In going through old memory boxes yesterday, I was flooded with so many emotions. Some of which included sadness, anger, hatred, love, happiness, fulfillment, emptiness... it was quite a ride.
I got to touch some of the clothing that Jimmy used to wear as a baby and some as he grew through toddler. I also have some of the shirts that he was so proud to wear and to brag "Yes, MY MOM bought me this one too"!! I miss him tremendously. His wisdom, his sarcasm, his problem solving, his humor, his smile, his laugh, his face... oh that face!!!! He won everyone's heart as they got to know him. I am truly lucky to have had him call me Mom.. or Maw, as he later called me when the grandkids were born. I got to touch all of his many medals from his basketball days at Garden Spot High School. Which I am happy to say that his nephew, Damion, will be hanging in his bedroom from this time forward. Damion was so happy when I went through them with him this morning and said 'This is all yours, buddy'. He had lots of questions, and was very quick to pick Uncle Jimmy out of the sports team pictures.
I am still so proud of who he was and what he became in his short life. He has such awesome friends. Jeff, whom he hiked the Appalachian Trail with, continues to carry Jimmy's ashes with him on EVERY adventure he embarks upon. He has a nice ceremony and spreads Jimmy lovingly at each awesome point of the adventure that he knew Jimmy would have LOVED to be. Jeff makes sure to video each ceremony and send to me- I am so thankful for that as well. And now another trail friend, Gravy, has asked if he could be honored with doing the same thing on trails that Jimmy had spoken of. Well, YES- of course... Jimmy's last wishes were to be spread as far and as many places as possible. I LOVE that his friends are honoring those wishes. Such a good soul to have touched so many others, even in his absence he is not forgotten and is being remembered and honored by so many!
My son... James Duane Faus.... My Son
