In my thoughts

Dearest Jim....It's very nearly 2 years and you are still a part of each and every one of my days. I love you!!!

October 1983...

Gramma Ruthie and Uncles Russ, Jim, and Mark (hence, Jim's name!) had the wonderful opportunity to take a trip out west in October of 1983. In their travels,Gramma bought gifts for my little guys! There were T-shirts, moccasins, turquois rings and of course these really cool headresses! The true Indian in this picture is Gabe! For his first few years, he would share stories of his (other) life as an Indian...he would tell us about his camp and hunting; There would be stories about travelling with the horses dragging the teepees (travois) and crossing rivers! He said his name was "He Who Sneaks Quietly Through the Forest". I remember making Gabe an Indian outfit when he was two...He wore it countless times for the next few years (like every night!) His Sonny Pap always called him "Tonto Gabie". As Gabe grew out of the Indian outfit, Jim grew into it! What awesome memories come to mind when we look back on these old photos.

Heart in a heart in a heart in a heart...

Happy Valentine's Day!



Jim...you are forever in my heart!

hearts to you!!!

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing, my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

happy valentine's day little son...you will always be in our heart! we love you forever!

Happy birthday to my Jim... :-)

"Mother's Heart"

While browsing the internet this evening, I came upon a wonderful poem written in 1996 by Teri Harrison. As always, when my sons' birthdays are upon me, I find myself reminiscing. Memories are like that. (Thank God!) In the blink of an eye, I am re-living that very moment when I first realized my dreams were about to come true. Whether your child is 23 days or 23 years...this poem from the heart says it all.

"Mother's Heart"

I loved you from the very start,
You stole my breath, embraced my heart.
Our life together had just begun,
You're part of me, my little one.

As mother with child, each day I grew,
My mind was filled with thoughts of you.

I'd daydream of the things we'd share,
Like late night bottles and Teddy bears.
Like first steps and skinned knees,
Like bedtime stories and ABC's.

I thought of things you'd want to know,
Like how birds fly and flowers grow.
I thought of lessons I'd need to share,
Like standing tall and playing fair.

When I first saw your precious face,
I prayed your life be touched with grace,
I thanked the angels from above,
And promised you unending love.

Each night I'd lay you down to sleep,
I gently kissed your head and cheek.
I'd count your little fingers and toes,
I memorized your eyes and nose.

I'd linger at your nursery door,
Awed each day, I loved you more.
Through misty eyes, I'd dim the light.
I'd whisper "I love you" every night.

I loved you from the very start,
You stole my breath, embraced my heart.
As mother and child, our journey begun,
My heart's yours forever, little one.

1996 Teri Harrison

On this February 1st...Jim's birthday...I celebrate my young son who is 25! In the brief time he was here, he made our lives complete. How grateful we are for the lifetime of memories that are our "Jim".

"Remember"

Remember, I will still be here
As long as you hold me in you memory

Remember, when your dreams have ended
Time can be transcended
Just remember me

I am the one star that keeps burning, so brightly,
It is the last light to fade into the rising sun

I'm with you
Whenever you tell my story
For I am all I've done

Remember, I will still be here
As long as you hold me in your memory
Remember me

I am the one voice in the cold wind, that whispers
And if you listen, you'll hear me call across the sky

As long as I can still reach out and touch you
Then I will never die

Remember, I'll never leave you
If you will only
Remember me

Remember me...

Remember, I will still be here
As long as you hold me
In your memory

Remember when your dreams have ended
Time can be transcended
I will live forever
Remember me

Remember me
Remember...me...

~ Josh Groban

Josh Groban Lyrics...

"To Where You Are"

Who can say for certain
Maybe you're still here...
I feel you all around me
Your memory so clear

Deep within the stillness
I can hear you speak...
You're still an inspiration
Can it be (?)
That you are my
Forever love
And you are watching over me
From up above

Fly me up to where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile to see you're there
A breath away's not far to where you are

Are you gently sleeping
Here inside my dream
And isn't faith believing
All power can't be seen.

As my heart holds you
Just one beat away
I cherish all you gave me everyday
'Cause you are my
Forever love
Watching over me from up above

And I believe
That angels breathe
And that love will live on and never leave

Fly me up
To where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile
To know you're there
A breath away's not far
To where you are

I know you're there
A breath away's not far
To where you are

~Josh Graban

I can't begin to count the times I have listened to this song these past two years...A friend from work brought the DVD to me the day after Jimmy's accident and suggested that this song be used during his service at St. Brigid's on March 10th. Seven hundred days...I know the song too well. And ultimately, I smile! Because in the deepest corner of my heart...I am so certain my son is but a breath away AND always watching over me as well as his brothers...his family and all of the friends he held so dear to him. My wish for you Jim? Happy 25th Birthday Sweetheart...I Love You!!