Initially the story was simply about a moment. An amazing moment sure, but just a moment nonetheless.
The way it had been explained to me was that a Northampton boys lacrosse player, who doesn’t score often, scored in the waning moments of senior day, with his father, who was battling ALS, making a rare appearance in the stands.
That’s a good story on its own. But as I spent time with the Durfer family, it turned out to be much more than that.
My interactions with the family left me inspired.
The Northampton lacrosse players, coaches and parents were impressive. Everyone showed true perspective and wisdom regarding the moment they were involved in. That’s often hard to find in high school sports.
It would be easy, but wrong, to simply characterize Jim Durfer and Jimmy Durfer as a man with ALS and a kid on the autism spectrum. Those things are part of them, but don’t define them.
Jim Durfer is confined to a wheelchair, eats from a tube and speaks through an eye gaze machine. But the man who served in the Navy and Marine Corps and influenced countless kids as a youth sports coach in Northampton, is still very much present. He’s still a dad, a husband and a wise-ass.
“Don’t let it define you,” he said. “I’m not ALS. I’m still Jim.”
Jimmy was a high school athlete who worked hard to make varsity, and when his moment came he delivered in the clutch. Now he’s a college student and a success story.
He’s not a point on the spectrum. He’s Jimmy.
The Durfers are more than just one great moment on the lacrosse field. They’re a great family. I’m glad I got to write about them.