Ghost Boy: The Miraculous Escape of a Misdiagnosed Boy Trapped Inside His Own Body (2011)

In Chapter 37, “Fantasies,” Martin once again explains the escape that imagination provided him from his pain and trauma during the years he was unable to communicate with the outside world. Having divulged the more nefarious details of the abuse he endured, this escape into his imagination became all the more necessary for him. In his mind, he could be a “a pilot, a space raider or a Formula One driver, a merman, a secret agent, or a Jedi warrior with mind-reading powers” (158). Along with his fantasies, he retreated into his mind in order to connect with God, who as Martin writes, “didn’t need proof that I existed—He knew I did” (161). Chapters 38 (“A New Friend”) and 39 (“Will He Ever Learn?”) revolve around Kojak, a big yellow Labrador that Martin’s parents adopt to be Martin’s dog. Kojak is boisterous and clumsy, but Martin loves him dearly. After being alone for so long, Martin revels in his new companion. He writes:

But whatever his shortcomings, Kojak is what I wanted him to be: a companion who always makes me smile with his unfailing cheerfulness and loving nature. Whatever mistakes he makes, his presence has made my world a far happier place (168).

In Chapter 40, “GD and Mimi,” Martin shifts the narrative to his grandparents, yet another inspiring couple, from whom Martin learns more about the intricacy and nature of love. GD and Mimi were gentle not only to each other, but to Martin as well, as evidenced for instance in this passage: “Whenever we went to visit, my wheelchair would be put next to Mimi’s bed so she could reach out to take my hands in hers” (170). GD and Mimi’s love was long-lasting and kind, which served as a comfort to Martin. In Chapters 41 (“Loving Life and Living Love”) and 42 (“Worlds Collide”), Martin reveals that he is ready to move on to another chapter in his life. He has mastered his AAC communication devices and has delivered speeches about his experiences, he has met the South African president, Thabo Mbeki, and yet his life is incomplete. More precisely, Martin is ready for love, but he is afraid of the risks that accompany pursuing a romantic interest, especially in his situation. He writes, “whatever the reason, my yearning for love burned stronger still when I started to communicate, and it’s only now that I can see how naïve I’ve been” (175).