I've known Jimmy Holden all my life. He knew about my existence before I took my first breath. And in all my days, I can think of few others I was ever so happy to see...always so happy to be around. He was one kind, funny uncle. And a man with a big heart.
Since I spent so much of my life and so many weekends growing up with Sadie and Bella ( his Mom and also Great Granny while she was alive and I was very young ), I saw Jimmy often. Many a Saturday when he stopped by Emerald Street for a visit with his Mom, he would take me out with him for a drive to pick up work materials or visit shops... always stopping on a hot day ( no air conditioned vehicles then ) to get me a soda, sometimes a lunch. Young Jimmy recently mentioned remembering Smarkola's, a variety store at the corner of Emerald and Cambria Streets, just a few steps from 2878. Many a time Jimmy Holden put a quarter in my hand ( yes, a quarter did it in those days ! ) and watched me cross the street for candies and ice cream. I'll never forget one shop we occasionally visited... the owner's name was Joe Dodash ( certainly not sure of the spelling ). I sure do remember the very funny name...and your Dad telling when I laughed about it, that Mr. Dodash was one good guy!
His Mom, my beloved Aunt Bella, loved him so. She and Sadie took every opportunity to sing the praises of his mechanical and carpentry skills, often noting wood work and improvements he made at Emerald Street, when he was in his teens. I didn't think there was anything he couldn't make. I remember asking him many times if he could build steps inside our early childhood home on K Street...in the corner of the living room... a small staircase, that would lead to a secret room in the upstairs hallway for me. Impossible, of course, but his comment was always " I'll think about it".
Jimmy Holden added a spark and laughter to every family gathering. I was always so excited when I stayed with Aunt Ronnie and she told me Jimmy was on his way. He loved kids, most of all his own. He wasn't an uninvolved adult bystander, he connected with us. I think he was a big kid himself at heart. A very good thing.
Christmases were great at the Holden household. No where did I ever see such stacks of toys and presents. As Lisa recently told me, he did enjoy Christmas mornings, even if he took a snooze or two through it all. I was felt as welcome at the Holden home as I did at my own. The kettle always went on and if there was an occasion for a gathering, there was always a "good spread", a phrase used in those days. In later years, the offer of a drink ( yes, we did share a few ! ).
Jimmy Holden had a keen insight into people. I always thought he somehow knew more about me than I ever shared, or anyone did...many times he laughed, telling me that he knew from when I was born, I wasn't destined to be the nun my father hoped to find in one of his girls. He never judged, he jibed. He could slip in some gem of wit or dry humour without you realizing it for a moment or two and he could also slip in a bit of wisdom or advice, in the same fashion.
Jimmy Holden knew the trials and tribulations that life often deal us. He also knew great joys. He loved his family. He loved children. When he surprised me years back with his excitement about having acreage and animals, I knew the animal kingdom had found a great friend. Now a greater kingdom has him. May he rest in peace and be rewarded.
With a nod to his Scottish and Irish background, I offer you this blessing:
May the Road Rise to Meet You,
May the Wind be Forever at Your Back,
May the Sun Shine Warm Upon Your Face,
The Rains Fall Soft Upon Your Fields,
And until You Meet Jim Holden again,
May God Hold You in the Palm of His Hand.
With every best wish, love, and gratitude for the man your father was,
Your Cous Marianne
