4 years - not so long ago

It seems like yesterday that Jim was alive and well, calling his friends and making plans for his future. Four years ago he was active, engaged in life and having a good time. Four years have slid by and I still can't comprehend that he's not here on this earth; that I will never hear his his laugh, and be the recipient of one of his great big bear hugs. Oh, how I long to hear those precious words spoken in his deep voice, "I love you Mom!"

I feel blessed that I had Jim for 27 good and wonderful years. He's left a legacy to some sweet and beautiful children - my grandchildren. I feel good that they know exactly who Jim is - their Uncle Jim, momma's brother, Grandma's son. Right now they love him because they only know love; but, the day will come when they will love him because of the kind of person he was and the joy he brought to all that knew him. Jim wasn't a saint but he was a good and sweet young man. My grandchildren can rejoice in the knowledge that the world is a better place because Jim once was in it.

I miss you Jim.

Love,
Jim's MOM

Jim's cousin, Laura, created this video in memory of Jim on his birthday this year.

Jim - 31 years old today

Another birthday, another year without Jim.

He would have been 31 years old today. That in itself seems amazing to me.

Jim gone from this earth isn't amazing, it's shocking. Someday Jim I hope that we will have justice for you.

Happy Birthday, Jim. Your family and friends love you very much.

Love, MOM

Where would Jim be for Christmas 2011?

I have been thinking about Jim all day today. If he were alive, what would he be doing? Where would he be living? Would he be married? Have a child? Home for Christmas? Probably not...he loved to downhill ski but he didn't like the cold winter weather of Michigan. Yah, he'd have found a beach, that's where he would be today. He loved the sun, sand and water. I love you and miss you so much Jim. Here's a picture of you and Julie at the beach.

You can't forget someone like Jim

It seems like everyday my heart aches for Jim. Every day I shed a tear and every day I think of him and how much he has missed. All of his friends have moved on. They are getting engaged, married, having babies, working hard in their careers and just plain living....something that Jim doesn't get to do - live, get engaged, marry, have children or have a job/career.

I know his friends have moved on, but I also know they have not forgotten Jim. You can't easily forget someone like Jim...ever.

Jim, today as always you are loved and missed.

Jim's MOM

Sunflower Surprise!

Friends sent us two walnut trees - actually walnut twigs - to plant in memory of Jim three years ago. Only one of the walnut twigs made it; and, now it looks very much like a tree. To my surprise a single sweet sunflower (a flower I like to draw, a flower I associate with Jim) took root this summer at the base of the walnut tree, grew and bloomed, poking its way right out the middle of the tree. When it was discovered I promptly kissed its sweet little face as if it were Jim saying, "Hi!, it's me, Mom!" Thank you, Jim....I love you and miss you so much. Love, MOM

Summertime 2011

Jim was a lover of the sun and all the possibilities of what could be had on a hot summer day. We've had some great "Jim days" this summer. Jim you are loved and so very missed. Love, MOM