Jamie’s 12th Birthday

May 24, 2008

Jamie’s 12th birthday Celebrations and Jamie’s Joy events from the bike ride to the party have been a great source of comfort and a very moving display of how Jamie and his legacy continue to be a part of all our lives. We have raised $1200.00 so far. This year’s giving totaled $2600.00, so we are about halfway there in terms of the funds raised for this year. If you are planning to give but just have gotten to it yet, please do it now. It’s fast and easy and every amount helps to bring Jamie’s legacy alive to others in this small but powerful way.

Here again, is the info on the focus for giving for 2008.

To honor the “Morgan” aspect of Jamie the advisory committee of the Jamie’s Joy Memorial Fund has chosen to focus on the life-affirming nature of water and the ocean as the theme of giving for 2008. The following organizations have been chosen as this year’s recipients of the Jamie’s Joy Grant due to their dedication to bringing awareness and action to our local and global water worlds and those creatures, including us humans who depend on them for life.

Ocean Conservancy promotes healthy and diverse ocean ecosystems and opposes practices that threaten ocean life and human life. Through research, education, and science-based advocacy, Ocean Conservancy informs, inspires, and empowers people to speak and act on behalf of the oceans. In all its work, Ocean Conservancy strives to be the world’s foremost advocate for the oceans. www.oceanconservancy.org I Love A Clean San Diego Through outreach, community involvement and example, I Love A Clean San Diego leads and educates our community to actively conserve and enhance the environment. 1-877-R-1-EARTH www.ilacsd.org Aquatic Adventures Science Education Foundation educates urban youth about science, the ocean and nature through tuition-free programs, creating the next generation of scientific and environmental leaders An ongoing program of adopting a child each year has been established through Save the Children Foundation www.savethechildren.org

 Recap of Activities:

On April 17, there was a concert at Children’s Hospital. It was attended by families who have lost children and is intended to provide comfort and solace. Karl and Jeanne provided uplifting music and graceful sign motions for the event including singing Jamie’s Joy for the crowd. A bunch of us, including Raell, got up on stage to help Jeanne with the movements.

On April 19, we had our second annual bike ride, this time we sported flags on our bikes along with our Team Jamie Tees.

In May on the 23rd and 24th, a park clean up of Jamie’s Way was sponsored with the Azalea Park neighbors. Our Little Prankster, Jamie inspired about 15 people, over two days, and in the pouring rain, to come out and participate in the clean up of Jamie’s Way Canyon Park. The area was severely overgrown, as were most of our yards with the extra rain and wind this year. We worked hard moving the native, Live Oak, so it has room to grow over time. Work was also done on cutting back the pencil cactus. This in turn opened up the bench area. We added a few pavers to the walkway. Overall it looks tons better. Hope you can come by and pay a visit soon.

During the cleanup, Jamie’s mom met a gentleman at Jamie’s park. He did not know that she was Jamie’s mom but was interested in what was going on. He casually stated that he comes to the park every day to “kick it with Jamie”. He went on to say how he finds peace at the park. After learning who he was talking to, he asked many questions and was appreciative of Jamie and his energy. It was affirming to hear that Jamie’s quality of peace is present at the park.

Later that Saturday, on Jamie’s birthday, several Prankster’s stopped by for the Open House at Jamie’s mom’s and enjoyed a stroll back down to the lovely grounds, not to mention some fabulous food from Jamie’s “ I Don’t Eat My Friends” menu.

We ate all of Jamie’s favorite foods and made five different cakes to spell out his name. At the end of our time together, we had a ceremony to focus on how Jamie is still touching each of our lives. Everyone told stories, but not of the past, of the present way they feel and even see Jamie. From dreams, smiles, visions, and meditations to actual encounters the room was filled with people who have a personal on-going relationship to this beautiful spirit who has now been gone longer than he lived. Such proof that although his physical life was cut short he is a powerful soul who continues to love and be loved by all who know him and those who have taken the time to get to know him. One such friend and her daughter share a special gift of being able to communicate with Jamie and reported that he was sitting in the circle with us as we shared about him, reaching out to us to let us know that he does still exist and loves each of us for always.

Thanks to all who continue to carry on Jamie’s Way. Jamie and his legacy of Love, Peace Joy and Connection were definitely a part of the season.

PS. Just today I saw our city councilwoman Toni Atkins, who remembered me and let me know she still keeps Jamie’s photo with her always and how adorable he is, is not was, IS.

Because his work isn’t done and his love still exists.