Happy Birthday, Jamie

AMY TOOTHAKER—Happy birthday, Jamie. Though Jamie and I became friends later in life, I feel like I’ve known her forever.

I knew we’d be forever bonded when we were up to our elbows, cutting up frozen chickens after Hurricane Michael, Lucy-and-Ethel style. Jamie can laugh like no one else and she brings that joy to everyone around her.

CASHIER AT PIGGLY WIGGLY—You mean the lady who was just in here? It’s her birthday? What do you want me to say about her? Um. Okay. Let’s see. She was a nice person. Gosh, I don’t know. I feel uncomfortable saying things about someone I don’t know.

MANDY MCKENZIE HOKE—Jamie has the heart of an angel, but you better not mess with the people she loves. I’m glad I’m one of those people… And I’m also a little scared of her.

KATIE HUELSBECK—I love talking to Jamie. She’s always ready to listen, even our heavy conversations are filled with laughs. And those biscuits are fire.

LYLE SANDQUIST—It’s not every day you get to meet someone who can do EVERYTHING with such efficiency.

She is able to schedule, coordinate, stay on top of orders, bills, mailings, dogs, dog sitters, housecleaning, relatives and friends who come through her house like hotel guests, grocery shopping, cooking exquisite menus, providing directions, booking hotels, vet appointments, and still, after all that, she’s able to be kind, sweet, congenial, social, and loving! Happy birthday, Jamie.

THE WASTE MANAGEMENT GUYS—She always separates the recycling stuff just right.

LANIER MOTES—I remember I was helping Jamie cook for a catering event. Sean showed up with an accordion. Only one of us was amused. And that person was me.

LESLIE SCHMIDT—​​I’m so thankful for Jamie and the love for family, flowers and dogs that we share. She is beautiful, genuine and real, and I love that about her. We need more Jamie’s in the world.

BENTLEY MARTIN—She has always been so special, but watching her care for her mother during her final days touched me greatly. I was able to see what a fine example of a human being that Jamie is. I will never forget the love and compassion she showed to our beloved Aunt Mary. I love you, Cuz!

MAIL LADY—I don’t know nothing about her.

STEPHEN DAVIS—I’ve known thousands of southern women. A few of those were even from Brewton. And among those, Jamie exemplifies what “whiskey in a teacup” means.

Better yet, rebar in bubble wrap. She sees through the smoke to get to the real fire and protects those she loves like a rankled wombat. Her laugh is distinguishable from ten miles away and her honesty, although pointed, never feels mean. There is only one Jamie. ‘Cause that’s all the world needs.

SAMUEL SMITH—I don’t recall the day we met but I have never regretted it. I love you Sis, Happy Birthday, [class of] ’92 4Life.

ALLEN CAVE— most of the best memories from my youth involve Jamie. We were thick as thieves back in the day. And during a season of life when friends have a tendency to come and go, Jamie was a constant fixture.

Even though we haven’t lived in the same city for years, I know whenever I see her or pick up the phone and give her a call, we’ll pick up right where we left off. Happy birthday, my friend. I love you big.

SARAH SCHMIDT—When I first met Jamie, she was dating my brother. I wanted her to like me. I genuinely wanted to impress her. Jamie has always been someone I silently aspire to be like; from her tender caring heart, to her deep love for her friends and family.

She is a woman with the true gift of hospitality. I love her beyond any words I could write, she was the beautiful angel who stayed by my side in the hospital for many sleepless nights holding in her arms my 11-day-old daughter who was sick with viral meningitis.

She will fight for you, cry with you, laugh with you and show you have to properly load a dishwasher. I love my sister.

CONNIE BAGGET—Jamie is so beautiful it shines from her very soul. That would be enough, but our Creator also swirled in all the sass he had in his pantry, a wit so sharp it could slice diamonds and THEN GAVE HER UNRIVALED COOKING SKILLS.

Best of all, she is a steadfast friend. So when I see photos of her in my phone’s memory, I give thanks for that glorious tornado of fun and love we call Jamie.

