Jamie!

Today I wanted to talk a bit about Jamie.  I have spoken about him many times before, but it is, like us, his six month anniversary, living in Spain. Those who know Jamie, from Britain, before we arrived in Spain, understand exactly what he went through and it certainly isn't for me to comment any further, on what happened to him. Jamie was strong enough at least to see, that he needed help and  asked Darrell and myself to take him to Spain with us.  I think it would be correct to say, that Jamie only truly believed he would last here for a brief few months maximum.  He missed home and his friends dreadfully and became very withdrawn at times.  This was really just the beginning of a healing process for him, that still continues today.

Jamie has achieved much during his time here.  Despite rumours and backstabbing, from a so called friend who came out to Spain to live, after going through a hard time in The UK , someone who Jamie gave up his room for and someone who continues to cause problems for everyone she meets in Gran Alacant.  Despite all of this, Jamie has beaten all his so called demons and today is finally happy enough to stay in Spain, long term.

Jamie has a permanent full time job, over both the summer and winter and seems to be very happy where he is.  The owners have taken him under their wing and hold him in very high regard.  The area Jamie works in, Carabassi, is also very close knit. The people who work there are sort of the Earth.  I have met many of them, a lot  of his friends and they are great people.  They look out for him on a daily basis, make sure he keeps his nose clean and love him for who he is, not what he tried to be in The UK. Jamie does not have to pretend to be someone he isn't anymore.  He has found a place and people who actually make him feel happy and content.

Darrell leaves for Australia, next week.  Jamie has said he wants to remain here, with me while Darrell is away.  I couldn't be happier to have him with me. I have always got on with Jamie fantastically well.  We have always had a strong bond and certainly have a very similar sense of humour.  Spending time with him is always fun and he is a joy to have around.  I would never have believed where we would be, this time last year, who could have imagined Darrell going to Australia, Jamie happy in a job and myself writing a column for a magazine in Spain.  These are all positive steps, at the beginning of our journey.  

I have no idea where mine and Darrell's life will take us, long term.  In the short to medium term, my life will remain in Spain, continuing to do what I enjoy doing.  If we both decide to eventually move to Australia, I know, by the time we leave, we will both be happy enough to leave, knowing Jamie is in a much better place, both financially, mentally and physically.  In all but name, Jamie is like a son to me and just like any other family type unit, you want to see that those close are provided for, and can look forward to a future, that quite simply he could not have had otherwise.  Jamie has done amazing things with his life and we our so proud of him.  Despite the odds being stacked against him, despite people's doubts and despite those who have tried to destroy him, even here, he has proved everyone wrong and come out on top.  Most importantly, he is well liked in Gran Alacant, for being himself and this has made him feel at home, needed and accepted by others, when in the past he wasn't.

I know Jamie will continue to do well.  He has surpassed his own expectations.   There are no limits he can't reach and I feel sure he will have a positive long term future in Spain, whether we are living here or not.  Well done Jamie, keep up the good work, you have made made all of your friends and family, very proud of who you are.