Doug Swieteck builds many relationships over Okay for Now, altering his life completely. Three relationships in particular change Doug’s mind about, “stupid Marysville,” and even having friends. (Schmidt, 33) Lil Spicer, Doug’s witty girlfriend, sticks with Doug no matter what. In addition, his brother, Lucas, inspires Doug by continuing his life following losing his legs. Doug's final influence is Mr. Powell; from the beginning he sees something in Doug that hardly anyone else does — the potential of greatness. Over the course of Gary D. Schmidt’s Okay for Now, Doug becomes a better person through his relationships with Lil, Lucas, and Mr. Powell.
Lillian Spicer teaches Doug one of the most important things in life: the openness to love. Although she originally looks at him as nothing more than a small thug, Lil gets to know Doug, and they become the best of friends. Following Lil’s cancer diagnosis, Doug repeatedly visits the hospital because he cares for her so much, proving their friendship to be stronger than any disease. Lil makes Doug happy, and he does the same for her in return. This relationship is very important in Okay for Now, for the whole book is …show more content…
Lucas continuously works out his arms and continues to go job searching even after countless rejections. This persistence inspires Doug to go out and do something, whether it is drawing birds or throwing horse shoes. Like in a mutualistic relationship, Lucas does benefit from Doug as well. Doug challenges Lucas in a motivational way to climb steps, or take on whatever obstacle is in his way. For example, when asking about the stairs, Lucas said, “‘You don’t think I can handle it?’‘I think you can handle anything,’ I [Doug] said.” (Schmidt, 335) This subtle comment fueled Lucas to pull his wheelchair up the stairs by himself. As Doug and Lucas push each other, they both become more happy and start to accomplish new
Lillian Spicer teaches Doug one of the most important things in life: the openness to love. Although she originally looks at him as nothing more than a small thug, Lil gets to know Doug, and they become the best of friends. Following Lil’s cancer diagnosis, Doug repeatedly visits the hospital because he cares for her so much, proving their friendship to be stronger than any disease. Lil makes Doug happy, and he does the same for her in return. This relationship is very important in Okay for Now, for the whole book is …show more content…
Lucas continuously works out his arms and continues to go job searching even after countless rejections. This persistence inspires Doug to go out and do something, whether it is drawing birds or throwing horse shoes. Like in a mutualistic relationship, Lucas does benefit from Doug as well. Doug challenges Lucas in a motivational way to climb steps, or take on whatever obstacle is in his way. For example, when asking about the stairs, Lucas said, “‘You don’t think I can handle it?’‘I think you can handle anything,’ I [Doug] said.” (Schmidt, 335) This subtle comment fueled Lucas to pull his wheelchair up the stairs by himself. As Doug and Lucas push each other, they both become more happy and start to accomplish new