The previous post by Brandon Harris sums up very nicely one of the things I always loved about my husband, even back when we were only friends.
I went to school with him sometimes, and followed him around all day, or rather, tried to keep up. He was a bundle of energy, always "up," always with a word of encouragement for his kids.
That energy and passion was very evident in the first play he directed at Sam Bass. It was called "Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean." It was a bit "edgy" for Sam Bass, but a terrific play, and so much fun. Whenever he directed there, he would be scampering all over the house, to see how it looked from all angles. "Ladies at the Alamo," "Vanities," "Mousetrap;" he did excellent work with all of them. His love of theater showed in everything he did.
But his legacy is all these talented kids that he sent out into the world, imbued with a love of theater. Nothing made him happier than to see "his" kids performing in high school shows and community theater shows.
So all y'all kids just keep on keeping on.
He was in pain constantly. Why he would not go to a doctor is a complicated question. The answer has a lot to do with how his mother and father were treated by the medical community at the end of their lives. He didn't want that. He didn't want to lose the quality of life that he had always enjoyed. Over the summer, his health and energy level had deteriorated, and he felt much older than his years.
For seven years, I was privileged to share his life. I am grateful for that, even as I am angry that the many years I had expected are not to be.
Take what he taught and use it in your lives.
It's what he wanted.
I'm glad Brandon wrote that so that I might share it with you and give you a little light in the darkness
ReplyDeleteAlli
That's a very touching tribute. I think we all needed to hear it.
ReplyDeletebrandon, that was beautifully written
ReplyDeleteand helps me to know more about jim.
GOD BLESS YOU JT
ReplyDeleteThinking of you an dyour family tonight............breeze
Ronni,
ReplyDeleteYou have my deepest sympathy. Please know that I am so sorry about your losing Jim and that you are in my prayers.
Deanna
Ronni,
ReplyDeleteWhen I received the call from Robbie about what had happened I was on my way to work at my internship at Phoenix Theatre in Phoenix, AZ. Jim Prior had such an incredible influence on both my brother (as you have read) and myself. I was "one of his kids" as he liked to call me. And I agree with Brandon, if he hadn't been in my life, I wouldn't be pursuing theatre right now. I would be off getting a degree in Chemistry or Physics, or who knows what. But instead I'm doing something that I love. I am working in theatre. I graduated with my degree in theatre. And I have never been happier. It's because of him. He was amazing. I am truly baffled and confused. But know that you have my deepest love and sympathy. I am so sorry.
Amanda Harris
Ronni,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to send love and prayers at this very sad time.
Stevie
Dear Vero,
ReplyDeleteI have never posted a comment on any blog, except for one day ( way back when Rose & Karen were still transcribbing at MF) but I, as well as many others who used to read Loretta's blog, remember you, and even though I don't actually know you, I somehow feel an overwhelming need to convey my most sincere and deepest sympathy to you and your family at such a dark and hard time.
Even though I was classified as a "lurker" - I felt like I knew the regular posters at MF as if they were real life friends, and certain things that some of the gals shared really touched me and one of those "things" came from you, long after the Peterson tragedy. Actually, I believe it was in the last year because I stopped reading there after 2005 when my pc crashed. If memory serves me, you shaved your head for a child dealing with cancer, and I remember thinking how very courageous, generous and kind your action was. If I had a way to do something (anything) to help you in any manner right now, please know that I, a complete stranger, would gladly do whatever you needed.
I have read your entire blog the last few days and recognized a few names, and I am so glad you still have contact with some of the "regulars" from MF. I miss that blog and the people I will never meet. From some of the comments, it appears you actually got to meet the Detriot misfits, (some of my favorites) and by the messages they have posted, they still sound as great as I always thought they would be.
Enough of my reminescing and back to my reason for this message.
You are in my prayers ( as you requested) and I am sending you positive thoughts in this most difficult time and also want you to know that in time, somehow, you will not only get through this, you will emerge back to the wonderful, generous person I have "known", simply from finding a blog many years ago.
Sincerely,
A former MF lurker & cyber friend
Thanks, Amanda, Anonymous, and everyone. I know thae, eventually, I will hurt less, and you all are helping a lot.
ReplyDeleteRonni
ReplyDeleteI would like to share something with you about my son. When he was in 6th gr.(2 years ago) he had chosen dance as his elective never even giving theater a thought. He wanted to meet girls and he thought that dance would help him do that. After a couple of weeks he knew that wasn't for him. I was in the school office trying to figure out what to change dance to when Jim heard me talking and said "Give us(him and Ms Baker) this semester with him and he will love it" I did and boy did I see some wonderful changes in my son. He learned to love theater. Last year Jim mentioned that my son's class was probally one of the hardest he has ever had because he had some really tough kids but he told me on several occasions that both of my boys were wonderful to teach and how he hoped that my 8th gr. son would continue in theater at McNeil which he is and how he was looking forward to having my youngest again this year in advance theater. He told both me and my son that he could see great things in theater for him and my son told me last night that he would not have gone down the theater path had it not been for Jim. My son told me that he was so greatful fo the time he had with Jim and all that he tought him in the year and half he was blessed to be a student of Jim's. He went on to say that Jim would be the one teacher that he will remember the most because he had faith in both my sons and he knew it was hard having them both in the same class period but Jim knew how to make it work.
Ronni I hope you can find comfort in knowing just how many young kids Jim touched and made their lives better. My sons will take the experiances they learned from Jim with them forever.
A parent of 2 of Jim's students
Ronni, reading tributes like the one above and the one by Brandon Harris brings tears to my eyes. Jim must have been an exceptional teacher and mentor, and will be missed by many.
ReplyDeleteI really don't know you except through your writing, and even though I may seldom agree with your views on life, I offer you my sincere condolences on your loss.
Suicide touched my extended family some 30+ years ago, and I know it is not easy to try to understand the “whys” and “what ifs.”
I'm glad you have a large network of friends and family to lean on during the difficult days ahead.
Leslie = Mutt.
ReplyDeleteGood grief. You rarely agree with Ronni's views on life?
Why read the blog, then? Why are you here?
Sheesh. Sick pups are still among us. Get the mace.
Loretta, for Gods sake grow up. I didn't come here to pick a fight. I truly feel sad that Ronnie is going through this and wanted to express my sympathy and condolence.
ReplyDeleteFWIW, I have no interest in your petty name calling, blog wars or personal problems, and have no association with the "mutts" as you call them. Shows what you don't know, doesn't it? Why would YOU be so insensitive as to hijack this blog for your own personal attacks?
Oh, Leslie, I know who you are. How would you even know about "blog wars" if you didn't know about the mutts?
ReplyDeletePlease. Just scram. Ronni doesn't need your sympathy. I think I can safely say that. As Ronni's real friend, and not some anonymous freak from Muttville, I feel it is within my rights to chase off the likes of you. Beat it.
you all shouldn't fight on someone's personal blog. i thought grown people were above all that. i don't think you're helping ronni either. i think that instead of using this as your own battle field, why don't you help ronni out? fighting friends and aquaintances don't help a situation. please act like the adults you are supposed to be. and accept that people have different views that you might not agree on. agree to disagree. make food for ronni, not war.
ReplyDelete20 year old college student
The arguments will stop here.
ReplyDeleteAny further critical comments will be deleted. Thank you.