Mark X. Cronin of John’s Crazy Socks Contributes Essay to Book on Kindness
Pulling each Other Along Features 31 Inspirational Stories
Mark X. Cronin has heard the words many times, “What you are doing for your son with John’s Crazy Socks is inspiring,” yet Mark knows the reality. It is John who inspired him, it is John’s drive and generosity that lifts Mark. He has shared that truth in a TEDx talk and now Mark told this story in a vulnerable and inspiring essay in the book, Pulling Each Other Along.
Co-editor Todd Civin says, “We were so excited to receive a contribution from Mark. He writes of the profound love for his son.”
Mark explains, “Parents with a child born with a medical challenge or a disability are often told that they were chosen for that role because they are superior parents. But that has things backwards: our children make us better people; they lift us up. Contributing a chapter to Pulling Each Other Along enabled me to share how John has made me a better person and a better parent. It is a story of gratitude.”
In the essay, Mark writes, “In the early morning hours of February 11, 1996, I held my son for the first time and still remember how the overwhelming joy had me weeping at the sight of him. A short time later, we learned that John had Down syndrome and any sense of a plan or a normal life blew apart. All we could do was move forward. All we could do was a find a way. What John has done is so much more than we could have dreamed that day. We lacked the imagination, the capacity to see what he could do. John has been patient with us, he has been kind and he has led us to see the possibilities.”
Pulling Each Other Along offers over 30 inspirational stories full of kindness and compassion. Co-editor Todd Civin says, “the book is intended to provide both practical advice and inspiration that will lead others to act with kindness.” The book is chock full of moving stories from contributors like Dave Clark, the only professional baseball player who went from crutches to pitching; Chris Nikic, the first person with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman Triathlon; Laura Chagnon, who was assaulted at age twenty six and left paralyzed and legally blind, yet has gone on to be a motivational speaker; Rocky Bleier, the Pittsburgh Steeler great who overcame injuries suffered during his service in the US Army to become a star in the NFL; and so many other positive stories. This book will inspire, challenge, and enlighten you with stories that highlight some of the good in this world—showing you, step-by-step, how we can all pull each other along.
The book is available now as part of an Indiegogo campaign and will later be available in a bookstore near you as well as online booksellers.
About John’s Crazy Socks
John’s Crazy Socks was inspired by John Lee Cronin, a young man with Down syndrome, and his love of colorful and fun socks—what he calls his “crazy socks.” He and his father, Mark X. Cronin, started the company as a social enterprise with a mission of Spreading Happiness™. They do this by offering socks people can love that allows an expression of one’s true self and by giving back, by creating jobs for people with differing abilities and by Spreading Happiness™.
For more information about John’s Crazy Socks, visit our webpage, Facebook page, Instagram account or YouTube channel. You can also contact us at 631-760-5625 or via email at service@johnscrazysocks.com.
