This is the cry of a twelve-year-old student, Andy, while struggling with the death of his classroom aide. Based on the true story of Elvis Gabriel Jimenez, the 22-year-old Hanover County Public Schools Special Education teachers' aide who met an untimely death in October of 2001, The Memory Keep strives to bring meaning to tragic events.

The author of History Hunt at Cold Harbor once again takes an intriguing true story and uses it as a basis to teach young people how to rise above grief, disability and disenfranchisement, while offering scholarships for students with disabilities from The Memory Keep proceeds. The Elvis Gabriel Jimenez Memorial Scholarship Fund, under the supervision of Hanover Arc, will continue the compassionate works performed by Mr. Jimenez during his short lifetime.

Educators and parents state that The Memory Keep should be required reading for all young people-- an inspiring book that links generations through the timeless force of memory.

Para los amigos y la familia de Sr. Jimenez:

Elvis Gabriel Jimenez era un ejemplo maravilloso de una clase de hombre joven que la juventud puede mirar hasta y admirar. El libro, "la subsistencia de la memoria" mantendrá su memoria viva, y ayuda a los estudiantes que él conectó tan bien con. Los ingresos del libro irán al arco de Hannover, desarrollar programas con inhabilidades a través del fondo conmemorativo de la beca de Elvis Gabriel Jimenez. Sus amigos y familia pueden ser orgullosos saber que subsistencia de Hanoverians su memoria en nuestros corazones.

"If you want to go on believing history sleeps in moldy books and dusty museums, don’t read this book. If you do, you might find history is really a detective story that promises fast action, trips to old graveyards and lots of sudden deaths. Mrs. Cathcart leads us all on a merry chase of wondrous discovery in History Hunt at Cold Harbor. She directs the action with a sure and knowing hand. The growing excitement experienced by her middle school detectives as they uncover their own history is infectious. All history should be taught this way."

Don Pierce, Editor, “Guide to Virginia Civil Wars” and “Guide to Historic Richmond”

About the Author

Pamela B. Cathcart lives in Mechanicsville Virginia, and is parent of a son with Attention Deficit Disorder and daughter with Marfan Syndrome. During her 11 years with Hanover County Public Schools as Coordinator for the Parent Resource Center for Special Education, she advocated for families of children with disabilities.

As a dramatist and playwright, Ms. Cathcart wrote and directed historical plays for the Hanover Tavern Foundation, Hanover County Public Schools, and the Ashland Stage Arts School, where she held the position of Education Director. Seeing a need for books written in the language and sensibilities of today's youth, as well as works incorporating characters with disabilities, her books have become favorites of students, parents, and educators alike.

History Hunt at Cold Harbor takes the many Civil War historic places in Hanover County, Virginia, and creates a "treasure hunt" of sorts, one that has intrigued young people as they try to solve the visual clues within the story. Three fictional Stonewall Jackson Middle School students make an unlikely trio as they struggle with the historical puzzle given them as a project by their teacher. Each represents a segment of Civil War era society: women, African Americans, and the soldiers who fought in Hanover County. The insights they gather as they ferret out documentation change their views on the world they live in. And so... the reader:

"History Hunt at Cold Harbor quite literally changed my life. Before I read the book, I didn't like history all that much, but after reading the book, I fell in love with history. If it weren't for "History Hunt," I wouldn't be where I am today. The book sparked an undying love and passion for all things Civil War, Dr. Gaines, and National Park Service. Because of this book and what it did for me, I am a history major on my way to a career with the National Park Service. I love this book!"

Hilliary Turner, Virginia college student who read the book as a sixth grader at Stonewall Jackson Middle School

Themes and Discoveries in "History Hunt"

Themes and Discoveries in "The Memory Keep"

Excerpt from "The Memory Keep" for families who have suffered loss during the past year:

“There’s one thing that’s bothering me,” Andy said as they walked around the tree. “This project has been ... well, a sort of happy thing. It’s been fun putting it together, but shouldn’t it be sad? I mean, it’s for Mr. Jimenez, and he’s gone. I feel guilty that I’ve liked doing the research and all.”

“Well, it should be happy. The Elvis Gabriel Jimenez Memorial Book Collection will be a place where kids can enjoy learning about the things he loved. You don’t want everyone to be all unhappy there, do you? And you miss him as much as you ever did, right?”

“Of course, but ‘memorial’ to me means something dressed up in black and sad, with mournful music. Our ceremony isn’t going to be that way.”

“Well, let’s go over the program. Who will be there?”

“Mr. Jimenez’s family, and students and their parents; teachers and School Board members; Mr. McAllister and Mrs. Creager; people from the associations and organizations that helped us, and....”

“And Stinky?” Andy put up his hands in dismay and Angela laughed. “That sounds good, now what music and readings have you picked?”

“My mom helped me find this piece of music that the choir and string orchestra will do, it’s really beautiful, it’s called ... just a minute ...” he pulled a wad of paper from his pocket, “um ... “Sanctus” from Requiem by ... I’m not sure if I’m pronouncing this right... Faure?”

“Oh, I’ve played flute pieces by him.”

“Anyway, when she played it for me, it sounded like angels talking to a person here on earth... sort of trying to lead the way into Heaven. Then a violin plays, and it is just like an angel floating up into the clouds. I usually don’t like classical music, but this was ... perfect.”

“Good. And the reading?”

“I’ll be reading ‘The Road Not Taken,’ by Frost. It sort of had a special meaning to me ... and to Mr. Jimenez.”

“I know that one. And in a way, it’s right for this ceremony. “‘Two roads diverged in a yellow wood....’ The first road Mr. Jimenez took, it saved a life ... and the second road....”

“I know. I try not to think about that. Like, if he hadn’t taken that road ... I’m trying to figure all of this out; fate, and chance, and destiny. I don’t have any answers, but I know one thing. You’d better get your good stuff done now, because you never know if you’ll have the chance to get everything done that you’re supposed to.”

“Do you think.... ”

“Yes. Mr. Jimenez did more good things in twenty-two years than a lot of people do in eighty. And with the library, it will still keep on going.”

His family and friends are happy about that,” Angela said, picking a dandelion.

Andy scooped up Matisse, who had wandered down to dig in the furrows of the garden, then motioned for Angela to follow. With a last look at the bottle tree he started down the path to the farmhouse.

“I am, too.”

STINKY

Thank you, VFW Post 9808 for your generous $200 contribution toward purchasing "The Memory Keep" for Hanover County Public School libraries!

Also thanks to Cold Harbor Elementary for linking us on their school website!

You may email the author at PLRosie@aol.com

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