides of the wall, allowing items to be put away following use whether they were wet or dry. Little Imp’s stand took up the floor area on one side of the wall, while her trailer was stored on the opposite side.
The past couple of years Grisham’s creative side had gone into remission. Between the full time care of his terminally ill companion and the grief he felt at watching her health deteriorate rapidly it was all he could do to manage daily duties.
Then The Island Gang came into his life. Seeing their desire to get out on the water, and feeling their youthful zeal for life, creativity returned. Once Little Imp was ready for use, he immediately saw the need the kids would have of getting the boat from the shed to the boat launch. Back in the day it had been fine to leave the boat down at the beach, however with all of the work that had been done to Little Imp it was too risky to leave her out in the open where she would be subject to weather and vandalism. Grisham went to work in the garage, and invented a boat dolly. The boat dolly was basically a contraption that turned the boat into an oversized wheelbarrow. It took effort, but working together the kids were able to get the boat to the beach and back. Necessity is the mother of invention, and that is only augmented by the desire to help those who are not in a position to help themselves.
He’d built a loft style office in the center of the shed. It was suspended by steel cross members that spanned the width of the shed, allowing for unencumbered access through the middle. A three quarter’s high perpendicular wall installed at the center of the far side of the shed divided one section of the shed front to back. The wall was used to hang boat supplies. Just below the wall a floor drain had been installed. The drain served both sides of the wall, allowing items to be put away following use whether they were wet or dry. Little Imp’s stand took up the floor area on one side of the wall, while her trailer was stored on the opposite side.
The past couple of years Grisham’s creative side had gone into remission. Between the full time care of his terminally ill companion and the grief he felt at watching her health deteriorate rapidly it was all he could do to manage daily duties.
Then The Island Gang came into his life. Seeing their desire to get out on the water, and feeling their youthful zeal for life, creativity returned. Once Little Imp was ready for use, he immediately saw the need the kids would have of getting the boat from the shed to the boat launch. Back in the day it had been fine to leave the boat down at the beach, however with all of the work that had been done to Little Imp it was too risky to leave her out in the open where she would be subject to weather and vandalism. Grisham went to work in the garage, and invented a boat dolly. The boat dolly was basically a contraption that turned the boat into an oversized wheelbarrow. It took effort, but working together the kids were able to get the boat to the beach and back. Necessity is the mother of invention, and that is only augmented by the desire to help those who are not in a position to help themselves.
Grisham's Lessons #5 Trust
It is common to say that trust must be earned, and generally Larry would agree, particularly if one has just met an individual and knows nothing about them and, in the case where trust has been compromised. However it is often not bad thing to extend a little trust from the beginning of a relationship, especially when you do have some history on the individual(s). Extending trust can be an empowering thing. Knowing that one has been extended trust can lead to an extremely loyal relationship.
In Legend of Crystal Cove, Grisham extends trust immediately to The Island Gang. He doesn’t know them personally (other than Wendy with whom he has had brief association), but has known their families for years. He knows that they want something of his, and he has thought of something they can do to in essence pay for that which they want. Grisham's estate on Raft Island has been neglected due to his having spent the past two years at an assisted living center with his wife, whose health was failing. The chores he has in mind involve getting the yard work caught up and cleaning out the shed. Mind you, this shed is 6,000 square feet of garage and storage space that has been collecting stuff for years. It has been the catchall for both treasures and trash, and the kids discover a lot of both as they get to work. Other than borrowing the map of Dead Man’s Island from Grisham’s treasure box for a short while, they never do anything to break trust with Grisham. Their friendship becomes so strong that the kids trust Grisham with news they wouldn’t share with their parents, which works in their favor once or twice …
In Legend of Crystal Cove, Grisham extends trust immediately to The Island Gang. He doesn’t know them personally (other than Wendy with whom he has had brief association), but has known their families for years. He knows that they want something of his, and he has thought of something they can do to in essence pay for that which they want. Grisham's estate on Raft Island has been neglected due to his having spent the past two years at an assisted living center with his wife, whose health was failing. The chores he has in mind involve getting the yard work caught up and cleaning out the shed. Mind you, this shed is 6,000 square feet of garage and storage space that has been collecting stuff for years. It has been the catchall for both treasures and trash, and the kids discover a lot of both as they get to work. Other than borrowing the map of Dead Man’s Island from Grisham’s treasure box for a short while, they never do anything to break trust with Grisham. Their friendship becomes so strong that the kids trust Grisham with news they wouldn’t share with their parents, which works in their favor once or twice …
Grisham's Lessons #4 Friendship
While not commonplace, it sometimes happens that new acquaintances feel an almost instant kinship that quickly develops into a lasting friendship. When this takes place it is due to the guileless spirits of those involved, wherein they quickly see the good in one another and are attracted to that. Larry describes how this quick connection takes place in The Island Gang, Legend of Crystal Cove, between Mr. Grisham and Wendy. Though Wendy is instantly startled when she first sees that Grisham has been watching her on the porch swing, and is in a hurry to collect her shells and head home, she is comfortable with his invitation to use the porch swing at her leisure, and soon returns to enjoy the view from his swing once more. When she does, she hears a muffled noise coming from the rear of the house. Her curiosity is piqued, and she carefully makes her way along the wraparound porch. What she witnesses evokes in her a deep sense of compassion, causing her emotions to surface. Realizing that she is witnessing a private moment, she attempts to make her way quietly back to the swing, yet her feet seem to find every squeaky board in the decking. She quickly mounts the swing and begins to sing. In the scene that follows the lasting bond I refer to above is formed.
Grisham's Lessons #3 Service brings blessings
In this scene from Legend of Crystal Cove of The Island Gang series, Grisham agrees to help The Island Gang get Little Imp (his high end dinghy that has sat abandoned since the sale of his yacht) into seaworthy condition. As he gets involved with the kids he finds deep personal satisfaction. The kids love the water as much as he does, and he can see in them shades of himself as a youngster. Tyler, one of the boys, is autistic. Grisham is impressed with the way they include Tyler, making him feel like he belongs. His interactions with The Island Gang give him hope for the future. It isn’t long before his casual friendship with kids develops into something much more. Check out The Island Gang, by Larry Johns.
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