Today started with the Memorial service for our cousin Jim. He was 43 when he passed a week ago. He has a wife and 3 kids that are dealing with Jims passing. The oldest is in her 2nd year of college, the middle boy turned 16 this past Monday (Labor Day) and the youngest, he is 14. They moved here right after Katrina. Six months later Jim was dx with cancer. He has fought a long, hard battle. Mind you, during this his wife was dx with skin cancer. She has put off most of her treatment, especially these past few months, to be with Jim all she could. We were visiting last Saturday when he got to be free of cancer for the first time in a long while. He had family all around as well as their Pastor.

The service today, it's theme being life, was really moving. Not so much because it was sad, but because it was like Jim, full of life and unexpected laughs. We got to see him in many different lights, a brother, a son, a husband, a father, a friend and in general an all around fashion faux pas! There were hair do's & hair don'ts, stories about skipping school because he already knew the stuff (which by the way, when tested , he aced it), fixing the grill of his dad's car with a belt and the front tire, learning that flying is different than jumping off the roof with cardboard wings because your brother said it would work, and many more! As the Pastor said, Jim is not defined by his illness or by his valiant fight. Jim is MUCH more than that!!! I will remember him in many different ways and at many different times I am sure.

I hope that the kids and Lori know that we are all lifting her and the family up so that they feel the love and comfort we hope and pray for on their behalf. I can't imagine what they are going thru and will from now on. I told her today, I have no idea what to say other than I love you and I am here and will be. So, as time goes on, know that I will still bother you at work, call you and nag you about your health too!! In between those times us girls can have fun and hope someone at home has bail money.

Remember the theme of the day, life. Jim's life and how life goes on. It may not be the way you planned it, but God know what is going on and guess what, life is what's going on, so LIVE IT, Jim did!!!!!
We love and miss you Jim,
love and Prayers all,
G