The Memory Keep

"Who makes these things happen?"

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 special education teacher's aide who met an untimely death in October of 2001, The Memory Keep strives to bring meaning to tragic events.

Pamela Cathcart, 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 scholar-ships 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.

The Memory Keep is a fictional depiction of an extraordinary true saga. It is the story of a 22 year-old teaching assistant whose journey down one dark road, through, by his own account, “providence,” resulted in the rescue of a woman who surely would have perished without his intervention. Another road, on another inky night, saw this same rescuer meet his own untimely death. And between those fated meetings, a student with severe disabilities was taken down a path of self-discovery by the talented and caring young man who
left this earth far too soon.

This book was born from an overwhelming sense of sadness, frustration and helplessness in the face of death ... especially the premature deaths of our promising young people, cut down by tragic accidents just as they are beginning to place their imprint on the world. It also was written as a response to the many parents and students the author encountered who have struggled with issues surrounding disabilities, including her own children. While the disorder chosen to highlight here is severe Attention Deficit Disorder, many of the
concerns and experiences detailed in these chapters are felt across the board by children with special needs and their families.

The story of Elvis Gabriel Jimenez is an inspiring one. In interviews with his students, family and friends, Mrs. Cathcart came away with the message that this young man touched many lives; he gave selflessly to stranger and friend alike. He overcame many obstacles to become a caring and humble role model for youth. The lovely moths, butterflies and other creatures of nature seen on these pages are drawings he made for his students.

That this exceptional person is gone from us is a tragedy, and hopefully this book will help to continue the good works he performed during his lifetime. Proceeds from its sale will be directed to Hanover Arc, which will oversee the development of the Elvis Jimenez Memorial Scholarship Fund. The monies will provide children with disabilities special programs and educational opportunities.

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