It's been hard for me to write that my brother, Jamer Wilson, passed away this past week on February 11 at 65 years old. He is now at peace and no longer in pain. He tried many times to live a life free of substance abuse. His stint in the Army was short, but it instilled in him a patriotic spirit. There was always an American flag on his wheelchair. These last 8 months he lived in an assisted living facility. It was the longest he's ever lived anywhere as an adult. He was safe, fed and sheltered. He still talked of having a place of his own even tho we knew that was next to impossible. His physical state was precarious. We hoped for more time, but his health quickly took a turn for the worse. He spent his last few days in a wonderful VA Hospice. We got to love on him, talk to him, pray over him and tell him stories. The day before he died, I was playing our favorite songs from our early teenage years and he squeezed my hand. He always loved music. My heart is broken, and I hurt so much for my Dad. Here is why I'm glad I waited to write this -- I had to sit still and be quiet to realize the value in Jamer's life. His optimism was never ending, he believed in God, he loved and was proud of his parents, sister, brother-in-law, niece and nephews. He wished his choices and circumstances had been different and wished he could make them proud of him. His sobriety in these last 8 months gave him back his sense of humor and determination to want a life that was full and happy. He never gave up. So in the end I choose to celebrate our early life together with some great memories. I marvel at, and can learn from, his will to live and his optimism against all odds. I'm amazed at his efforts to try over and over to make a fresh start. Our family will rest easier knowing that God and his grace have taken over the rest of his journey.
He will be buried at South Florida National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please send a donation to:
James A. Haley VA Hospital
Fisher House Attn: Sean Kelly
13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (122)
Tampa, FL 33612
Wounded Warrior Project
www.woundedwarriorproject.org
