Sunday, December 23, 2012

Chris loved food!



I thought it might be fun to share some of the stories I've been hearing since Chris passed.  There seems to be a common denominator... He enjoyed eating,  A LOT - and in many places.

There are the obvious spots like McDonald's, Subway, Buffalo Wild Wings and Bailey's favorite The Recovery Room but the stories I've been enjoying most these last few weeks are the personal ones I never knew about, or not in great detail anyway.  Good things do come out of a loss.  I most likely would never know these funny stories had they not been shared while grieving with friends. 

Chris once went to the Buss boy’s house (twins Ryan and Kyle on his football team), walked in, found they weren't home but was at the neighbors playing video games.  Before he wandered next door to join in he made himself a bowl of pasta and took the whole dish with him!  Last week the Buss family came over, brought pasta in honor of Chris and shared this story over dinner.  Come to find out, when Karen went shopping she would text Chris that her house was restocked!  She called him Master Stewart and loved to cook for him.

At the Shellenback's, another football family, Chris had his own private snack cabinet to run to so when the community treats in the basement family room were gone he had a source of sustenance no one else had dibs on.  I know Mr. And Mrs. Shellenback were in on this... They kept it stocked for him!  They also stocked the freezer with chicken patties, a filling and somewhat healthy meal that didn't break the bank.  Brian Shellenback told me Chris didn't bother with buns, he would just dip the patties in sauce and eat them as finger food.

I had no idea that as groceries were being purchased around the Clifton Park region, traveling down the conveyor belt, that some would be headed into my son’s cavernous belly!  He was a budget item in many homes... (That warms my heart!!!).  It never occurred to me.

One of Chris's earliest and best friends was Patrick Tompkin.  Pat's mom stopped over with little brother Pete just yesterday and shared with me how one evening she made what turned out to be a crummy homemade pizza.  For some reason it just didn't come out right so it sat in the kitchen and the kids passed on eating it... until Chris arrived.  He had several slices and told her it was just fine.  I think he made her night.  Chris always tried everything once.
At home Chris was not particular; his favorites were chicken nuggets and tater tots.  He wasn't fussy and seemed content regardless of what I made.  No wonder... He had already eaten somewhere else.  My dinners probably just took the edge off any hunger pains!  His friends also told me he kept things stashed under his bed for quick nibbling when he was engrossed in Xbox and was too lazy to go downstairs to the kitchen.  I haven't looked under there yet.  No wonder the dog loved to be in his room…
I saw a video of Chris at a football breakfast gathering with his friends, they were making omelets. Chris Miller flipped the omelet in the pan, it missed and hit the floor.... Yep, Chris to the rescue... He inspected it and ate it.  Gross but apparently funny.

At the Wind residence I know Chris knew his way around the kitchen.  I've heard he could cook, bake and barbecue and he was welcomed to do it.  He could also help whatever he made disappear.

I remember having “car talks” with Chris on the way to family parties.  I'd remind him there were lots of people attending and to only fill his plate a little.  He could always go back for seconds when everyone had some.  Of course he always went back but it sure wasn't for salad.  Sometimes he must have really been hungry or just forgot our chat.  I’d see him sitting with a stacked plate happily eating and chatting.  I'd give him the evil eye from across the room and he'd usually shrug and flash a grin.  I'd roll my eyes.

I'd like to roll my eyes again at Christmas dinner...

On our last day together, December 1st, I was fortunate enough to have spent the better part of the day with Chris.  He had cereal for breakfast and went upstairs to play Xbox.  Nothing unusual.  We had to be at Shaker by 12:30 for the All Star Football banquet.  

Just before he put his suit on he came down and made a hamburger.  I said "Chris, you're going to eat lunch there, it's part of the banquet today".  He said "Yeah, I know".  So he had two lunches that day because after the ceremony he filled his plate with pizza and wings (and that makes me very happy now).

So to all the parents who shared in filling my boy’s tummy with all the foods he liked and all the meals he ate with your families may I say THANK YOU!  To all Chris's friends who enjoyed his company and healthy appetite I THANK YOU too!  I take a lot of comfort in knowing that you cared for my son like he was your own child or brother.  Chris was and is a part of so many different households I couldn't be a prouder mom.

Blessings to you and thank you for reading.

14 comments:

  1. It's amazing how much one boy could eat! My son is the same way. I called the school cafeteria about his lunch account because he always needed more money, but I made him a lunch everyday! He would have 2 lunches! Great stories from his friends.

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  2. My mom made homemade bread for games last year. Chris was always there to get a warm loaf. The memories from football.

