Tribute to Jamie on his birthday
January 7, 2021
I was told a story of a small Jamie, a memory of his mom’s. In school his grades would oscillate between perfect and failing. Worrying, she brought him to a psychologist who then recounted that during his evaluation he had asked Jamie to write down his name. Jamie, sitting across from the doctor, wrote his name perfectly upside-down so that the doctor could read it as it appeared on the paper. He told her that there was nothing wrong, Jamie was just brilliant.
So many of Jamie’s traits may be innate but it’s what he did with them and how he lived that made his character endearing and admirable, his empathy and energy, his quiet confidence drawing others in with a gravitational pull. Letters from friends and colleagues from across the world echo a resounding loss of someone who made them feel heard, valued, supported. Always showing up with his best self, Jamie remained curious, loved life, and constantly sought to be challenged. With each experience and person that entered his life, he truly listened and he grew, weaving it into his understanding of life with deliberate thoughtfulness.
It is my life’s greatest joy to be Jamie’s partner. I eagerly anticipated all he would achieve and bring to this life, and our continued journey together. For me, a journey to which no other can compare.
Today, Jamie would be 36. His companionship is an incredible gift and his loss an unfillable void. The existential loss of all he and I worked for and dreamed of, the life he deserves, will always be with me. But I hope today and into the future we can make time for adventure, for curiosity, for truly listening and growing, honoring Jamie and all he imparted on our lives.
Without Jamie I am crushingly lonely, yet because of him I am never completely alone. Jamie brought a great number of friends into our lives. And though common experience may have brought some of us together, it is our differences that delighted Jamie’s curiosity and made our lives richer.
Jamie, I want you to be happy on your birthday, and always. I love you more than my heart can hold. I miss you more than words can say. I’m sorry you aren’t here. Thank you, for being you and loving me
