I know you've seen him. You simply can't be a Des Moines resident without seeing him.

Powering up and down South 223rd Street and then stopping at most every business along Marine View Drive is Jack, the town mascot, wearing his orange safety vest.

For years I wondered about Jack -- who he was, where he was going and why he went there. Well, after a short visit with Bob (78) and Norma (76) Kelsey, I found out.

Jack was born on Oct. 31st in Sacramento and will be 59 years old, this year. He has two other natural siblings, along with four others from a blended marriage and fostering. At the age of three, Jack was diagnosed as mentally disabled.

As with many parents of the disabled, doctors recommended that he be put in an institution. However, Bob and Norma had other ideas.

Since Bob was a Boy Scout leader, Jack was able to be a part of the pack. He was also given the benefits of special schools and loving siblings that always included him in their activities.

In fact, his brothers and sisters treated him quite normally. One time he pushed his sister, Cathy. She went to push him back and he said, "You can't push me down, I'm retarded." She said, "I don't care what you are" and she pushed him down.

"When Jack was 15, he used to hang out at the local grocery store. He always loved people. So, the storeowner asked if he wanted to work there. He cleaned floors, bagged groceries and visited with the customers," said Bob.

The Kelsey's came to Seattle in 1980. Jack spent some time living with his brother, David, in West Seattle. Jack also had his own apartment in Queen Anne, where he worked at an upper Queen Anne grocery store, before moving back with his parents in Des Moines.

I wondered about the hardships of taking care of someone like Jack. However, it was apparent that he was never treated as an inconvenience. Instead, he was viewed as a blessing.

"Jack allows us to see things in a new light and there's a security knowing that you have someone that will never leave you. You always have someone to mother," Norma said with a sweet look in her eyes.

I suspect that Jack actually keeps them both younger. Of course, Norma could hardly be considered elderly - not by a long shot. She's twice retired from the Laborers Local 440, but they just keep bringing her back.

Bob actually is retired, so he's able to be home with Jack - -that is when Jack isn't out gallivanting about.

When I asked what Jack's typical day looks like, Norma shared, "He has his chores - the garbage, feeding and picking up after the dogs and cleaning the house. He also fixes his own breakfast. And Jack is a great traveler - he's quiet and patient - no whining."

"He's also very political and is registered to vote. Even though he can't read or write, I read all about the candidates, then he decides who he wants in office."

Bob then shared, "Jack puts on about four to five miles a day. He stops and talks to most all of the storekeepers in Des Moines. He's a bit of a town crier. There're no secrets in this house, I'll tell ya" Bob said with a wry smile.

For the most part, Jack just sat quietly, as I chatted with his parents, but he told me about his love of Budweiser beer (because of the Miss Bud speedboat), his enthusiasm for football and love of Elvis.

"He has his own Elvis jumpsuit, that he wears as a costume, but he'd wear that thing all of the time, if we let him," Norma laughed.

As with most disabled people, they'll have some amazing abilities. "He remembers every place we lived and every car we've ever had. He also once bowled a 254. He throws that ball like a cannonball," Norma chuckled.

When I asked them about the challenges of working with the disabled, Bob said this, "Never underestimate their ability. Keep them activated. Don't rush in to assist them, until you know that they can't physically or mentally handle something."

I wondered if they ever worried about Jack and they shared this: "Everybody seems to keep track of him. We really appreciate how the locals watch out for Jack and keep him from harm's way."

So, the next time you see Jack, you'll know exactly what to talk about. Or you can just say hello.