Happy Birthday

Jamie's Mother—“When Jamie was a girl, we’d shop for school clothes in Pensacola. She was such a tightwad, even back then, she only wanted clearance clothes. She also loves to eat.”

Today is my wife’s birthday. For her special day, I’ve gotten anyone I could find to say something about her.

Here’s what I have:

Her Mother—“When Jamie was a girl, we’d shop for school clothes in Pensacola. She was such a tightwad, even back then, she only wanted clearance clothes. She also loves to eat.”

John Finklea—“Once, when Jamie was a kid, we’s on a church youth trip, I loaded up the van and left town without her. Oh son, I felt so bad about that. Had to turn back around and get her.”

John Parker—“I’m not sure what I like most about Jamie, her absolute despisement for pretentiousness, or her humility and eagerness to help others—maybe it’s the way she laughs. Whatever it is, I’m glad she’s my friend.”

Katie Huelsbeck— “Jamie is an old soul, one of those people you connect with immediately and feel like you have known forever.”

Jamie’s Dentist—“That woman has a very sensitive gag-reflex.”

Shannon Lease— “Jamie is authentic and whip-smart. There’s a gentleness to her that’s close to the surface. Oh, and like my mother, she talks faster than most people, which makes you pay close attention.”

Kelly Webb— “The girl with the biggest heart, loudest voice, tastiest cookin.”

Joni Boyd—“When I think of Jamie, I think of savoring slow food, the warmth of Southern hospitality, and conversations full of laughter and drawl that you never want to end.”

Kandi Reeves—“Jamie makes the best ‘nana pudding you ever had in your life.”

Waitress at Cracker Barrel—“You want a birthday quote from ME about someone I don’t even KNOW? Well, uh, she seems nice, I guess. I dunno, this is making me feel so frickin’ weird.”

Lanier Motes—“She made the best biscuits for my birthday—I won’t even attempt to reciprocate. Also, I can speak from personal experience on her impressive Karaoke-duet abilities.”

Tonye Frith—“Jamie is a fast forever-friend that brings true joy to my heart.”

Walmart Cashier—“You mean that brown-haired lady is YOUR wife? Yeah, I know her. She come here all the time to buy beer. She’s cool.”

Shannon Skipper—Jamie’s a master mixologist, amazing chef, phenomenal booty-shaker, a voice of reason, endless well of laughter, and my DAWG. I’m looking forward to growing old with her.”

Lula Bell (house cat)— “Jamie’s inexplicable altruism and investment in the lives of we felines, as a whole, especially within this recondite, albeit, animalistic age have thusly left her peerless.”

Ellie Mae (coonhound)—“I’m so hungry I might actually die.”

Mandy McKenzie—“Jamie is equal parts sass and class. She’s the friend that makes you laugh so hard you have to cross your legs. But she’s also the most loving and thoughtful person I know. Don’t get me started on how beautiful she is.”

Connie Baggett— “Jamie is sunsets, carnivals, mischief, cheesecake, riotous laughter, football games, and poetry all in one glorious mixture.”

Sherry Sandquist—“Jamie is the epitome of a Southern belle.”

Samuel Smith— “I always look forward to being in her presence. Ever since high school, at T.R. Miller, you knew that when Jamie came around, a smile and a good laugh followed.”

Driver of Red Nissan After Jamie Cut Him Off in Traffic—“What in the mother @#$%ing #&*!$ were you thinking, lady!?”

Preston Howell (former student)—“If there’s one thing I’ve seen in Jamie, it’s drive, passion, and the hope she gives others to succeed. That is rare these days.”

Melissa Wheeler—“She is tender-hearted, and tough as nails, baked to biscuit perfection, with a side of sassy gravy.”

Gail Peace—“I have to say, without a doubt, the day Jamie said to me, ‘I’m going to marry him,’ when she first met Sean, was something I’ll never forget.”

Sean Dietrich—“Jamie is proof that the Good Lord exists. I love her more than life. She is everything to me. Everything.”

Happy birthday, to my wife.

57 comments

  1. Denise - October 26, 2017 12:58 pm

    Happy birthday Jamie? Thanks for sharing your precious family with all of us.

    Reply
  2. LindaD - October 26, 2017 1:04 pm

    Happy Birthday, Jamie! Your husband really, really loves you!

    Reply
  3. David M Jones - October 26, 2017 1:12 pm

    You make me laugh and cry. And I think your beautiful wife is part of the reason. I’m glad to the bottom of my soul that you found each other. Happy Birthday to Jamie!

    Reply
  4. shanatproctorgmailcom - October 26, 2017 1:17 pm

    Happy birthday, Jamie! You must be a really special person to have so many people love and admire you.

    Reply
  5. Connie - October 26, 2017 1:18 pm

    Happy birthday Jamie. From everything I read, you’re a wonderful human being. I wish you a wonderfully blessed and awesome day.

    Reply
  6. Kathy Daum - October 26, 2017 1:21 pm

    Jamie is amazing. I just read what Sean writes about her and how she changed his life, and I know she’s someone I would really like.

