Lime Jello

Journal entry by Julia Lundman

Today is Jamie’s fifth day in Intensive Care at UCSF. The other night, a kind nurse explained to me that, “nothing good happens fast in the ICU. If it’s slow and frustrating, that’s good”. Good, meaning that healing is taking place with no new complications. Today Jamie is doing well, on an upward positive trend. My heart lifted to heights I’ve never known it could go when I walked in after a short break and discovered him talking with the nurse about “Up”. Since today is not only a good day for Jamie, but also my 44th birthday, I am sitting here celebrating with a little lime jello, on a recommendation by Pete. As I close my eyes and make a wish, I see my thoughts floating up and away into the ether, surrounding our Jamie, enveloping him.

  He knows we love him. He knows it.

 
Love,
Julia

36 thoughts on “Lime Jello”

  1. Good news! Glad you’re enjoying the lime jello.
    Strokes (and brains) are mighty mysterious things. Good to hear Jamie is talking — and it warms my heart to hear he’s talking about stuff he helped create. (I know we put him through the ringer on a sequence he boarded called “Muntz’s Lair” — hope he wasn’t talking about that.)
    — Pete Docter, January 1, 2013

    Reply
  2. Get better Jamie! you know i love love love you. in a manly way of course.
    the world cannot do without future Thundernerds, Brief Justices, and used car salesmen selling leftover inventory!! FORSOOTH, I SAY THEE NAY!!!
    get well brother!
    oh and you are SO fortunate to have the Most awesomest person by your side, Julia, looking after you.
    thanks a billion Julia.
    — bosco ng, January 1, 2013

    Reply
  3. Hi Jamie, been thinking about you nonstop and my heart goes out to you. Keep getting better. I know you will, especially with your amazing Julia at your side. Thank you Julia and Happy Birthday.
    Josh Cooley
    P.S.- Steal as much stuff from the hospital as possible. They expect you to do it, so in a sense it’s not stealing. Just kidding.
    P.S.S.- (I’m not kidding)
    — Josh Cooley, January 1, 2013

    Reply
  4. Okay, new joke for today:
    Two elderly couples are out driving together, the men in the front seats and the women in back. The driver turns to his friend and says, “We went to the best restaurant last night, you’ve got to try this place! Best meal I’ve had in years, years!” The passenger says, “Sounds great. What’s the place called?” The driver says, “What’s that flower called? The one that’s usually red? It’s got a long stem, thorns?” The passenger looks at him confused, “A rose?” The driver perks up, “Yeah, that’s it! Hey, Rose, what’s the name of that place we ate at last night?”
    — Jonathan Rosenthal, January 2, 2013

    Reply
  5. Thinking of you Julia, my beautiful niece, and praying for Jamie’s full recovery. The body has an amazing capacity for healing and with your love and support I know he will do great. It’s going to be a long challenging road, but hopefully one filled with miracles. Love to you both.
    — Deborah Schutz, December 31, 2012

    Reply
  6. A guy turns up at a fancy dress party dressed in normal gear, and has his girlfriend perched on his shoulders. The host asks about his costume to which he replies, “I’m a turtle”. “and the girlfriend?” asks the host… “that’s Michelle.”LOTS more of those…now get up. we love you Jimmy. Deane and Joy.
    — Deane Taylor, December 31, 2012

    Reply
  7. Loved just reading the update from Julia. Well, jokes and stories are encouraged and Deane had a good one and Charlie told one of my all-time favorite stories……and you probably know this one….but:
    A Rabbi walks into a bar with a frog on his shoulder. The frog is perfectly calm, just sitting there – the bartender says to the Rabbi, “Wow! That’s amazing! Where did you get that?” The frog answers, “In Brooklyn, there’s thousands of them.”
    Thanks, I’ll be here all week.
    — Jonathan Rosenthal, December 31, 2012

    Reply
  8. It’s taken me a few days to get my head around what has happened and actually write to you. All I can think of is NOT Jimmy it can’t be Jimmy why did this happen to the nicest guy on the planet. I remember you always joking with me and saying everything always has to be about JOY. Well why couldn’t this have been about ME and not you. Damn it, Jimmy your getting all the attention instead of ME.

    What I have realised since this has happened is how much Deane the kids and I care about you, not only us but sooooooo many people who have come to love you.

    I’ve also realised you have one hell of a girlfriend who loves you too and even though we are far away she is there with you and that makes my heart happy.

