Not a day goes by without thinking about our son, James. But this time of year, memories are triggered by Mother’s Day, Memorial Day and Father’s Day. But within this 6-8 week period, we also have his angelversary and his birthday. It’s a lot to process.
I like this quote: “We don’t “move on” from grief. We move forward with it!” Nora McInerny
And we remember the stories:
Our James was a very small kid. He never hit the doctor’s growth chart; he was always underweight and short. But he had the mindset of a giant!
When he was in kindergarten, he brought home a brochure from school about soccer. So he started playing soccer and loved it. Then in second grade, he brought home a brochure about flag football. Of course, he wanted to play. Well, being a protective Mom, I wasn’t too keen on the idea but it was flag football. I was sure he wouldn’t like the rough and tumble sport. Well, I was wrong; he loved it! Worse yet, at the end of season pizza party, the coach announced that they would be starting tackle football next year.
So the following fall, he wanted to play tackle football. He was so small, I really didn’t want him to play; but he talked me into it! When we went to get the helmet and shoulder pads from the league, the guy went into the trailer and brought out a small helmet; it wouldn’t fit. After 2-3 tries he found one that fit. We got the rest of the gear; knee pads, pants, cleats and the team jersey. I’m sure his new coach was skeptical of his abilities and figured he would drop out after the first game. Wrong again!
By tournament play, a team from out of town was pitted against our boys. I’m sure they were laughing at our son’s size and figuring they could run him over. But they didn’t count on him being quick and deceptive; able to get into the backfield and confuse their quarterback. They ended up double teaming him!
Small but mighty! The coach later told me the big boys didn’t like to go against James in drills because he hit them hard. He was not afraid of the big kids. Well, he ended up not afraid of the big “C” word either. He fought five long years and was determined to live life to the fullest. He played with his bands during treatment and was planning to move to Nashville increasing the band’s chances to get noticed. But his life was cut short by Lymphoma.
“We don’t “move on” from grief. We move forward with it!” Nora McInerny
So how do I protect these stories long term? I have found the perfect place to store, preserve and share these memories with future generations. Wouldn’t you love to be able to read about your great-grandfather’s experiences? Want to learn more?
Please call or e-mail me with questions.
913-529-4227
awatkins@heritage-memories.com
Or visit my FOREVER site: https://www.forever.com/ambassador/f-watkins
Dedicated to: Our son, James E Watkins, III, 1980 – 2015: Guitarist, Musician, Web and Database Programmer; Intelligent, Creative, Silly, Loving, Strong, a Fighter (battled cancer for 5 years); Not Afraid to Speak His Mind. Known as the Angry Gnome and World’s Greatest Uncle. Never forgotten; forever 34.