Portrait of Jamie done in honor of her senior year.

Portraits by Lynn

http://www.griefhaven.org/portraits.html

Video link: "Sissy's Song" by Alan Jackson - BEAUTIFUL!

http://www.cmt.com/videos/alan-jackson/355885/sissys-song.jhtml?

Welcome to Jamie's Memorial Website. This is meant to be a place for her friends and family to go to remember her. Jamie loved to make people laugh and was happiest when everyone around her was happy. I hope thoughts of Jamie brings a smile to your face as that is how she'd like to be remembered. The legacy and timeline pages are where we celebrate Jamie's life. She may have only been on this earth for 16 1/2 short years - but they were years packed full of a life well lived.
                                                    






This memorial website was created in loving memory of Jamie Dawn Grinolds, our beloved daughter, sister, aunt, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend. Jamie graced us with her presence on June 29, 1989. She was the youngest of three girls and she had the sweetest disposition from the day she was born. She had us all wrapped around her little finger. Jamie received her angel wings on December 23, 2005 at the tender age of 16. Jamie died from injuries suffered in a car accident 1/2 mile from home. It broke our hearts to lose her but she didn't go alone, as part of us went with her on the day God called her home. 



























     

'Echoing Love'

If the words I have spoken
echo on your mind,
my voice can never be stilled.

If you remember my mirth
when I enter your thoughts,
my smile cannot be erased.

If my mem'ry lightens your life
like the morning sunrise,
then each day we'll meet anew.

If you remember me with love,
how can I then be gone.
For in your heart I shall live on.





 








A Message to my Daughter

We walked together, you and I,
A Mother and her Daughter.
We had hopes and dreams for tomorrow.....
But tomorrow didn't come.

We walked together you and I,
We talked, we laughed, we loved.
We shared so many happy times,
And for that I thank the Lord above.

We walked together, you and I,
But only for a short time.
For all too soon it ended
Leaving pieces of a broken heart behind.

And even though I miss you
More than words could ever say.
I thank God that I got to walk with you
Every precious moment of every day.... 









Didn't Have Time To Say Goodbye

Didn't have time to say goodbye,
as the angels carried me into the sky.
As I turned to look back trying to see,
I knew that tears would be shed for me.
I wouldn't change anything that day,
when God called me to come His way.
All fears, doubts, and pains were gone,
nothing but happiness as I entered God's home.
I looked and saw family and friends grieve for me,
in everyone's sad heart I saw special love for me.
As I was gazing at the family I left behind,
God promised we'd be together once more in time.
Cry not for me anymore but only rejoice,
before my death I made the right choice.
I'm in heaven today just where you wanted me,
thanks to the prayers that were prayed for me.
In due time we will meet once more,
I'll be waiting as you enter God's door.
What a great reunion that will be,
as we praise God together you and me.























               

The Story of the Dragonfly

In a little pond and under the lily pad, lived a small water beetle who shared a simple yet comfortable life among her family and friends. There were few disturbances and interruptions, but once in a while a great sadness would enter the community of water beetles when one of them would climb up a lily pad stem and never be seen or heard from again. When this happened, they all knew that one of their friends had gone away forever. One day, the small water beetle felt an irresistible urge to climb up the lily pad stem. She was determined, however, to return to her family and friends and tell them what she found at the top of the flower. When she finally climbed out from the water, she felt very tired. Warmed by the sun, she fell asleep. When she awoke she discovered that she had changed from a small beetle into a beautiful dragonfly designed for flying. With her broad wings spread wide, she soared upward into the sky and marveled at the beauty of the strange new world she never knew existed. Then she remembered her family and friends below the water. She wanted to return to tell them that she felt more alive than she had ever felt before. But, alas, her new form wouldn't allow her to return under the water. It was then she understood that they would soon know what had happened to her when their time came to climb onto the lily pad stem. So she raised her wings and flew off to enjoy her joyous new life with the family that had gone on before her.











Please be sure to check out Jamie's legacy page to read her faith statement and autobiography written by her. Also check out the tattoos friends and family have received in Jamie's memory. Her legacy page also includes her MSN profile and things that were most important to Jamie - her family, friends, basketball and other favorites. Her legacy page contains the memorials done in Jamie's memory and how we still include her in our lives. Jamie's timeline page begins at the time of her birth and takes you through her baptism, birthdays, the day she got her tattoo, her confirmation, the accident, funeral, and ways we mark her angel dates and heavenly birthdays. Check out the video of Jamie, Zach and Randi jumping on the tramp - it will put a smile on your face and it will allow you to hear Jamie's wonderful laughter once again. Be sure to also look through Jamie's pictures in the slideshow on the bottom of this page. Her pictures reflect what a fun-loving person Jamie was. If you have pictures or memories to share of Jamie, please do so. There is nothing we like better than sharing our memories of Jamie with others and having others share their memories with us. If you are stopping by to look at Jamie's website, please be sure to light a candle before you leave. It means a lot to us. Visit often as this website is still a work in progress.  Jamie is missed more with each passing day but she will continue to live in our hearts forever.