ELVIRA DAVIS—Here is my Ode to Jamie: One of the first things I noticed (and loved) about Jamie is how authentic and genuine she is. She’s sharp-witted, can cut through malarkey before you blink twice. She doesn’t take herself too seriously. She has a great sense of humor, she’s funny without trying to be.

She can be loud and brazen one minute, and soft and vulnerable the next. She takes incredible care of her people. Always puts them and their well-being first. She has a tender heart for all things nature and animals, especially the canine variety.

She is wise and perceptive. She is no respecter of persons. Never underestimate her, she has nothing to prove. Jamie is the real deal, a most beautiful soul, and I am honored to call her Friend.

MELISSA WHEELER—Jamie’s the kind of girl who will dress up in her best ‘80s neon and cut footloose for your birthday, in front of God and everybody. Her go-to karaoke song is “Watermelon Crawl.”

She will take you down in a game of Pac Man (or any game). She can eat a bag of Trader Joe’s cheese curls faster than anyone I know. She takes in all strays (animals and people). And if you’re lucky enough to be on her biscuit and pound-cake drop-off route… You’re lucky enough.

SHANNON ANDREWS SKIPPER—I’m so grateful for Jamie Martin Dietrich and all the ways she makes this world a better, brighter and funnier place. She has been my soul sister since first grade!

While growing up, her sweet family always treated me like their own. Now, after all these years, we are finally living in the same city again and life couldn’t be finer.

Happy birthday to the one we all need more of in our lives. Cheeahhhs!

AUNT CAT—My sweet Jamie. Her mother would be so proud of her. So, so, so proud. I just know Sussy is smiling down from Heaven on that beautiful girl.

When Jamie was a little girl, she used to suck her fingers. Like a security blanket thing. Her mother tried to get her to quit sucking her fingers by doing everything. But nothing worked. They even tried putting pepper sauce on her fingers, but it turned out that Jamie loved pepper sauce, so that didn’t work, either. So her mother just let her suck her fingers right until she was a senior in high school.

JAMES FOUNTAIN—She is loving, a great chef, witty, funny. She always has a great story to tell that will make you laugh and feel loved at the same time.

I’m proud to be her cousin and to know that I can count on her to always be there for me. Happy birthday to one of my favorite cousins, and favorite people in general.

JAMIE’S MOTHER (2017)—Jamie is my closest friend, and I always have to keep up with where she is or what she’s off doing in the world.

When y’all travel for work, I have Sandra get out the big map from the closet and point out where y’all are at that exact moment in time, and then I close my eyes and imagine where she is and what she’s up to. Because I’ve always just needed to know where Jamie is.

ME—I love you more than I love my own life, darling.

Happy 29th birthday, Jamie.

80 comments

  1. Krista - October 26, 2022 8:01 pm

    Happy, happy birthday!

    Reply
  2. Cathy Boswell - October 26, 2022 8:04 pm

    When I grow up, I want to be just like Jamie 🙂

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  3. Rachel Lindsey - October 26, 2022 8:07 pm

    Happy Birthday Jamie

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  4. Carlotta Estes - October 26, 2022 8:08 pm

    Happy Birthday Jamie!
    We love you and your sweet husband❤️

    Reply
  5. Sharon Evans - October 26, 2022 8:09 pm

    Sean, I love that you gathered these sentiments about Jamie for her birthday. Wouldn’t the world be a better place if we took the time to tell people what they mean to us more often. I feel like I know Jamie when I read your posts or see your IG posts. And I’m glad I do. She makes me want to be a better person!

    Reply
  6. David - October 26, 2022 8:09 pm

    You got yourself a winner, Sean!

    Happy birthday, Jamie (even though I don’t have the honor of knowing you).

    Reply
  7. Linda Moon - October 26, 2022 8:09 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!

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  8. Anne Arthur - October 26, 2022 8:12 pm

    Through your fantastic writing, Sean, I’ve got to know Jamie and there’s nothing else I can do than agreeing with all said above and shout out loud: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, wonderful Jamie, may God continue to bless you in abundance. You make the world a better place. Enjoy the celebration!

    Reply
  9. Suellen - October 26, 2022 8:13 pm

    What a great way to celebrate her birthday. Happy Birthday Jamie.

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  10. Jo Ann - October 26, 2022 8:14 pm

    Happy Birthday, Jamie!!

