Yesterday...today...always

Always around me...

I have been following this blog since the inception and I am happy to be apart of it as a contributor now. It's hard to write down how you really feel about someone and/or where to begin. I lost a best friend but Jim is always around me. The hardest part was finding out what happened when I was 1000 miles away and not being able to see my friend for the last time but Jim is always around me. He called me a few days before he left for Florida and asked if I wanted to go with him, I couldn't because I had already planned a trip of my own...I wish I had gone.
Memories are all I have left. Waaay to many to even write down. Memories that i often catch myself thinking about lying in bed at night or day dreaming at work. Jim is always around me. I have his initials R.J.A. tattooed above my heart. I got on AIM the other day for the first time in a couple of years and there was his name "RIDE THE RUSSBUS" showing under moble phones. I sent him a message and it replied, the next time the phone gets turned on, the person would receive the message. I know Jim turned it on. I have his Sandcastle ID card in my wallet (which says "RUSTY" on it because we all know Jim went by like 5 names, haha). I have his picture beside my bed which my daughter always talks about because Luke is beside him. She always asks, "Where is your best friends doggy at, I want to pet him." And I always reply, "Luke and Jim are in the sky watching you right now." Jim would probably have been my oldest daughter's Godfather, she would have loved it.
I look forward to sharing more memories and reading more memories. Jim is always around me.

2011...

Another year has passed
and it was a wonderful one in many ways!

Of course, having you here with us
would have been absolute perfection...
yet still, we know we have been blessed!

Your little niece Layla Gabrielle
will be one year old on January 23rd!

And your tiny twin nieces were born on November 4th!
Malley Elaine Barbara
and Emelia Bridget!

Our lives have been good!

You will always and ever be in Teah's heart!

And who could be any sweeter or more comical
than Anna Rose and your little namesake James?

These little ones are here to love,
be loved,
and to fill our lives
with excitement and happiness!

They are our joy!

It all would be so much better if you were here...

but then...you are!
always and forever in our hearts!

Jim...we love you!
Happy New Year my little son!