This is the album of photos that Christopher left behind. He kept them with him at all times near his bed. They comprise the dearest people in his life that he loved beyond all measure. He was a Hero and he would have given his life for each and every person in this album. He wrote on the back of the very first photo to remember him as he was in that photo. Happy, healthy and full of life. He knew he was leaving me the legacy of this photo and the reassurance that there was a time when things were good. He has asked each and everyone of us to hold on to that memory.
"When you think of me, remember this picture. I was happy, healthy and full of life. When this was taken, I remember it well. First fish on my Scott rod with a fly I tied. First Time! Love, Chris"
This quote was handwritten on the back of the photo and you'll notice the the photo is signed "Love, Chris".
I share with you this slide show of the photos from his album. They are of my beautiful son and the family and friends that shall miss him so. He was so family-centric and he loved them so. Family and friends were everything to Christopher. We shall forever love and cherish him in all things. He was full of life. I shall remember his special smile...it is captured in one of the photos.
5 comments:
Chris,
I have so many fond memories of you and I hanging out, our back packing trip to Glen Olin and Waterwheel Falls with Joel is just one of many (love that photo)! You have always made me smile and feel important. I have always been proud to call you my brother. I love you Chris and i will miss you horribly!
Hugs, Donnie
Chris,
My Super Secret (007) Boyfriend... you will always mean so much to me and have such a special place in my heart. A gentle, loving soul who would light a room up with your smile, stories, laugh, and jokes. I will miss you but know that you'll always be watching over and protecting us.
I love you, Chris!
Simone
Christopher so loved his friends. He wrote of his love for you all. He was so loyal and loving. I share with you some of the comments that came from emails from his friends.
Simone Rosa
Chris was such a great person! He had an amazing ability to light up a room and have everyone in it laughing -- I've come to find that's a rare gift. It's just one of the amazing qualities that I cherish about him. I can't tell you how many times he's popped in my head and the moment I start to feel sad/angry/whatever the feeling is that moment, it's like he comes down and puts one of the many fond memories I have of him in my head that gets me to giggle (it can be a bit embarrassing when I suddenly start giggling in public for no apparent reason, but I guess I'm rather used to it :-) ).
"Said a wise man to one in deep sorrow, ‘I did not come to comfort you; God only can do that; but I did come to say how deeply and tenderly I feel for you in your affliction.’”
Tyron Edwards
As a parent I can relate that the most powerful form of love that I know is the love of my children. The loss of a child is "unnatural" and I imagine that it must be one of the hardest things to heal from. We all love Chris.
I am sure that many have related to you that they have probably laughed harder as a result of his humor than from the highest paid comedians. I wish that I could share some of the ways that Chris made me bust a gasket laughing, but frankly, I could not even come close to doing him justice. We had a party a few years ago and he had my parents crying with laughter (as well as myself) with some of his comments (that I thought would have shocked them). Oh Lordy!!! If I only had a video of the action, we would all be healed.
You did a lot to help heal him and keep him on a positive track. Please do not blame yourself for his untimely departure. I think that the release of a bit of anger and frustration can only help the healing process.
Thank you for including me in the email list.
-Best Wishes- Brent Reed
Dear Jeanean
Sorry I haven't written
I'm still in shock to be quite honest...35 !?
We will all miss Chris he was a good friend, a great friend
we used to live close and hang out in SLO play guitar, skate, laugh
then we all went our ways I always looked forward to meeting up with him again. I have MANY great memories with Chris he is one of the few people who has made me laugh 'til it hurt and he always had a new great band for me to listen to I wish I could've went fly fishing with him never been, but I'm sure we would of had fun. he will not be forgotten
-Turtle (Aaron)
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