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  11. Jayne Loetkeman - October 26, 2022 8:17 pm

    Wow! Your wife is amazing!! Lucky you! Love to hear love stories. Will you write yours? Right up till the present?

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  12. MR Russell - October 26, 2022 8:22 pm

    Happy Birthday, Jamie !!! I don’t know you, but I love you. And when I grow up, I want to be just like you.

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  13. Ann Thompson - October 26, 2022 8:26 pm

    Happy Birthday! Celebrate!

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  14. WayneGina Yount - October 26, 2022 8:27 pm

    Happy Blessed Birthday Jamie! You Are Loved! ❤️😭❤️😭❤️

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  15. sjhl7 - October 26, 2022 8:34 pm

    What beautiful testimonies for a lovely young lady who showers blessings on all around her. Happy Birthday, Jamie!

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  16. Mary L Burns - October 26, 2022 8:37 pm

    Happy birthday, Jamie!

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  17. Lori - October 26, 2022 8:38 pm

    That’s right – any self respecting southern woman never goes past 29…Happy Birthday Jamie!!!

    Reply
  18. Adrienne Possenti - October 26, 2022 8:39 pm

    To Sarah Schmidt, It’s almost 40 years since my infant daughter Emily was diagnosed with spinal meningitis, age 9 weeks. Emily will celebrate her 40th birthday January, 2023. She is a beautiful, loving young woman who has made a very nice life for herself. For that, I am eternally thankful.

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  19. Trudy - October 26, 2022 8:40 pm

    Happy Birthday, Jamie. She sounds like one hellava woman. Wish she was my friend. Enjoy your special day.

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  20. Lana - October 26, 2022 8:40 pm

    Happy Birthday Jamie. Ain’t nothin wrong with sucking your fingers. I did until I was 12, middle and ring finger on left hand. You have me beat.

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  21. Clara Edwards - October 26, 2022 8:43 pm

    29th birthday? I think you must be mistaken. Surely she is 30 now! Just kidding Sean. I only know you through Sean’s stories but I feel like I know you both personally. I hope you have a wonderful birthday

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  22. David Britnell - October 26, 2022 8:45 pm

    Happy Birthday Jaime!

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  23. Edns - October 26, 2022 8:54 pm

    You’re late! Was about to get worried about you!
    Happy birthday jamie!

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  24. ocasey - October 26, 2022 8:59 pm

    When I grow up I hope to be like Jamie. I’m 80, well 81 next month, so do you think I have enough time? I will try my hardest.

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  25. Bill Davis - October 26, 2022 9:02 pm

    Happy Birthday Jamie! You can rest easy cause I’m down here in LA keeping an eye on things until you return.

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  26. Chris Spencer - October 26, 2022 9:09 pm

    Happy Birthday Jamie Martin Dietrich!!! I still fondly remember the first time I met you. It was in Aliceville, Alabama back in 2019 and you were there with Sean for one of his shows.
    I was speaking with a few ladies from Aliceville in the lobby of the theater. You were setting up his books table. And you overheard me say how I had discovered Sean by doing a Google search for Southern Writers and how I compared him to the late, great Lewis Grizzard.
    When you and I started talking with each other it was like we had known each other all our lives. And since that night in Aliceville I have grown to love you and Sean like a son and daughter.
    May God always bless you both,
    Chris

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  27. Cm - October 26, 2022 9:11 pm

    ❣️🌷❣️
    Happy Birthday Jamie

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  28. Ingrid B Whigham - October 26, 2022 9:12 pm

    A wonderful birthday tribute! Happy birthday, Jamie.

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  29. Steven Rafferty - October 26, 2022 9:14 pm

    Wow! Jamie you’re loved by all! Happy Birthday Enjoy!

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  30. Pat Deas - October 26, 2022 9:25 pm

    A great big Happy Birthday to Mrs.Dietrich! My husband of fifty six years celebrated his 77 th today!!!

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  31. lyndalindsey - October 26, 2022 9:35 pm

    Wow! What a grand tribute! Happy Birthday Jamie!

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  32. Bkemp - October 26, 2022 9:38 pm

    Happy birthday, Jamie!

