samrterry 21st March 2008

Okay, I'm finally writing, so I have to tell on myself. I have a terrible memory and for a long time I was trying so hard to think of a good story about Jamie, but I've realized that what I need to say is not about a moment in time, but about our time of growing up together, all of the cousins up in the holler. It is such a good feeling to think of spending time at Mamaw and Papaw's, running all over the place, all of us playing together. As a mom now, I'm sure it was a break for all the grown-ups, too, except for the arguing! But we stayed outside most of the time and that makes things easier. I remember that Jamie was always full of mischief and fun. I don't remember laughing at all the meanness he and Vicki would get into, but I've heard the story plenty of times and that sounds like us. I do remember that he loved his (Great?) Uncle Freddy Triplett and that he would try to smoke his cigarettes (I think this is a true memory. Carolyn will have to correct me if I'm wrong and I apologize in advance.) That was when Carolyn, Larry and Jamie lived in the trailer across the creek, not in the holler. I can remember walking across the bridge there, too, because I was afraid of falling through the cracks. I'm so glad to have had that time in my life and hope that my children will look back with the same warm feelings about their childhoods. The lasting impression that I have of Jamie is of his deep voice and his laugh. It seems like I can't remember him without that deep, "I'm a big, manly, workin' man" kind of voice." His laugh was so loud and sincere that it makes we want to laugh to think of it. I'm glad that this is the main thing that sticks with me about Jamie. I pray that this is what his boys will be able to keep with them as well. With Love, Christy