Just a quick note to let you all know that we are truly doing well and are so thankful for all the love for our family and for Jim. This note came in from Jim’s niece, Amy Houston, on the night of his death. Nina is Amy’s duaghter, Jim grande niece.
”So Nina got out her Shel Silverstein poems tonight; I share with you:”
TRUE STORY
This morning I jumped on my horse,
And went out for a ride,
And some wild outlaws chased me
And they shot me in the side.
So I crawled into a wildcat’s cave
To find a place to hide,
But some pirates found me sleeping there,
And soon they had me tied
To a pole and built a fire
Under me—I almost cried
Till a mermaid came and cut me loose
And begged to be my bride,
So I said I’d come back Wednesday
But I must admit I lied.
Then I ran into a jungle swamp
But I forgot my guide
And I stepped into some quicksand,
And no matter how I tried
I couldn’t get out, until I met
A water snake named Clyde,
Who pulled me to some cannibals
Who planned to have me fried.
But an eagle came and swooped me up
And through the air we flied,
But he dropped me in a boiling lake
A thousand miles wide.
And you’ll never guess what I did then—
I DIED.
April 17, 2008 at 3:19 pm |
Wow! that sounds like a tall tale Jim would tell!! and just as in the poem Jim had a wild and wonderful ride, and could tell a great story about it. The Punch line is the same, of course, but the story is so good, that we concentrate on that. Jim’s storyline was ebullient and wonderful and the picture of him with Nina says it all….his obvious love, and his eager participation in and encouragement of Nina and the child in all of us. Thank you so much for continuing to share with us. We are all running Jim stories in our heads all day, and thinking so much of all of you. Love, Ellen
April 18, 2008 at 4:12 am |
Dear Nancy and Betsy,
We heard from John last night and are sending you our love and thoughts all the way coast to coast. We love the picture of Jim with the sunflower. We will remember it and think of him this summer as we watch our sunflowers grow.
much love,
John & Laura
April 19, 2008 at 2:05 pm |
I remember the era of Shel Silverstein when Christy and Karen were younger..probably when you and Ellen were at Rosemont. So many fun poems. How appropriate this was.
Whenever I see sunflowers I think of my best friend..gone 3 yrs ago..it will be with great joy to include Jim, especially with that picture so clear in my mind.
You know, just the thought of Jim brings a warm smile to my face. I hope it brings some comfort to know just how many people think the same thing. Remember the article that appeared in Readers Digest for years..The Most Unforgettable Character I’ve Met…. that would be Jim.
I still look at the site every day. My he was a very handsome young man..Zowie crackers..