March 12 , 2001, was the day schizophrenia finally won the battle within the mind of my son, and the day my husband died as a result of that lost battle.
I purposefully waited until after that date to write this tribute to my late husband because that is also the day his sister tries to celebrate her birthday. A hard thing to do, I’m sure, as she has lost her entire family unit (grandpa, grandma, great-aunt, great-uncle, mother, father, and brother) with whom she spent her childhood years until she moved away to college and then marriage. Thankfully, God has given her a great second family although this year she has also lost a member of that as well: a wonderful, loving, caring father-in-law.
It has been ten years since my husband died. It seems like yesterday. I will write about him this week because he deserves to have things written about him, and I know others miss him as much as I do and are taking note, as I do, of the passing years without him.
James Joseph “Jimmie Joe” was younger than I was; someone I wouldn’t in a million and one years have ever dreamed I would one day marry. I suppose God had a different plan, or maybe He just took the circumstances James and I started and created something good, as only God can do.
James lived down the street from me. He was between girlfriends, I suppose, and I was going through a divorce. He would call and talk for a brief moment or stop and talk if he saw me out, and one day even knocked on my door. And tell you the truth, I’m still not sure how I finally said I would go out with him. But those first encounters eventually led to an actual date a few months later… and a marriage a couple of years later. It was a scandalous affair! We were the talk of our little town, and didn’t give a rip. The only thing I cared about and he cared about were our families and how they would handle it, what they would think. And I have to say, they were great sports even though I’m sure it was difficult to understand. After all, James and I were polar opposites.
What a beautiful smile!
He loved that hat!
Can you see why anyone could not resist that smile?
Being polar opposites wasn’t enough to stand in the way of fate. At least that’s what James always said, “You may as well accept it; it’s fate.” There were lots of things he said, good things from a good man.
Tomorrow we’ll talk about that good man some more.
apronsandappetites 
I didn’t know your Husband, but Tony says is was a good man…I am looking forward to meeting him in your writings.
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He was a good man. So is Tony. I remember a little of the events of ten years ago, but I do remember how good Tony was to me. I hold him dear to my heart because of it. 🙂 And I was pretty wacky (even more so than I am today) and remembering saying some pretty wacky things. (groan)
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I didn’t know your husband either, but I always knew, just by how you talked about him, that you were totally head over heels in love with him. I cannot wait to hear more about this knight in shining armor…love ya, B
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Thinking of you today. My weekend was busy with family being home from out of town, birthdays for the boys…but I knew you were also having an anniversay date that floods your heart with memories. Embrace those feelings and let them out….you love so well! The joy of the Lord is your strength 🙂 Love you.
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yes, the joy of the Lord. what a sweet sound.
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Cant see for the tears. I will so enjoy your stories about James. I saw so much love that he had for you…..MY BEAUTIFUL WIFE. I really dont know if I have ever seen love shine thru eyes like I did between the 2 of you. Keep the stories coming……Love you Brenda……..NEED MILK??
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you are just too good to me, girl. 🙂 I need milk, but I can wait until tomorrow. hahaha
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I miss and love him so much!! Can’t stop crying as I writing this…You are a very strong woman..
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Brenda, I just want you to know that I love ya girl and I think of you and Jimmy Joe so often. I was one of those people who was like what in the world are they thinking when you and him started dating. But…..now I know what you were thinking..it’s called LOVE. I thank God every day that I have that kind of love you and him had. He loved you so much and you could tell it when he looked at you. Keep the faith girlfriend and I will keep you in my prayers. Love ya bunches….Jodi and Moe
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