Sunday, February 14, 2010

My Jamie

I have not updated this blog in nearly a year. After the wedding, my life with Jamie was just too exciting to spend precious moments tapping away on the keyboard. Instead we laughed and loved and staged Iron Chef battles in our kitchen. (The secret ingredient was lime.)

On Thursday morning my precious lovey was taken from me in a fatal car accident. He was on his bike, Lolita. (She was the other woman in his life!) He was heading south on Campbell Avenue when a car heading north made a left turn and failed to yield. I have been assured that he died instantly and felt no pain.

I feel a deep sorrow for the loss of my best friend and husband, but no remorse for the circumstances. He loved his motorcycle and was always safe and smart. That morning he had taken all the precautions--he was wearing his helmet and his road jacket, and since I have been unable to find them here at the house, he must have had his gloves on as well. Riding his bike was as close to flying as he could get on the ground, and as you all know, my lovey was a pilot. In his heart and in his mind, that was who he was.

I have so many things I need to write. Memories and scenes from our life together are flowing through my mind. I ask that you will indulge me and support me over the coming days, weeks, months, and years as I record those special times here.

If you would like a little glimpse into Jamie's life, he also had a blog that he updated sparsely. You can find it here. His humor, his goofiness, and his zest for life shine loudly through the words that he has written. My baby could always make anyone laugh.

I know there are so many of you that have been touched by my sweet Jamie. We are all better for knowing him ... me in particular. I will never be the same, and that is a great blessing. Jamie made me a better woman.

If you would like to attend the services, the information is as follows.
  • Viewing at Bring's Funeral Chapel (6910 e. Broadway), Friday the 19th, from 6 pm to 8 pm.
  • Additional viewing at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Campbell Ward Building: 3750 e. Fort Lowell Road) on Saturday the 20th from 9:45 am to 10:45 am.
  • Funeral service to follow, in the church, beginning at 11:00 am.
  • Graveside service and military honors directly after, at Binghampton Cemetery (4001 n. Alvernon Way)
I thank you all for standing with me at this time. I know Jamie is grateful for the support that I have. He would not want it any other way.

18 comments:

Mrs. Cooke said...

What a beautiful message, Jessie. I am so glad I got to talk to you this morning. My heart just aches so much, but I am comforted by your strength in your faith. Knowing that there is a greater plan certainly helps keep us going. Although the Cookes were blessed with Jamie for only a short time, you know how much he impacted us... especially my precious boys. I am grateful that we got to have several play dates with that big, fun goofy kid! I love his smile, and I know he is still smiling down upon us.
I love you, Jessie, and feel free to call, day or night. Take care of yourself during this difficult time.
Talk to you soon,
Cookie

Larry Reeves Photo said...

Thank you for sharing this information, Jessie. I'm amazed at your faith and hope in the Plan of Salvation...keep that up! I guess Jamie has some serious work to do on the other side. I'm so glad that I had the chance to meet and get to know Jamie. He's such an amazing person and SO hilarious. You two were the best clients and friends a photographer could ask for. I wish you all the best. My heart goes out to you and others who are mourning the loss of a great man.

Colton said...

Thank you, Jessie.

Bryan, Becky and Brielle said...

Jess, you are such a strong, amazing wife, friend, daughter of God! I know you & Jamie will be together again, you have beautiful words and faith, and I just love you so much!!
I remember going to your bridal shower, you were just glowing! I could see how much love you have for Jamie- your big smile, your giggles with the Jamie's answers, so perfect! Totally perfect love!! You are amazing Jess!
Love Becky

Sasha Piton said...

You are an amazing woman Jessie. He would be so proud of you right now. Know that I am here for you always, and I love you.

Traveling Deckers said...

Jessie, thank you for sharing with us. We loved and knew Jamie well. We lived in Japan with him. My husband was the branch president and we taught Jamie the Temple prep classes before he left to go on his mission. He had many a dinner in our home. He had a smile that could light up any room and you just made the smile brighter. We were so happy when he found you to love. Our hearts break for you in this time and know that you are in our prayers. I look forward to the memories you will share with us.
Dennis & Cathy Decker
& family

Meg said...

Jessie-
All I can say is thank you. You are such a great example to me. I know that Jamie loved you and I'm so happy for the Plan of Salvation and the fact that you have him for forever. Jamie was truly an amazing man, he blessed everyone's life. I'm so thankful that he found such a great happiness with you. My prayers are with you. He will be missed.

Ron - atama said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time in your life. We only met Jamie once, but we heard so many great things about that great man. Know that we are always here if you need to talk or spend the night or just to be close to someone. Our love goes out to you!!

Love Uncle Ron and Aunt Kris

Rachel and Joshua said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Like the Deckers, we knew Jamie in Japan. He was such an amazing example to everyone; especially the youth! I shared a few Jamie stories in Relief Society this morning as I taught about our Savior and his wonderful plan.
I would give anything to be there to honor Jamie this weekend but the distance is too great, the husband is too far away and the children are too many! :) Know that you are loved by many who have never had the priviledge to meet you but could see the new sparkle in Jamie's eye in the pictures with you.

Elspeth said...

This is a beautiful homage to Jamie. He will seriously be missed. If I can do anything to help, please let me know!

Em said...

Ah, Jessie!

It sounds to trite to say how sorry I am and to let you know that I'm thinking of you and praying for you, but I am. I'm praying fervently for you and have commanded Angie to give you a ginormous hug from me when she sees you. Hold her to it, okay?

I love you!

Lena said...

Almost sister in law,

I love you lots and lots. Anytime you need someone to hang out with, or cry with or have iron chef contests with I'm here for you.

Elena

britni jean said...

jessie, that was so sweet! it is true, jamie made people laugh. i never met him and he made me laugh. i saw his blog when you were engaged and knew he was funny. his "groomal" post made me laugh! i'm thinking about you!

luv, britni

PLANET HANSEN said...

Thanks Jessie. When I see the photo's of you and Jamie it's an instant smile! Jamie's smile was contagious. His whole personality was contagious ( in a good way of course). We knew Jamie in Japan. He drove the kids from seminary to the high school every morning. When they got out he would say "Get all 100%s on your test! Don't embarass the family! Now get out of my car :)!" He was like a big brother to all the kids, mine included ( Nikki and Kameron). We all love Jamie. I think in Jamies honor we should all take pictures with Cherry Dipped DQ Cones. He'd like that. We'll have to use the shell as a straw though! :)

The Garden of Egan said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
I never personally met Jamie, but he was such a bright spot in our son's life while he served in Japan. Jamie in the Navy and Nate on his mission.
We've had the occasional updates about Jamie through the years from Nate.
Please know that our prayers are with you now and always.
Howard and Tauna

Just Breathe said...

This is so beautiful. You have a strength only God can give to you.
I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my prayers.

Queenie Jeannie said...

Hugs and God's special blessings to you! I'm teary-eyed reading your love story. You are strong and wise beyond your years!!

More hugs and prayers sent your way...

Leah said...

Jessie, I love you.