Those of us who do this writing thing sometimes live in strange, insular bubbles. The internet has made contact between bubbles easier.
One writer I came to know through the magic of the 'net was Jamie Eyberg.
Jamie and his wife died last weekend in a freak accident. I only learned about it earlier today.
I was shocked. Angered. In disbelief.
My heart goes out to his children, Kennedy and Brendan, and the rest of the family.
Jamie was a good writer and friend, but most of all a great and kind man. We shared stories and novels, helped critique each others' work, and cheered each victory in this ruthless game.
When this year's edition of 52 Stitches goes to print, it will be dedicated to Jamie. The profits will go to Kennedy and Brendan's memorial fund.
I'll miss you.
Thanks for everything.
*This link takes you to a memorial at the funeral home with information about the memorial account for Jamie's children and a guestbook to sign.
24 comments:
Aaron, do you have any information yet on a memorial fund for the kids? We'd like to come up with some way to contribute as well.
That's a nice tribute, Aaron. I know he would appreciate it.
Like Chris said, if you know of any way to contribute, or if you know of an existing memorial fund, please let us know...
Heartbreaking, man. I talked to him a night or two before this happened. I'm still digesting all this since I just heard the news.
His last post, where he says, "Sometimes life really does get in the way." That really got to me. I just don't have the words at the moment to express this coherently.
Jamie will be missed by many. He touched a lot more lives than he probably realized.
Genuinely tragic. Been trying to find words all day, but I don't think I will.
This was linked by @WagTheFox earlier in the day:
In Memory of Jamie Eyberg.
Vague info about memorial donations there.
I am Jamie's aunt and would like to thank you for your kindness during this difficult time. There is a memorial fund set up for Kennedy and Brendan at Iowa Savings Bank in Coon Rapids, Iowa. Their kindness and loving ways will be missed by all.
A wonderful thought, Aaron.
It's a strange thing, mourning someone you've never actually met.
Jamie was such a great guy and always so supportive and kind and willing to put himself out there for his fellow writers. I feel terrible for his family, especially the children.
Good idea with the antho...is it open for pre-orders yet?
Lovely tribute, Aaron. I'm still reeling.
I didn't have the privilege of knowing Jamie all that well, but was still shocked to hear about this. Just couldn't believe it. So sad.
Beautifully put, Aaron. I only had the most tangential of interactions with Jamie, but it's unbelievably sad.
Jamie commented on my blog a few times. I didn't know him well, he was a familiar face amongst us bloggers. He sounded like a great guy.
This is truly tragic news.
Aaron, I was shocked and saddened to read about Jamie and Anne's death this morning at Cate's and Natalie's blog and found my way back to yours. Thank you for the links.
That was a touching tribute to Jamie. Godspeed, indeed.
This is terrible news...Words fail me.
I am in shock over this terrible tragedy.
A wonderful tribute, Aaron.
I have no words. I just do not have the words. :(
Bless them.
Very cool of you offering the 52 Stitches proceeds.
A wonderful tribute and gesture.
I just found out and I'm still in shock. He was such a great guy, so talented and friendly and open, and so dedicated to his family. I just can't believe he's gone so suddenly.
Such an incredibly awful tragedy. My heart goes out to the family.
Donating the proceeds of the upcoming book is a lovely gesture Aaron.
I sat at my computer and cried.
-Mercedes
It's a lovely tribute, Aaron. I still can't believe it.
Aaron - I've had a message back from the bank and I* think we'd best have a chat about it offline. We may be able to organise something a little better than what the bank has suggested.
I don't have your email address handy at work - hence the note here.
I'm in shock. How strange it is to feel like this when you'd never met someone. I know he was much loved around the place.
RIP Jamie.
Like Benjamin said. It hurts just as much as if someone in your family has just been tragically killed.
Lovely tribute, Aaron.
And my best wishes to Jamie's family.
Thank you for posting this. My name is Brandy and I grew up and graduated HS with Jamie. We went our seperate ways after that but we reconnected on Facebook and he hasn't changed.
He was never negative and was the nicest person around, he always had something positive or funny to say... He will be missed!
He was one of the best people I knew and will always be in our thoughts and prayers as will Ann and the children.
-Brandy
brandyzbooks@yahoo.com
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