    Reply
  33. elizabeth - October 26, 2022 9:41 pm

    dang, now that’s an Ode!

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  34. Holly - October 26, 2022 9:52 pm

    Have the happiest of birthdays, Jamie! I have always thought that it’s so awesome how Sean shares his love for you, but seeing all these people’s comments makes me see it’s not that Sean is the most sensitive man, you just inspire an amazing amount of love. I hope your special day is fun, a little crazy because it sounds like you like to be a little crazy, and full of love from all the people in your life!

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  35. Debbie - October 26, 2022 9:53 pm

    Happy birthday, Jamie!

    Reply
  36. chris nischan - October 26, 2022 10:00 pm

    Happy birthday Jamie!!

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  37. Christine - October 26, 2022 10:00 pm

    Happy Birthday Jamie🎉🥳🎂🎈, have a wonderful, special day🎈🎂

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  38. Jenny - October 26, 2022 10:07 pm

    What a sweet tribute to your wife! May today be blessed by all these special people’s comments.

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  39. MD - October 26, 2022 10:07 pm

    Happy Birthday Jamie!

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  40. Chris - October 26, 2022 10:18 pm

    Happy Birthday!!

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  41. Sandi. - October 26, 2022 10:26 pm

    Happy Birthday, Jamie! I hope Sean will bake you a pound cake, using YOUR recipe, of course!

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  42. Karen Liner Perry - October 26, 2022 10:30 pm

    Jamie, Happy Birthday to you from North Carolina!

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  43. MAM - October 26, 2022 10:36 pm

    Happy Birthday, Jamie!

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  44. Carol - October 26, 2022 10:38 pm

    Happy Birthday, Jamie! Here’s to another great trip around the sun! Enjoy!

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  45. Donald Simms - October 26, 2022 11:38 pm

    Thanks for the email when I was really down. It meant a lot. Happy Birthday to one heck of a good human being.

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  46. Susan - October 26, 2022 11:40 pm

    Happy Birthday, Jamie!🎉🎂🥳🎈

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  47. Russell Moulton - October 26, 2022 11:50 pm

    I have a wife like Jamie. Name is Anne. Headed to Kendall’s Georgianne on to way back( by way of Brewton) tomorrow! Pulled pork or ribs? Love your e-mails!

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  48. Jayne - October 26, 2022 11:57 pm

    Happy Birthday Jamie!

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  49. John - October 26, 2022 11:59 pm

    Happy birthday Mrs. Dietrich!

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  50. Holly Denton - October 27, 2022 12:06 am

    Happy Cake & Ice Cream Day, Jamie! Sean is one lucky man and you, one lucky, lucky woman. Give Sean some of your birthday cake ’cause in the words of my grandson when he was a tot, “God wants us to share.”

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  51. Becky Thomas - October 27, 2022 12:09 am

    Happy birthday 🎈
    God bless you!

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  52. Nancy Wright - October 27, 2022 12:30 am

    I do’t know you personally. Jamie, but you sound like quite a gal!! Happy Birthday!!

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  53. Karen Snyder - October 27, 2022 12:44 am

    The world needs more Jamies! Happy Birthday, young lady! 🎉🎶🎈

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  54. mccutchen52 - October 27, 2022 12:59 am

    Happy Birthday Jamie and I hope this year will be as good.

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  55. Merlyn Tidemann - October 27, 2022 1:10 am

    I don’t know y’all personally but Sean, I think y’all out kicked your coverage

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  56. weirlisa630799 - October 27, 2022 1:56 am

    Sean and Jamie, I know neither of you personally, but I have certainly grown to love you. You are the most authentic people I’ve never met. When I do (actually) meet folks who love dogs like you do, I feel like we are kin. Sean, I discovered you at a low point in life we now refer to as the pandemic. Jamie, you sound like quite a gal. If you’re lucky enough to be 29 again, you’re lucky enough! Happiest of birthdays to you.

    PS I’m gonna have to borrow “whiskey in a teacup” 🤣

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  57. Susan Kennedy - October 27, 2022 2:13 am

    Happy Birthday dead Jamie! Don’t know you or Sean personally but I surely do love you both!