    Reply
  7. Jean - October 26, 2017 1:27 pm

    Happy Birthday, Jamie Dietrich. I would love to see a photo of you and Sean together. What a wonderful couple you must be.

    Reply
  8. Leigh Rankin - October 26, 2017 1:30 pm

    It’s my birthday too! Happy day Jamie!

    Reply
  9. Janne Swearengen - October 26, 2017 1:33 pm

    Would that all husbands could find quotes like that for their wives!!

    Reply
  10. Sandra Smith - October 26, 2017 1:35 pm

    Happy Birthday to a lady, I’d really live to get to know, even if you are married to this crazy guy.
    ( who am I to talk…married to mine for 42 yrs) ?
    HaPpY BiRtHdAy !!! ????

    Reply
  11. Dawn G. Todhunter - October 26, 2017 1:44 pm

    Happy birthday, Jamie. I spent probably 5 minutes talking to you at SCAC, but I instantly liked you. You reminded me so much of my favorite aunt when she was young, I almost cried. She’s been gone for over 20 years, but I saw and heard a little piece of her in your voice, your smile and your eyes. You and Sean are a remarkable couple.

    Reply
  12. Sue Cronkite - October 26, 2017 1:46 pm

    Perfect! Gotta meet Jamie!

    Reply
  13. Janet Mary Lee - October 26, 2017 1:49 pm

    Happy Birthday, Jamie! My favorite story so far is you driving after Ellie May! For that alone I send my love! Have a wonderful day! Treasure each other as your greatest gift!!

    Reply
  14. Joan Dake - October 26, 2017 1:57 pm

    Happy Birthday little lady! I enjoyed reading the quotes…i know you must have also! Hope it’s a wonderful day!

    Reply
  15. Pat Byers - October 26, 2017 2:03 pm

    “baked to biscuit perfection”… I don’t think it gets much better than that. Happy Birthday Jamie !

    Reply
  16. Jack Quanstrum - October 26, 2017 2:06 pm

    Special, Special, Special! Happy birthday Jamie!

    Reply
  17. Keloth Anne Thompson - October 26, 2017 2:10 pm

    Happy Birthday

    Reply
  18. Janie Fuller - October 26, 2017 2:12 pm

    Happy Birthday Jamie! Sounds like we have some things in common. I prefer to think of myself as frugal but others might see me as being a tightwad. Hope your special day is as awesome as the way Sean describes you.

    Reply
  19. Brenda - October 26, 2017 2:19 pm

    Happy birthday Jamie! Hope your day is special.

    Reply
  20. Bob Hubbard - October 26, 2017 2:25 pm

    Like Sean, today is my wife’ s birthday. We were married for 56 years, 4 months and 9 days when she went Heavenbound 4 years ago. Met her when she was 17, married her when she was 18, and we raised our family while we raised ourselves. Our family now won’t fit in a wide angle lens.

    Reply
  21. Diana - October 26, 2017 2:31 pm

    Wishing a very happy birthday full of blessings to Jamie!

    Reply
  22. TN Lizzie - October 26, 2017 2:31 pm

    Jamie, Happy Birthday! If y’all were going to the same place, that Red Nissan driver would love to meet your spunky self – and would walk away as your new best friend! Have a great day, and thanks for taking care of Sean!

    Reply
  23. Kim O Washington - October 26, 2017 3:02 pm

    Happy Birthday Jamie, you are well loved. That is something to celebrate!

    Reply
  24. Frank - October 26, 2017 3:10 pm

    I only know Jamie from these pages, but I know she’s really something. And I know I owe her. After all, without her love, a young man, a really nice young fellow who was devaststed almost beyond redemption by his father’s illness and passing, would never have been made whole again, and those of us who now often treasure his words and profit from his hard gained insights would be that much the poorer.
    So, Thanks, Jamie! Thanks with a capital T, and Happy Birthday!

    Reply
  25. Jen - October 26, 2017 3:21 pm

    Happy birthday! Today is my birthday, too. I hope she has a wonderful day!

    Reply
  26. conniecheek - October 26, 2017 3:37 pm

    How awesome!
    That is a thoughtful gift.

    Reply
  27. Carol Webb - October 26, 2017 3:41 pm

    I especially enjoyed your writing today since it is my birthday too. I had fun reading the comments about your wife and seeing how many of them apply to me as well. Thank you for writing what’s in your heart. I always benefit from your words, even if they make me cry.

    Reply
  28. Carol Webb - October 26, 2017 3:43 pm

    Happy Birthday, Jamie!

    Reply
  29. Christy Fenn - October 26, 2017 3:50 pm

    Happy birthday Jamie !! Hope this is the best one yet??

    Reply
  30. Barbara Ewell - October 26, 2017 3:55 pm

    Ah, Jamie. You have helped cats and dogs and Sean to find their voice. God bless.

    Reply
  31. Shirley Northington (Skelton) - October 26, 2017 3:56 pm

    Happy Birthday, Jamie! I’m sure we’d be the best offriends!

    Reply
  32. anthonykorey - October 26, 2017 3:59 pm

    Happy Birthday, Jamie! I actually know how Sean Feels! I’ve been married to my wife for almost 52 years; and she’s still, and always will be my Sweetheart! You are both very blessed to have each other. May God bless you and your family on this special day.

