James Devin Hamilton - Online Memorial Website

Devin,
    I remember the first time I saw you. We were practicing for the Saint Patrick's Day parade. I was in the 8th grade then and I had no idea how you and your love would impact my life.
    Band camp my freshman year brought on nervous feelings. There would always be butterflies in my stomach every time I saw you. I remember our many thumb war matches and how you would always let me win. I was so happy just by getting to hold your hand.
    I was the luckiest girl in the world the day you asked me to be your girlfriend. I still can't believe you chose me... I was shy and quiet, nothing extraordinary... but I'm forever grateful God put you in my life. In the eight months and ten days of our relationship we lived a thousand lifetimes and made the sweetest memories together. I wouldn't trade them for anything. I am so happy that I got to be that special someone in your life.
    We spent every second humanly possible together and we had some really fun times. Everyday I am reminded of time well spent with you, of laughs and kisses, tears and hugs; of saying I love yous and starring deep into each others souls. You were my first love, Devin, and no one can replace you.
    On May 15th of 2003 I woke up that morning with an odd feeling in my bones (I always told you to listen to my bones, remember?). I felt that something wasn't right. When I got to school that morning you were already there waiting on me, but I still couldn't shake that odd feeling. The day went on as usual. We'd sneak a kiss here and there before class. We would always cuddle together in that corner in the band room before class - I miss being in your arms. After you had walked me to my bus and kissed me goodbye I remember getting this strong urge to go after you. Little did I know that after you had disappeared inside the high school that would be the last time I would ever see you or get to touch you again.
    When you called me that evening I told you not to go to the movies. I told you to stay home and go sometime else instead. You didn't listen. I remember getting to tell you "I love you" for the last time and making sure I said goodbye. That was the end. Then God took you home.
    I don't know how I've made it through these past four years without you, but I know you’ve always been in my heart. I take you with me wherever I go and I know you are watching over me from Paradise.
    You have been my inspiration and my will to move on. You will always hold a very special place in my heart. I love you, Devin Hamilton, and I always will. I know you didn't leave me because you wanted to, you left because God called you home. I can't wait to be reunited with you and to see your wonderful smiling face again. Words can't express how much I miss you. You have changed my life forever. I will always love you.

Yours for a little while,
    Kendra

Freshmen year arrived and by fate, Devin and I were in the same homeroom together.  Then, he was scrawny and adorable with his glasses on.  I honestly didn't know him or had never really knew him before, except that I knew his mom because we got wood at the place where she worked.  Devin and I had classes together each year, and we got to know each other really well.  He knew about everything in my life, whether it was the boys that I was after (Drew, Derek, etc...) or the classes that I hated.  

There was a shirt he wore alot, the one with the "Love" sign on it; he told me it was his favorite. I recently went through a lot of high school notebooks from chemistry, etc... and found a bunch of Devin's goofy face drawings, and notes that we had written to one another.  Oh the memories.  

The day he passed away, it was pouring down rain.  He offered to go get his car, and come to the front of the school and pick me up, and take me to my car so I wouldn't get wet.  It was the first time I had ever been in his car, and there was spiderman stuff in his car :)  He took me to my car which was in the back.  We talked for a few minutes, and I had to go get ready for Track practice.  I wish I would have known that would be the last time I would see or talk to him.  When I was about to get out of the car, there was a strange silence; maybe that was a sign.  I left and he went to get in Lindsey's car to talk to her.  That was the last time that I would see him.  I remember in years before when the school lost others, and I thought to myself, that will never happen to me, but it did.  My life was forever changed.      

I have a picture that was taken at Prom 2003 by Staci Newsom.  If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't have a picture of just me and him.  I will post that picture as soon as I can.  Devin was wonderful in so many ways, and I didn't realize just how much he impacted my life until he was gone.