The Best is Yet to Be!

A couple of TL's friends found this poem with a beautiful medalion and presented it to her a few days ago. Trish decided to use it in the program for Michael's Memorial Service that was held yesterday. Thought you might enjoy it.

It was almost like having Dad there...
Uncle John

The Best is Yet to Be!

My earthly days are over
Angels wings have set me free,
My days are spent in Heaven
The best is yet to be.

Surrounded by His glory
Earthly roots could not hold me,
Each day is spent with Jesus
The best is yet to be.

No more sickness, no more pain
My illness had to flee,
My body is made new again
The best is yet to be.

And if I had just one more day
To spend on earth anew,
I'd be sure to let you know, my dear
The best is yet for You.

When your earthly days are over
And angel wings have set you free,
Just reach your arms toward Heaven
The Best is Yet to Be!

- Debbie Oyler

And the Beat Goes On...

Michael Roy Jamison
November 23rd, 1989-September 17th, 2007

And the beat goes on…

(In his own words)
Some call me a poet, others a guitarist, and then some a lyricist. Me? I say I’m an artist of music. I’m a senior at Eatonville High.

Lets see, I play guitar - I absolutely love that thing. I call it my "Baby". I run track, play tennis, and am a pole-vaulter. I love it to death; its so much fun! And it’s what I’m meant to do.

I am a religious man believe it or not, and a lot of things I do revolve around that (but there’s also a lot that don’t unfortunately).

I’m out with my friends a lot; it’s just what I do. I wear cowboy boots almost daily, and you won’t catch me without a hat on my head, unless someone takes it and that don’t usually last long.

I like to sit round the fire at night and just chill, it’s a passion and a way of life out here.

Mike was born November 23rd, 1989 in Seattle, WA and passed away surrounded by family and friends on September 17th, 2007.

He was survived by his mom Trish Ellis (Chris Simpson); dad Jamey Jamison (Sabrina McCoy); brothers Jeremy & Jesse Jamison; grandparents Patti & Ralph Steuber, Joanne Jamison and Patricia Ellis; aunts Myrna, Brenda, Tina (Jeff), Debbie (JJ), Stella (Duane), Becky, Liz, Pam & Cindy; uncles Jim (Cheryl), John (Dina) & Tony (Jeannine); cousins Casey, Karlene, Sean, Eli, Austin, Thomas, Cooper, Winston, Houston, Joy, Zoe, and many, many other extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by grandfathers Lincoln “Buzzy” Jamison (1981) & A.W. “Buddy” Ellis (2006).

There will be a memorial service at Eatonville High School, 302 Mashell Ave. in Eatonville Saturday, September 22nd (12 noon) with reception to follow. Viewing will be Monday, September 24th (10am-1pm) at Fir Lane Funeral Home & Chapel, 924 East 176th Street with a graveside service immediately following at the same location.

The family has requested in lieu of flowers, donations be made at any Key Bank in the name of Michael Jamison to help with hospital & funeral costs.

And the beat goes on…

Donor Update...

Just wanted to get you an update, with some great results... all things considered.

We found out yesterday that kidneys (2 different recipients), liver & pancreas (1 recipient) were matched for transplant. We were really hoping for heart and lungs as well.

His lungs were too damaged to be considered, and after 2 units rejected his heart due to some trauma it has received during the course of the accident - it appeared we were going to proceed to the operating room last night about 10:30 unless another program was found.

Then at about 10 pm last night, the folks at Stanford University (which we're told is a more aggressive unit), informed Harborview that the heart was accepted and viola, Mike's heart was destined to continue on!

We had to wait a little longer than expected for the surgeon from Stanford to arrive, but at about 6:30 this morning, after many teary moments, Michael was off to the operating room to save and/or vastly improve 4 unknown lives.

...and the Beat Goes On!

Praise God!
John

We'll Miss you, Mike!

What a year, huh?

Hard to even remember a time when things seemed 'normal' anymore.

Imagine yourself sitting in a chair... fully supported and comfortable. When all of the sudden, someone comes along and kicks one of the legs out from under your chair.

As we all know, it's tough to keep your balance sitting in a 3-legged chair.

Well, for the past 14 months since Dad's aneurysm (11 months since he passed), I for one, continue to struggle to find balance in that 3-legged chair.

Then Saturday Night/Sunday morning someone came along and kicked another leg out from under the same chair.

My nephew Mike was in a roll-over accident, and air-lifted via LifeFlight to Harborview with severe brain trauma. After hours of unsuccessful efforts, he was pronounced dead today at 11:04am.

Try balancing that chair for a while.

Mike had registered to be an organ donor, and we're currently waiting while that progress continues. 24-36 hours is the window which officially began about 9:30am or so.

Keep the family, especially Tricia Lynn and Mike's Dad, Jamey in your prayers through these hours as they stay with Michael to see his wishes fulfilled.

Thanks, John:)

On a side note, if any of you have the ability or an interest in helping towards funeral expenses, etc... please click here to let me know.
JE

Here's some video passed along of Mike at a recent EHS ball game.
We'll Miss you Mike!