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    • Susan Kennedy - October 27, 2022 2:14 am

      Lord have mercy! I meant DEAR Jamie!! 🤣🤣🤣

      Reply
  58. Leigh - October 27, 2022 2:21 am

    Happy Birthday!

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  59. Ellen - October 27, 2022 2:24 am

    Happiest of Birthdays Jamie!!!

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  60. elizabethroosje - October 27, 2022 2:50 am

    Happy birthday 🎊🎉🥳🥰 to a woman who we all owe a debt to for how you and her are a team blessing us all!!!

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  61. Debbie g - October 27, 2022 2:54 am

    Amen Elizabeth. Couldn’t have said it better. Happy birthday dear Jamie we love you and sean

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  62. Carolyn Allen - October 27, 2022 3:09 am

    Happy birthday Jamie. I love the way Sean loves you! What a great team y’all are!!

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  63. Te - October 27, 2022 11:05 am

    I knew Jamie was unique because she’s married to you, but this special — well, you lucked out, honey! Which I suspect you know. She sounds like a person I would like to call friend. Happy Birthday!

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  64. Norman - October 27, 2022 11:10 am

    Happy Birthday Jamie
    People who love you really know and love you.

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  65. Cate - October 27, 2022 12:20 pm

    Happy Birthday Jamie. All the best people are connected to October birthdays!

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  66. Cindy - October 27, 2022 1:17 pm

    Happy birthday Jamie! Now how in the world will Sean ever manage to top this. 🤷‍♀️

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  67. Angelyn - October 27, 2022 1:53 pm

    Happy Birthday Jamie! May God bless you with a happy and healthy new year! 🎊💐🎂🎈🎉🍦

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  68. David Gethers - October 27, 2022 1:55 pm

    Happy Birthday, Jamie…from Auburn, AL. (that’s right, I typed the ‘other’ A word) Have a glorious day that is wrapped in all things good. Keep Sean straight, if you can. You’re lucky to have such a witty husband that always tells the truth…about your age.
    Much love…David Gethers

    Reply
  69. Peggy M. Windham - October 27, 2022 2:43 pm

    Happiest of birthdays to you, Jamie! What wonderful tributes to you from friends and family! I feel like I know you through Sean’s writing! I know you are a wonderful person or you wouldn’t love dogs!💜🎉💜🎉

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  70. NancyB - October 27, 2022 3:11 pm

    Birthday Blessings, Jamie, today and every day in the year to come!

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  71. Stacey Patton Wallace - October 27, 2022 3:58 pm

    Happy Belated Birthday, Jamie! I hope one day my husband Mike and I get to meet you, Sean, and Marigold. May you live to be 104 like my grandmother, Mother Mac.

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  72. Debbie - October 27, 2022 4:28 pm

    😭 Happy birthday Jamie!

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  73. Debbie Luedecke - October 28, 2022 1:15 am

    Jamie became a new old friend the day we met. Sometimes you just know God has planted one more beautiful flower in your very small garden.
    Hope you and Sean are enjoying bham! Would love for y’all to come for a visit at the lake 🥰

    Much love, Deb Lue

    Reply
  74. Buddy Caudill - October 28, 2022 1:49 am

    Happy Birthday, Jamie Dietrich !

    Reply
  75. suzi - October 28, 2022 2:34 am

    HaPpY BiRtHdAy JaMiE 🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈

    Reply
  76. Ruth Mitchell - October 28, 2022 3:16 pm

    How wonderful that Jamie got to read how beloved she is right now. Many similar things are said about one who passed and never knew how others appreciated him/her. We all need a Sean to gather birthday greetings for us. I hope Jamie’s was the best birthday celebration yet.

    Reply
  77. Cheryl - October 29, 2022 7:23 pm

    I wish I knew Jamie! Happy Birthday!

    Reply
  78. keepingupwithgorman - October 31, 2022 4:14 pm

    Sean, what a very thoughtful way to celebrate Jamie’s birthday. I’m so glad you two found each other!

    Reply
  79. Renee Welton - November 18, 2022 3:20 pm

    What a sweet and wonderful way to celebrate your sweetheart💝💝💝

    Reply

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