  
 

Angel in Disguise

On this earth as one of us,
Living a life as we all do.
Hopes and dreams
For what's to come.
An angel in disguise,
Something unseen,
Something untouched,
Something unknown,
Something special,
An angel in disguise.
You could light up a room,
Your smile could brighten the darkest of days.
Your voice filled with love,
Eyes that could make ones troubles go away.
An angel in disguise,
Walking this earth as a person,
Bringing happiness to those you know.
Giving complete love,
Blessing the lives of so many.
An angel in disguise,
A heart of gold,
A job well done,
A special life gone.
Memories of love in my soul,
An angel in disguise.
Here in disguise,
Your job complete.
It was time to return home,
No longer in disguise.
You are now an angel with wings,
Forever loved,
Forever my angel,
In heaven above.

















Jamie touched the hearts of all who knew her. Her smile could light up a room and her laughter I can still hear today. Jamie was truly an amazing person - full of life, laughter and love. She loved to be silly and make people laugh. Family and friends were very important to her. Jamie's dad was killed in a car accident on 9/28/03 - she missed him so much and I like to think that they are together once again. Jamie was a compassionate person who always wanted everyone to get along. She hated conflict and having anyone mad at her. 

Jamie's motto: 

"Treat those around you the way 
you want to be treated." 

What a wonderful world this would be if 
everyone abided by that motto.







                

Jamie

In twilights gleam always thoughts of you.
Morning mist arrives,
Your absence, shocking real and true.
I know you're gone and far away,
The loss haunts me throughout the day.
Taken away so pretty and young,
The loss of your life when it had just begun.
When last I held you burying my face in your hair,
Kissing your lips so cold but sweet & fair.
I held your hand 'til 'twas warm as mine,
As you lay in your casket,
I thought of life taken before it's time.
An accident took you quickly,
Taking all unaware.
The soul shattering grief is more than I can bear.
Warm blue eyes colored like an April sky,
I, unable to ever see them again, cry.
Your life passed by like a warm summer day,
Bringing happiness to all passing your way.
The loss of sunshine you brought to my heart,
Cold dark emptiness, now there, will never depart.
I pray your presence and memory
stay fresh in my thoughts and in my soul,
Never to fade, to wither, nor grow old.
I'll miss you daily my child,
Till my broken heart stops beating and life is done.
You will always be forever loved,
Forever sixteen, in Heaven above.










As a parent of a child who has died probably our worst fear is that our child will be forgotten. I know that this isn't true but it seems like the world keeps on going on like nothing happened while I can't get past December 23, 2005. People also avoid mentioning your child's name in order to not cause you any pain when talking about Jamie is the best therapy there is, especially since she is on my mind all of the time. The best thing that someone has said to me since Jamie's passing is "I sure miss that little shit." Words that are music to this mother's ears. Thank you for acknowledging that Jamie existed and that she is missed. Check out the link below for insight on "getting over" the death of a child. You will need to copy it and paste it in your browser.

http://www.byronkatie.com/2007/07/video_my_sister_wont_let_go_of.htm
  




 Remembering...

Go ahead and mention my child,
The one that died you know.
Don't worry about hurting me further,
The depth of my pain doesn't show.
Don't worry about making me cry,
I'm already crying inside.
Help me to heal by releasing the tears that I try to hide.
I'm hurt when you just keep silent,
pretending she didn't exist.
I'd rather you mention my Child,
knowing that she has been missed.
You asked me how I was doing,
I say "okay" or "fine."
But healing is something ongoing,
I feel it will take a lifetime. 


 



       



Jamie loved sports. She was forever either bouncing a basketball or bumping a volleyball. Many times she and her dad would be in trouble for knocking something down. They never learned though - kept on until something did get knocked over and then they'd grin and giggle and act like nothing happened. Jamie and her dad would always watch wrestling together too - then they would have to pratice their wrestling moves on each other. Jamie loved phy ed and weight lifting. She was good at bragging about how strong she was and how big her muscles were. She'd always get the giggles when she'd try to show off her muscles. Jamie liked all types of sports but basketball was her favorite. It's hard to even watch the kids play because I always think Jamie should be there too and I can't help wondering how well she would have done if given the chance.