    I also know your family will all be wanting to come to S.F. as well and help you through this and even though we are in Australia we will be thinking of you every single day and reading this wonderful journal that has been set up. How lovely that we can all be with you along the way. Hang in there buddy when your up and about we will fly over and have one hell of a costume party. That’s it Halloween next Oct you better start thinking of a costume. Anyway it’s time we met your girl. Love you lots and Lots
    Joy. XXX
    — Joy Taylor, December 31, 2012

    Reply
  9. Dear Jamie,
    I am here in Sun Valley Idaho. It’s freezing cold! I’ve got the “get lunch” card safe in my wallet, and hope we can eat some lime jello together when I am back.
    Anna, our 5 year old, broke my nose on the first day here – my fault. I was swinging her around and her elbow whacked my nose. It sounded like stepping on a pile of cornflakes, or snapping carrots in half. It’s painful and I’ll probably have to get it re-set when the swelling goes down. I was told it would be the perfect opportunity to straighten my crooked nose.
    Then my father in law whacked me accidentally in the face with a ski poll while getting on the chair lift. Luckily my ski goggles protected me. I think God is trying to tell me something. Time for a new nose or something.
    Thinking of you every day my friend. I’ll be back on the 5th and look forward to news of when we can visit. Oh! I sent you a cool little “get well” package, too. Some stuff to keep you company.
    Kevin
    — Kevin Richardson, January 1, 2013

    Reply
  10. Hiya, you two,
    Funny how a general spiritual shakeup reveals things you didn’t previously know. My first discovered new thing for this New Year is my eldest son’s best girl’s birthday. I guess this birthday comes under a bit of a cloud of the worry we’re all sharing on old Jimbo’s account, Julia; but there’s the silver lining of the big improvement that your own bulletin on the subject records in his progress.

    So I guess it’s not all that odd for Wendy and me to be wishing you a happy birthday, dear girl; and many even happier returns of it down the track – with a repaired and strengthened James as part of those repeated scenarios. Meanwhile we join you in slurping some lime jello in spirit.
    Bags of love to you both from both of us
    — Rob Baker, January 1, 2013

    Reply
  11. Dear Jamie
    (Finally this website let us in!)
    We wanted to send you all our deepest love and healing wishes. You have an amazing partner in Julia and a army of friends that adore you. We look forward to coming to visit with you when you are ready for a Gos-fest! Onward and upward
    love Delia Amy Bella and Angus

    here’s my favourite joke at the moment — I heard a rather nice story about a man who drank alot and his wife said “if you ever come home drunk again, I’m gonna leave you”. He went out to a pub and drank alot and threw-up all over himself, and said to his friend “if I come home my wife will leave me”, his friend said “I tell you what, go home and tell her somebody threw-up over you and put a twenty-pound note in your inside jacket pocket, and show it and say he gave me this for the dry-cleaning bill”. He comes home and his wife’s [angry] says”what happened?” and he says “no, no, no, somebody threw-up over me, gave me twenty-pounds for the dry-cleaning bill”, she said “why have you got two twenty-pound notes in your hand?”, he said “oh the other is from the man who shat in my pants”.

    — amy gosman, January 1, 2013

    Reply
  12. James, Chris and I only just heard about this latest episode. Of course we are lifting you up in prayer! In the mean time, do what the therapists tell you! The key is to keep working at it – the brain is designed to reroute communications as needed. So be diligent! I’m looking forward to seeing you soon, as soon as practicable. As ever, McLoinish
    — Jon McClenahan, January 1, 2013

    Reply
  13. I guess we’re all discovering that getting old isn’t necessarily all that much fun, but as Dick Dunn used to say, “You gotta laugh!”

    An old couple – I mean, they were in their nineties – goes to the doctor for their annual checkup. The doctor pronounces them to be in good health, and asks whether they are having any problems. They look at each other and then the wife says, “Well, it seems like we’re starting to forget things more than we used to.” The doctor says, “Well that’s pretty normal for folks your age. Here’s something you could try: write things down so you won’t forget them!”

    That night they’re watching TV together and the wife turns to her hubby and says,
    “Honey, would you mind getting me a bowl of ice cream?”
    He says, “Sure,” and gets up to head for the kitchen.
    “You better write it down,” she says.
    “I don’t need to write it down. You just want a bowl of ice cream.”
    “Well actually,” she says, “I was hoping you’d put some strawberry topping on it.”
    He nods and turns to go.
    “You better write it down,” she says.
    “I don’t need to write it down. You just want a bowl of ice cream with strawberry topping.”
    “Well, yes, but also … could you put some whipped cream on it too?”
    He nods again and turns to go.
    “You better write it down,” she says.
    “I don’t need to write it down. You want a bowl of ice cream with strawberry topping and whipped cream.” And he shuffles off to the kitchen.