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  3. Today's post brought a smile to my face. Great stories that show how many people loved and cared for your son. That must be so comforting for you. Loved the video clip! Two second rule :)...thanks for sharing.

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  4. Hello :) I wanted to let you know that I read your blog everyday. And that I look forward to read them. My 15 years old son came home from the hospital yesterday. He had a major surgery but nothing life threatening. The first thing he told the nurses at the hospital when he woke up from the operation was "Can I have some pizza now"? Of course, his eyes were bigger than his belly as he can not keep food down but still all he is thinking about is food. I wanted to let you know that I took the time to study his hands while he was sleeping in the hospital, I took the time to look at it and study him (if he ever reads this, he will be mad at me lol).

    I pray for you and your family. Keep writing. You are talented and you have a lot to share. Thank you for sharing your stories with us. You are truly an inspiration. <3

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  5. Thank you for sharing! I read your blog everyday. I enjoy it. I also learn alot from it. Today's blog made my heart smile and brought a tear or two to my eyes. I smile because it reminded me of my brother when we were growing up. My brother would tell all of his friends in the neighborhood that our Mom wasn't cooking dinner that night. He'd end up eating 5 different dinners in 5 different homes (and of course one of them was ours). I started studying my kids' hands after I read that post of yours. I thought to myself, OMG, I don't know their hands. So now I study my kids' hands each night and every one of them think I'm crazy for it. I haven't told any of them WHY I'm doing it. So now the running joke is that I'm trying to tell their fortunes. My kids make me smile everyday and your blogs do too.
    Keep writing. And know that Chris will be with you on Christmas.
    God Bless.

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  6. You are such an inspiration. Yesterday I was cleaning the house for guests arriving later this week, earlier in the day I had shared your blogs with my husband( he read every one) I was getting so frustrated with my son who was going between xbox and eating I must admit I was nagging. My husband pulled me aside and said although he should be helping he's 17 don't you remember what it said in Chris's mom's blog? She would give anything to be annoyed by her son not pitching in. I immediately took a deep breath called my son down hugged him and calmly negotiated a plan. Thank you for helping me find a better way.

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  7. It is so sweet, how all Chris' friends parents stocked their homes for him. It is overwhelming to know that our children can have such an impact on others, whether it be something they do, how much they eat... :) Your blog today spoke volumes about how important Chris was in others lives and that is what is being celebrated. Celebrated by your blog, by those who follow your blog and those who knew him and even didn't know him but want to.

    I know a family who lost their son. And every time I speak to the father who lost his son (a Marine) his son always comes up in conversation, no matter what event we are at, or where I see him. He doesn't write a blog, but he does speak in the community about the impact his son had on others, and shares his stories and how he was always a comedian, a joker, and just an overall bright spot.

    From what I'm learning about Chris, he was much the same. I'm glad you are hearing these stories about Chris. It is lovely of the families to share them with you and hopefully they brighten your days.

    Prayers still being said for you and your family.

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  8. Love the story. My youngest Sid something like that the other day. He went to grandmas to help with baking. They had pizza wings, and naked goodies. He came home and started going through the freezer and I asked what he was looking for, he replied something to eat. I had to put it in my mind that he is a growing boy. He is 12. I also did the eye roll like really. Regina my thoughts and prayers are with you even more this holiday and everyday.

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  9. Once again you have touched me with your writing. I laughed and cried today! As a mother of four, three of them boys I can totally relate to the food stories! My youngest two are 17 and 19 and their friends are always here. I can't keep food in my house and my grocery bills are out of control. I would not have it any other way.

    I continue to pray for you and your family, especially during the holiday season.

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  10. I read your blog every day, before I start my day. I am a "new" mother. My son is 17 months old. I read your stories, look at your pictures, watch your videos and they give me inspiration of what kind of mother I want to be and what kind of son I hope to raise. Thank you for sharing what is in your heart. Your story today made me laugh. We always joke because our little 17 month old is already "eating us out of house and home." Much love

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  11. This made me smile and laugh with my youngest boy
    he sure would have needed the biggest meal plan at college.

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  12. I love that you have these precious memories of your son!! You certainly help me to stop amid the chaos of my busy life with 4 kiddos and appreciate the little things. Praying for you often.

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  13. Mrs. Stewart, I want to thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us. Your strength and grace are truly amazing.

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  14. This blog made my heart smile and ache and brought sad and happy tears to my eyes. It's wonderful your son is loved by so many and even though he is no longer here on earth people are still falling in love with him.

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