Jamie Jones
2023 Sandra Sagear Wall of Courage Honoree
“It’s a Good Day to have a Good Day.” Jamie Jones
I would like to nominate Jamie Jones for the 2023 Wall of Courage. My name is Beverly Meyer and for 26 years I have been sharing songs with young children and families. I’m known as Beverly, The Music Lady and I have been performing at the children’s summer concerts for 25 of those years. Formerly known as Music in The Park and now Wilcox Wednesdays, every summer Wednesday at noon, Kellogg Park fills up with a beautiful sea of blankets, strollers, Mom’s, Dad’s, Grandparents and lots and lots of kiddos. I sing with my guitar on the big stage and everyone dances, sings, enjoys lunch and has a splendid time. It is the biggest audience I sing for every year and it is my favorite gig of the year because one person shows up Every. Single. Time.
I first met Jamie Jones at the first concert I did in 1998 or 99. She used her walker to make her way to the spot in front that her family likes to sit. She was excited for the concert to begin. I could hear her. She makes this big squeal sound when she is happy. I noticed her singing along, clapping, squealing, and could hear her MEOW on her favorite song “The Cat Came Back”. I had to meet this wonderful bundle of joy and did so after the concert was finished. Immediately, we had a connection. She was a little bit shy at first but soon she was telling me how much she loved my songs and soon the squeals were coming out. I chatted with her parents and found out that Jamie has attended every Wednesday Music in the Park (and the Friday shows as well) ever since they started. I knew something special had started that day.
I am not exactly sure of labels of Jamie’s physical challenges, because those labels don’t offer me any information of who the person is. I watch for that shine in her eyes and I listen to the words she says. I can tell that walking and moving can be a challenge for her, I know that speaking can take a little time and she has worked hard on her speech and I can tell you that she gets many messages of joy across with one single squeal. She doesn’t let the challenges that she has stop her from participating in life, a happy life. Her family is amazing and gives her opportunity to participate in many community activities. Every public event, she is there. And SO many people know her and chat with her and listen to her on her adventures through Plymouth. If I’m playing in town, she will tell you and invite you to come.
This makes me smile beyond measure.
Through the years her Mom (Susan) and Dad (Dave) have shared with me when she is down. Usually, it revolves around not being able to get out and about in her normal routine or for the big events. In the winter especially, it can be difficult to get around in a wheelchair or walker and too many days at home, can take away that spark that I always see when we are together. We remedied that with a surprise visit to her home one winter. Other close friends joined us and we coined it “The Best Day Ever!” It truly was and we have repeated that a few times since and it is the record highlight of all of our lives.
I know it is not always easy to get around or to be with people when you have challenges and I also know no matter if you have the challenges that Jamie faces every day or not, it is not easy to be happy all of the time. I believe Jamie does get her batteries recharged by being with people and I know that the anticipation of an event can also charge Jamie right up as well. Susan has shared with me on several occasions that just the mention of my name, or singing The Cat Came Back can bring Jamie out the funk she may be in. I am honored to be a trigger of joy for her.
When The Miracle League of Plymouth was formed, I was asked to be a part of Opening Day and sang The National Anthem. I was honored to do so and sang my very best. Jamie wept, as she does every time, as she is so moved by the song.We share that common bond as it is often hard for me to sing that song without choking up. Jamie is a big part of the Miracle League of Plymouth and I love to watch her play baseball.
Submitted by Beverly Meyer, The Music Lady, Jamie’s friend
Submitted by Debra Madonna, Jamie’s friend