Ask My Mom How She Is

My mom, she tells a lot of lies, she never did before.
But from now until she dies, she'll tell a whole lot more.
Ask my mom how she is and because she can't explain,
She will tell a little lie because she can't describe the pain.
Ask my mom how she is, she'll say "I'm alright."
If that's the truth, then tell me, why does she cry each night?
Ask my mom how she is, she seems to cope so well.
She didn't have a choice you see, nor the strength to yell.
Ask my mom how she is, "I'm fine, I'm okay, I'm coping,"
For God's sake mom, just tell the truth, just say your heart is broken.
She'll love me all her life, I loved her all mine.
But if you ask her how she is, she'll lie and say she's fine. 
On the day we meet again, we'll smile and I'll be bold.
I'll say, "You're lucky to get here, Mom, with all the lies you told!" 





Things I Miss About Jamie

Jamie's Smile - she had a smile for everyone.
Waiting for Jamie while she runs off to say "hi" or to "talk" to someone she knew.
Jamie's laughter - she laughed often and loud.
Jamie sleeping in until noon and still thinking it's too early to get up.
Going to Jamie's sporting events - they were a big part of who she was.
Jamie's waves during games (behind the coach's back of course).
Our heart to heart talks - Jamie could tell me anything.
Jamie's imitation of characters from movies she watched.
Jamie showing off her muscles and abs and bragging about how strong she is.
Jamie coming home "crabby" and announcing to everyone not to talk to her because she was crabby, then 15 minutes later coming out of her room and talking about her day.
Jamie teaching Braedon new tricks - some not always good:)
Jamie's hi-fives. 
Jamie burping, covering her mouth saying "opps, sorry" giggle.
Watching Jamie play with Braedon, "He's so cute!"
Jamie crawling into bed with me - teddy bear in tow.
The lint piles behind the couch from Jamie's socks.
Jamie laying on the floor tossing the ball in the air and catching it with her feet while she was watching TV or just chatting with us.
Jamie bouncing or bumping the ball around until something got knocked over.
The telephone calls - "Mom, when are you coming home?" or "Mom, can I...?"
Jamie on the telephone with her friends, giggling all the time.
Jamie going in for another "load" of food.
Jamie, I just miss Jamie and everything about her.








Bereaved Parents Wish List

I wish my child hadn't died. I wish I had her back.

I wish you wouldn't be afraid to speak my child's name. My child lived and was very important to me. I need to hear that she was important to you too.

If I cry and get emotional when you talk about my child, I wish you knew that it isn't because you have hurt me. My child's death is the cause of my tears. You have talked about my child and you have allowed me to share my grief. I thank you for both.

Being a bereaved parent is not contagious, so I wish you wouldn't shy away from me. I need you now more than ever.

I need diversions, so I do want to hear about you, but I also want you to hear about me. I might be sad and I might cry, but I wish you would let me talk about my child; my favorite topic of the day.

I know that you think of and pray for me often. I also know that my child's death pains you too. I wish you would let me know these things through a phone call, a card or note, or a real big hug.

I wish you wouldn't expect my grief to be over. These first years are traumatic for me, but I wish you could understand that my grief will never be over. I will suffer the death of my child until the day I die.

I am working hard in my recovery, but I wish you could understand that I will never fully recover. I will always miss my child and I will always grieve that she is gone.

I wish you wouldn't expect me "not to think about it" or "be  happy". Neither will happen for a very long time, so don't frustrate yourself.

I don't want to have a pity party", but I do wish you would let me grieve. I must hurt before I can heal.

I wish you understood how my life has shattered. I know it is miserable for you to be around me when I'm feeling miserable. Please be as patient with me as I am with you.

When I say, "I'm doing okay", I wish you could understand that I don't "feel" okay and that I struggle daily.

I wish you knew that all of the grief reactions I'm having are very normal. Depression, anger, hopelessness and overwhelming sadness are all to be expected. So please excuse me when I'm quiet and withdrawn or irritable and cranky.

I wish you understood that grief changes people. When my child died, a big part of me died with her. I am not the same person I was before my child died and I will never be that person again.

I wish very much that you could understand - understand my loss and my grief. 

But.... I pray daily that you will never understand. 










Jamie and Renee are members of the following: 
The membership fee is the highest price you will ever have to pay. 
The support received is priceless.













The following are inspirational websites that would be worth checking out, especially if you've lost a child or someone close to you. Some of the links you will need to copy and paste into your browser.

http://www.ispokewithmychild.com/presentation.htm

http://www.griefhaven.org/index_html.htm

http://www.griefhaven.org/jaha_griefhaven.htm

http://www.theinterviewwithgod.com/

http://www.thedashmovie.com

http://www.mayyoubeblessedmovie.com

http://www.spacebetweenbreaths.com/index.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCdZwitrNoY