Silver Anniversary
This is a much sadder than usual day for me. Today is my 25th wedding anniversary and my first without my beautiful wife. My work often took me away from Renee on our anniversary and so we would mark the occasion a week before or after the actual date depending on my schedule. I have forgotten the details of many of them, we were often low-key as far as celebrating went. Our first years of marriage, money was very tight but we always took the time to acknowledge to ourselves and each other our good fortune in the series of events that brought us together for life.
While some years are a bit fuzzy, I remember my wedding day very well. Renee and I were married in Alaska, Feb 25th 1985 on a very snowy day. We had spent over 5 years prior to getting married living together on the eastern shore of Maryland, then traveling across country and settling in Alaska. Living together actually worked well for us, even then, we were committed for life. With or without the certificate. We could have gone on that way indefinitely but as Renee and I were both around 26 years old and knew there would be children some day we figured the time was right. I suppose our families felt a bit cheated at what amounted to us basically eloping but we decided after 5 years of cohabitating, a large or expensive wedding wasn’t needed. We were married in a non-denominational church’s lobby with only Renee’s sister Michelle, her cousin Tom and two friends in attendance. The price tag for the day was very cheap, and we paid for it all. The years afterward, priceless.
When I tell people our wedding day costs – rings, honeymoon suite (15 miles from home) celebration dinner, church fees and everything else – came to about 800 bucks total they shake their heads. I got to live the cliche, the best things in life are (almost) free. After all our years together, the standard practice of making a beeline for the marriage bed waited until well into the next morning. We spent the night sipping champagne and talking about where we heading, where we had been. We laughed and joked, held each other, thanking the powers that brought us together. We were just two young people, absolutely fearless and ready to take on the world. All our hopes and dreams were discussed that night and I am happy to say many of them came true. The hotel bill said our honeymoon lasted just two nights but it really went on for over 24 years. No man ever had a better wife. In the soon-to-be year since she was stolen from my family, I remain grateful and humbled Renee chose to share her life with me. I see parts of Renee in each of her nine children, giving me at least a glimmer of hope that her love, beauty and greatness will live on.
Hi Jamie,
Happy Anniversary to you and Renee. Doug and I reached 25 years last year..that’s a long time and yet seems like yesterday. Your recount of your wedding day forced my mind to remember mine in detail as well..Worrying bout the rain, making sure everyone had directions to the farm, was there enough food, would the groomsmen get the piano back into the house after drinking too much (they did, but they didn’t remember it!!).
These celebrations are not to be taken lightly and neither are the years after. Everyday means something special, a gift to each other from God above. My dad’s been gone away for 11 years now and in August, we still celebrate with a steak dinner (his favorite) for their soon to be 62nd anniversary. After all, that marriage produced ME!!!! A super daughter!!!!! LOL!!! That’s something to celebrate.
Doug lost his mom last week to a stroke..His dad is now alone at home after 63 yrs. It’a a tough time..but he has all of us kids to help him through.
Family..that’s the name of the game..The only ones you can truly count on..
God bless you, Jamie. My memories of Renee are fond and funny and sweet and alive. We weren’t close, but it didn’t matter..she made the immpression on me of being a happy and funny and loving woman..I’ll never forget that smile..
Love ya lots and thanks for your shop visits. It’s been a tough 2009 for Doug’s business and we appreciate your support..We know you could go somewhere else, and we thank you for coming to our little shop.
Best,
Theresa
Happy Anniversary Jamie you were very blessed to have someone so wonderful in your life. Quite a few people are not as blessed and have never found that one person that completes you. You both were truly blessed.
Dear Jamie,
I don’t remember any “before” with Renee. There was never just Uncle Jamie, it was always Uncle Jamie and Aunt Renee. I remember how excited we all were when Granny told us Renee was expecting Joannie. A Miller cousin! We couldn’t have been more thrilled.
What a bittersweet day for you — the joy-filled memories of Renee and your time together, contrasted by the immeasurable grief at her absence. My heart is heavy for you.
With love,
Maria
Jamie — my heart and thoughts are with you this day, as they always are.
Thinking of you and the kids. You have wonderful memories that will be with you always……just as Renee will be.
Hello Jaime,
I cannot begin to imagine what you are going through… Renee was an awesome person. I truly feel fortunate that Bobby & I met you guys through Kathy. It will be 25 years for Bobby & I this December. Just wanted you to know how much you mean to us and that we will be friends for life!
Thinking of you and Renee and the love you shared. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the children today and everyday. I love you all very much.
Terry
Dear Jamie,
Happy Silver Anniversary. For others reading this site and hopefully to put a little smile on Jamie’s face… to add to his story, that Honeymoon bungalo (sp?) was the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage, AK. The hotel is still there today… long white robes to wear in the rooms and all! About ten years later, Jamie bumped into Tomas and I at the airport. He joined us in welcoming Tomas’ father to Alaska for the first time – guess where… Yep the Cook!
Love you Jamie!
(;
Suzi
Jamie,
Just wanted to let you know that we’re thinking of you and the kids more than ever, especially as you face these up coming days. Our thoughts are with you.
Hello Jamie. This is Trent’s mother from Seymour. I spoke with you outside at the State Tournament. I wanted to tell you how sorry I was about Renee but didn’t want to bring on heartache during Jeremy’s time. I have been keeping up with whats been going on through this website since it happened. Although I had only spoken to Renee once, you could tell she was a wonderful woman and mother. My thoughts and heart are with you and your family.
Stephanie Hancock
Jamie,
I first met Renee when my son, Cameron, took riding lessons at your farm. I admired her so much. I loved her energy and personality. You and your family are constantly in my thoughts. Everytime I drive down 411 from Madisonville to Etowah (which is often!), I think of you all. I have been following the legal proceedings in the paper. I can’t get over what a tragic thing has happened to such a remarkable person as Renee. There isn’t enough justice in the world and no punishment enough for these monsters. I just want you all to know that Renee touched so many lives and there are many people thinking of your family and praying for you. I can only imagine the pain you all still feel. Renee was a remarkable person and I know I was blessed to have met her. You have a beautiful family. It was obvious she loved you all very much. Her family and animals were the world to her! When I think of Renee, I think of a person that did not know the word impossible. She was such a Wonder Woman! Nothing ever seemed to phase her, so calm and collected, able to handle everything. I hope you can find some peace and joy in each day. She would want you to. She would be proud of the way you are handling everything even if you feel like you aren’t doing it the way she did. After all, she was a dynamo! I do not know anyone that could handle as much as Renee Miller at one time and remain with sanity intact! I am honored that I was able to know Renee. I know she has left you with a lifetime of wonderful memories. Your lives seem to have been a wonderful adventure together. Her memory lives on for so many people. She still remains a role model for me in raising my family… Thank you for sharing her Jamie! Melanie Carr
Hi Jamie,
Just a short note to let you know I think of you and the kids often…I met your mom and sister Cathie in 1982. I later met Terry and Kristi…we all worked together at Moore & Warfield, MW&G and now CBRB. We’ve met a couple of times over the years. I have always kept up with everyone in the family through your sisters. My kids are also close friends with the Saylor clan. I pray for you and your family and can only hope for better tomorrows. God Bless.
Jamie,
Your letters that you write about Renee are nothing short of beautiful. I am sooooo sorry for you and the children that you were robbed of such a beautful person. Renee in my book was one in a million. You truly lost your soulmate. I Love and pray for you guys. God Bless You Jamie
Hi Jamie,
I am thinking of you and your whole family. Renee brought so much happiness to my childhood, I am so glad you brought her into our lives all those years ago. She is a real inspiration to me even now and I can’t imagine how hard this Anniversary is for you. Please know that I am thinking of you and praying for you always, even though I don’t write often.
Love,
Regina
Jamie,
I missed not having Renee with us at the state tournament this year. I am sure she is looking down on us smiling with pride for Jeremy and the rest of your wonderful family.
I look forward to spending some time with you and your family this summer. I’m sure Renee will be with us in spirit.
Eddie
Dear Jamie,
I want you to know that I think of you and your family often. To have been robbed of your beautiful Renee,wife and mother is unimaginable. God bless all of you!
Angel Chaconas