Jamie

I met Jamie at the grocery store when Daniel was a baby, some 21 years ago. He used to bag my groceries and always had a great big smile and friendly greeting. I could tell he was ‘special needs’ somehow, although he looked perfectly fine. He was Paul’s age; a year older than me. A tall, burly blonde teddy bear type!

It wasn’t long before he knew us by name and would remember details of our lives that we’d share. God put him on my heart to reach out to and be a friend. I ignored these promptings until Jamie and his mom ‘happened’ to sit right beside us at Friendly’s one day. I knew it was my cue and that I should go and introduce myself to his mom. She was happy to see he had a friend and I mentioned that we’d like to have him over to our home some time. We exchanged numbers and that was the beginning of our friendship.

I learned that Jamie had had oxygen deprivation at birth due to the umbilical cord around his neck. This effected his development and he was like an eight year old. He was refreshingly childlike and sensitive. He was also a diligent worker and bagged groceries for over 20 years at Star Market.

Jamie would often come to our house for our small group fellowship. He would sometimes join us for church as well. He loved Lost in Space and 1970’s music and shows. I reminded him of Laura Brannigan and Paul was the professor from Gilligan’s Island (everyone reminded him of a celebrity)! Jamie never forgot our birthdays or anniversary, and even after we moved to Maryland in 1994, he always sent us greeting cards to celebrate, as well as updates on his life. The kids loved reading his letters in his block style penmanship.

His mom’s death was especially hard for him. He moved to live with a caretaker after that. His cat Louie was one of his closest companions and he was again hit hard when he died. A highlight for Jamie each year was Camp. He so enjoyed the anticipation and then the participation in that special place.

We were happy when we returned to the area to get to see Jamie on his birthday. Several friends would gather for his party and bless him with his favorite food, drink and music. Jamie would beam!

This past spring we weren’t able to make the party. I heard from my friend Anne soon after that Jamie had cancer. I called him and realized he didn’t understand his illness very much but was receiving chemo and radiation. I spoke with him again a month later and could tell he was in great pain I sought to comfort him and he comforted me when he heard me cry. I told him we’d come in soon to see him. Unfortunately, he died before we got there. I regret not seeing him before he died. He was such a special friend.

I missed Jamie's birthday card this month and will miss this thoughtful greetings and friendship. My life is richer thanks to him. He taught me about the simple beauty of friendship; slowing down and making time to write that letter or card, taking that step to get to know someone new, someone different. I’m glad I did, even though I wasn’t as faithful a friend as I wished.

Some Summer Reflection

Here we are again...the heat of summer subtly giving way to the cool of fall..it feels wonderful after an exceptionally hot season here in New England. But, how I savor these last weeks of summer vacation with the kids.
Right now, Caleb is HOME (!) from his excellent adventures at Camp Clear where he served as a counselor for 5 weeks. He had a fantastic time and grew by leaps and bounds!! Mary is here, reading one of her summer assignments for school (go, Mary!).
Paul's taking a nap, and Daniel and John are in NYC for an excellent adventure! They left early this morning by train to enjoy city life for a couple days! This is John's first time to NYC. They hope to visit a couple of colleges John's interested in. Paul caught up with them while they were on the ferry to Statin Island! They'll also stay with a host from our Brooklyn 'sister' church and worship with them tomorrow.

Blog, blog, blog. Paul thinks I should blog more. I wonder what I should blog about.
Life, of course!

Today I was in the van, waiting for my friend Shelley to pick up a few things at Market Basket while little Jamie slept in the car seat. I enjoyed people watching and the thought came to me clear as day why: People are made in the image of God!!!
Did you hear that? Nothing else, no other form of creation can make this claim. Only people are made in the IMAGE of GOD! No wonder they're fascinating! No wonder we are interested in stories, shows, movies, books, drama...life!!!

I get way too busy and forget to stop and take it in-this amazing truth is worth meditating on. If we're made in the image of God, then we have much to learn by honoring each human creature we encounter and learning from their lives. All our lives tell a thousand plus stories. So next time I'm tempted to rush past or get annoyed with someone I hope I can remember they're God's handiwork. I want to learn more what it means..and in so doing hopefully reflect my Lord to others.

Numbered With Sinners- Isaiah 53:12

Imagine being numbered with the most despised? How about sex offenders, for instance? Imagine a list in the newspaper of offenders and your name being on it, even though you're innocent. How outrageous and awful a thought. What shame, dismay, indignation! What a desire to right the wrong, broadcast the truth about your innocence.

Well, Jesus, the perfectly righteous one was numbered with the transgressors. This was inexplicably worse that the above scenario. He was not only numbered with us, but ultimately and thoroughly punished for all our sins.

Why? Spurgeon explains well: 'He was holy and written among the holy; we were guilty and numbered among the guilty; He transfers His name from yonder list to this dark indictment, and our names are taken from the indictment and written in the roll of acceptance, for there is a complete transfer made between Jesus and His people."