    Tony Korey

    Reply
  33. Jakki - October 26, 2017 4:11 pm

    Happy Birthday Jamie! I wish we lived closer, you sound Ike you’d make s good friend! Oh- and go feed Ellie Mae!

    Reply
  34. Barbara McGinnis - October 26, 2017 4:18 pm

    All I know about her is that she loved you back to happy. She did a fine thing there. Happy Birthday, Jamie. ?

    Reply
  35. Sandra - October 26, 2017 4:21 pm

    Happy birthday Jamie!

    Reply
  36. Deborah Allen - October 26, 2017 4:34 pm

    Happy Happy Birthday Jamie ???

    Reply
  37. Lynda Gayle Knight - October 26, 2017 4:40 pm

    Because you are an excellent descriptive writer, my opinion, and Jamie in all these comments seems like such a sassy, classy Southern Belle, I would like even more a chance to meet the two of you! Do you ever come to Marshall County in northern Alabama or in this area? If so, please let me know. Thanks, from an avid reader.

    Reply
  38. Beth - October 26, 2017 4:49 pm

    What a wonderful gift to Jamie. It’s great to know how much people love you while you are living. Sounds like she is a wonderful woman, married to a great guy. Happy birthday wishes.

    Reply
  39. Linda Chipman - October 26, 2017 4:54 pm

    What a great way to celebrate your wife’s birthday. Hope it’s a good one.

    Reply
  40. Bruce C - October 26, 2017 6:34 pm

    Happy Birthday, Jamie! And Sean, you make me laugh … a very sensitive gag reflex … almost rofl.

    Reply
  41. Laura Rothrock - October 26, 2017 7:20 pm

    Happy Birthday Jamie!

    Reply
  42. muthahun - October 26, 2017 7:53 pm

    Happy birthday, Jamie. Right there with you on the gag reflex… And great cake, BTW!

    Reply
  43. Pamela McEachern - October 26, 2017 8:56 pm

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jamie, you and Sean have a very special day???

    Reply
  44. Barbara J Schweck - October 26, 2017 9:26 pm

    Sounds like she ia a keeper!!!! What a lucky man you are, Sean!

    Reply
  45. James D Dunn - October 26, 2017 10:55 pm

    Jamie sounds a lot like my Jane, my Pine Apple Queen of more than 60 years. God knew what he was doing when he made pretty little girls attracted to ole ugly skinny boys! Happy Birthday Miss Jamie!

    Reply
  46. Mary Ellen Hall - October 26, 2017 11:57 pm

    ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL SEAN!!

    “HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY” to your SWEET WIFE!! ?

    Reply
  47. Clinton Gilmore - October 27, 2017 1:27 am

    Happy Birthday Jamie! To a person I don’t know but one from others wished did. Kinds hearts , friendship and humility are hard too find! Your red headed Southern Socrates is a very lucky man and one I take pleasure in his writings! May today be good for you both.. a Sweetgum Head soul!

    Sean, there is good in this world .. mostly from the least fortunate but the most blessed! Don’t ever keep writing about the good in this world /earth!

    Reply
  48. Carolyn - October 27, 2017 1:47 am

    Happy Birthday Jamie! From the comments of your friends, we all know that God truly is in the matchmaking business. The Lord knew that man needed a good wife, and he got one.

    Reply
  49. Judy Miller - October 27, 2017 1:57 am

    Happy Birthday Jamie. I have found that the best people are born in October!!!

    Reply
  50. Michael Hawke - October 27, 2017 3:58 am

    Your quote about your wife is what I say about mine. She’s proof that God loves me.

    Reply
  51. Perri Geaux Tigers Williamson - October 27, 2017 7:38 am

    Ha, ha, ha. This is funny and sweet all at once—kinda like lemon poundcake! Happy belated to your beloved.

    Reply
  52. Mary - October 27, 2017 8:44 am

    Best one yet…I love a man who adores his wife!!!!!!

    Reply
  53. Susan Carlson - October 27, 2017 1:36 pm

    This post for Jamie’s birthday is so rare it’s priceless! Thanks for sharing. Jamie…you go girl!!! Blessings

    Reply
  54. Fran Decker - October 27, 2017 8:39 pm

    What a marvelous birthday gift you have offered your wife. My son Robert also celebrated his birthday yesterday. He is 34 years old and has Down Syndrome. He lights up the world all around him so there must be something magical about the date since your wife seems to have a similar effect.

    Reply
  55. Janette Mcacollum - October 29, 2017 12:07 am

    Enjoyed this SO much….. read out loud to husband…!! Happy Birthday Jamie, you have a keeper. Oh, I have a Lula Bell kitty too?

    Reply
  56. Marion - October 30, 2017 3:28 am

    Sweet Happy Birthday to Jamie!

    Reply
  57. Linda Moon - October 26, 2022 8:20 pm

    Happy Birthday from me, and my Aunt Kat would be smiling down and wishing one for you too if she’d known and loved you like I do!

    Reply

Leave a Comment