    Fifteen minutes later he returns and hands her a plate of bacon and eggs.
    She stares at it, then looks up at him and says, “Where’s the toast?”
    — Jon McClenahan, January 1, 2013

    Reply
  14. jaaaaaaaamie!
    i just heard, today (thanks to tony) and i’m sending you much healing, intensely good energy and patience. you are very strong and will get all better speedily, i just know it!
    hugs to you,
    catherine
    (the impatient patient)
    — catherine dingman, January 1, 2013

    Reply
  15. Jamie–My heart goes out to both you and Julia. What a terrifying experience and fodder for a truly crap Christmas. But I know you are a very strong man and you will do all the things that the doctors and nurses tell you to do to so you can get better and have a happy long life. We cannot live without your amazing humor, talent and warmth. I will be in SF at the end of the month and hope you can receive visitors by then. In the meantime, stay positive.
    We had Mike Smith, Beth, Tony and Gale for dinner last night and you were very very missed. Did you feel us toasting to you? We all love you and are sending our very best wishes your way. LOTS of love to you, Jamie Baker! My new year’s wish is that you come back from this ordeal stronger than ever.
    And happy birthday to you, Julia. May the upcoming year be a lot more fun than the last week. xoxoxo Anne, up here in Portlandia.
    — Anne Smith, January 1, 2013

    Reply
  16. I’m thinking of you again today Jimmy and wondering how your feeling about all of this, it must be so scary and overwhelming. Do you remember Pat, Neil Balnaves secretary at Hanna Barberra she had a very serious stroke, she was in her 70’s and sooooooo determined to get on top of it. She was amazing, she did everything she was told and got back to her old self in record time. Only thing was she had this kinda weird posh accent once she had fully recovered, it was so funny she would even laugh at herself and ask where her limo or castle was. Anyhoo buddy hope every day brings a little surprise for you even the tiniest things matter that you do. Love you lots.
    PS. You owe that gorgeous girlfriend of yours a really really excellent birthday present. Happy Birthday Julia and thank you for loving our buddy
    XXX
    Joy
    — Joy Taylor, January 1, 2013

    Reply
  17. Hey Jimmy!
    Though shocked to hear of your ‘misadventure’ I also realize all of us are susceptible now as we get into our middle age so I sympathize mate and send my very best wishes for your recovery. I send you strength and vitality of my own to you. Get well soon mate and then we can talk about a wee bit of gym time for you and a few greens may help? hah hah..(God I how I hate the green food myself).
    Oorah!
    Mark Mulgrew

    — Mark Mulgrew, January 1, 2013

    Reply
  18. Love you, Jamie. Chris and I want you to know we’re asking God to fully restore you through and through. You are so special to our family.
    — Rachael Jones, January 1, 2013

    Reply
  19. Happy Birthday Julia!!!!!Big love to you and Jamie
    From, as yet to meet, Chris Lisa Jet Felix and Venusxxxxxx
    — Lisa Hauge, January 1, 2013

    Reply
  20. Dearest Jamie,
    We’re very sorry to hear that you’re having to deal with this stuff. You’ve been such a source of encouragement and support to many of us arty types over the years. Please take care and get well soon. We’ll be thinking of you!
    much love,Amber & Kerry
    — Amber MacLean, January 1, 2013

    Reply
  21. Hey Jamie!
    Just writing a note to say you are in my thoughts, sir. I know you’ll pull through this in fine form. Mr. Baker, you are truly one of the most sincere, supportive, and positive individuals I’ve ever met and that is a great thing. I look very forward to seeing you again, buddy.
    — Graham Annable, January 1, 2013

    Reply
  22. Our dearest Jamie, we hope you are having a positive, strong day! You and Julia are in our thoughts throughout the day and we send prayers for a steady full recovery. Julia, you are truly amazing and before this whole ordeal happened, we were all so thankful you entered Jamie’s life. He’s never been happier. You need to stay strong too, more than ever. Don’t forget to take care of yourself. You have to make your body and mind a priority at this time too. All our love, Gale and Tony
    — Tony Stacchi, January 2, 2013

    Reply
  23. Jamie – We are sending you healing thoughts, and you and your family are in our prayers. We are all thinking of you.
    Mary Alice
    — Mary Alice Drumm, January 2, 2013

