A message from the Summers Family: ”Thank you all for the tremendous outpouring of support. The messages here and through email, card or text have brought a combination of tears and a smile to my heart. It is humbling to see how many lives James touched and the vast network of caring for our family. I have waves of missing my soulmate and husband of 28 years, the surreal feeling that I will wake up, and a flood of fun and amusing memories. Aiden brought his kitten Barley home from college. Watching Barley and our corgi Dumpling, as well as the Great British Bake Off have been blessed distractions.  
 
 
James was passionate about family and mentorship. He was inspired by his discussion with Aiden and Emilia and recently combined these in his work mentoring underrepresented women in tech. We have been gravely concerned by how COVID has disproportionately affected lower income workers and people of color, not always allowing families to stay together. The donations to the scholarship in his name and to the homeless family shelter are so deeply appreciated in carrying on critical work.
 
My kids are now 18 and 22, but it has been comforting to have so many details from Christmas lights, arranging work for the home, computers and meals arranged as well as gift certificates for last minute mobile meal orders so we could concentrate on supporting each other emotionally. Many can understand that the extensive paperwork is somehow the easy part. Having my parents here now is a relief. My “pit crew” of Sheri, Ryan, Lynn, Tosha, Eddie and Pam rallied to tackle an exhausting list in addition to their lengthy personal and work obligations. So many have done so much that it is truly humbling.
 
I wanted to let everyone know that we will have a celebration of life sometime after large gatherings are again prudent in light of COVID restrictions. This will be a casual gathering at our home.
James was nearing completion of a backyard renovation and other home projects. We always loved camping, so this centered around a firepit. Emilia let me know yesterday that he had planned to surprise me with built in boxes for my dream vegetable garden (small because it is born our of a vague dream, not actual experience or a lengthy attention span). He had scheduled the workers to come while I was to be in clinic this week. James was full of small day-to-day things to bring his family joy. It will be rewarding to see his vision of our backyard completed soon and to share that with those able to join us for a backyard party, hopefully this summer.
 
Virtual hugs to all,
Allison, Aiden and Emilia”

In Memory of James

Update: December 6, 2020 – by Sheri Miller