    Reply
  24. Hey Jamie
    Just wanted to wish you all the very best
    We were totally shocked to hear what happened…
    and now you’ve gone and got me all worried about you.. I’m even forced to show my sensitive side..xxxx Jees
    so.. I don’t have a good joke for you… so here’s a bad one instead (direct from this years Cost Plus ‘British’ Xmas Cracker)
    “What’s orange and sounds like a Parrot?…” “A Carrot”
    ha!..there you see.. not too sick to appreciate ‘comedic gold’ huh ? glad the joke’s now gone to a good home ;-)
    Take it easy, rest up, watch a bunch of netflix & do exactly what the clever medical types tell you …but most importantly listen to Julia
    We’re all thinking of you mate, I know you’ll be back on track to your jolly old self in no time ;-) Meantime, all the very best love, care & wishes mate
    Get well soon Cheers
    Simon & Lisa
    — Simon Dunsdon, January 2, 2013

    Reply
  25. Jamie!
    I must admit, my friend, that when the news hit me during the break I was stunned. The past few days have helped cement in my mind and heart just how important it is to enjoy every minute with my family and friends. You, sir, are a part of my cultural “family” and are of course my friend, and I can’t wait to enjoy many more minutes with you. You’re one of the purest of people I know, pure in character, strength, humor, and genuine heart. You’re clever. And nothing can keep a clever person down. I’m excited to hear of and watch your progress and continue to learn from you not just though art and story, but through sly winks and nods and the unique pair of eyes through which you see our world. I’ll see you soon, my friend!
    Scott
    — Scott Morse, January 2, 2013

    Reply
  26. Dear Jamie-The “MIGHTY JAMIE”
    I didn’t truly realize how important your friendship has been over the years until I heard what happened. You have always been so supportive, so kind to me and my family. I think the world of you, and am thinking of good thoughts for your complete recovery.Thank you Julia for being there for Jamie, and Happy Birthday:) All the best from Me and Annmarie
    Your friend, Dave
    — David Feiss, January 2, 2013

    Reply
  27. Jamie- I can’t think of a time we’ve spoke in which you didn’t have a smile on your face, or put one on mine. I look forward to seeing that infectious, crooked smile really soon. Rest up and hurry back.
    Julia- Thank you so much for your updates. Your compassion is boundless. Happy Birthday.
    My best to you both. Jason
    — Jason Katz, January 2, 2013

    Reply
  28. Hey Jamie,
    I got the word from Lisa yesterday and it certainly raised our concern. Still can’t believe this can happen to such a great bloke.
    My thoughts immediately went back to how you got me bloggin’
    and how your positive attitude always uplifts my grumpy one.
    Ona and I wish you a swift recovery and look forward to more future yarns. A big thanks also to Julia who is the bestest support for the bestest bloke. Cheers,
    Arthur and Ona.
    — arthur filloy, January 2, 2013

    Reply
  29. Jamie and Julia: Keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers. Wishing you a speedy and complete recovery. xo
    — Amy Capen, January 2, 2013

    Reply
  30. Happy Birthday , Julia .
    You are such a strong soul & caring person
    We are very happy you are by his side , he is a lucky man , even in adversity !

    Hi Jamie
    You are the master of laughter , have always been so supportive to everyone . You are a constant source of inspiration for me & many many others . I have learned from you & your work so much .
    Looking fw to more !
    Thinking about you & Wishing you a fast recovery .
    — s m, January 2, 2013

    Reply
  31. Jamie,
    I miss you, my work roomie……I arrived today ready to discuss holiday movies and was greeted to our empty room. No need to worry though, I am guarding your stuff like a mama grizzly (not Sarah Palin, don’t worry)If you want me to bring you over some aspirin, (it’ll save you thousands of dollars, I heard they charge $820.00 an aspirin at these hospitals) Just say the word……
    Laughter’s the best medicine so…..
    “You know who really gives kids a bad name? Posh and Becks.”
    “Last night me and my girlfriend watched three DVDs back to back. Luckily I was the one facing the telly. ” “I’m good friends with 25 letters of the alphabet … I don’t know why.”
    “My mum’s so pessimistic, that if there was an Olympics for pessimism … she wouldn’t fancy her chances.” (Im sure i probably told you these jokes, but hey they’re still funny)
    Get well Jamie. Love to you and Julia…..
    Rej x
    — Rej Bourdages, January 2, 2013

    Reply
  32. Love you Jamie. My wife Anna and I are sending all our healing love to you. Get well soon so you can get back to crime fighting in San Fiasco!
    Love, Pete Sohn
    PS: I’m staring at this photo of you in the corner of this website and just thinking to myself, “What a freaking good looking BEARD!” I wish I could grow one. :)
    — Peter S, January 2, 2013

    Reply
  33. In the front bar of a remote Australian pub a visiting Texan cattle-man was trying to impress the locals. “I can get on my horse at sunrise, head due west and still be on my property at sunset.” One of the locals slowly took a drink, then added, ” Yeah, I had a horse like that once…”
    — Deane Taylor, January 3, 2013

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Amy Capen Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.