Friday, January 4, 2013

Christopher enjoyed life...



I was deliberating what to write today, unsure because I had several different thoughts.  I came to sit in Chris’ room and in looking around at his walls I decided to write about his humor.
Chris was very witty.  He was certainly what I would call a knucklehead, but he was genuine and sincere.  He was the kind of kid to walk into my room, see me engrossed in a TV show and ask me in all seriousness "what are you doing?"  Really???!!! "Ummm, watching television Chris"...
He did that kind of thing often.  He also stepped over anything sitting on the stairwell that needed to be carried upstairs - without even seeing it.  I bet your kids do that too… or you do if you are the kid!  For some reason parents tend to plop things on the stairs for their next trip up.  Who wants to do all that extra running?  Grab it the next time you're headed that way.  Why is it that Chris always went right by it?  Even if it was his and it was going to his bedroom?  Clean clothes, bathroom tissue, his book bag... He'd step over it rather than even notice it was obstructing his path.  I think all the kids do it as well as some spouses!  Bringing it to his attention usually got me a shoulder shrug or a sheepish grin. Oops. Whatever!

Simply put; Chris liked to dance.  Ask any of his friends.  He had the moves too.  He might have been big but he got down.  Can you say “the worm?” He could tear up the floor like nobody's business and his sweat-stained clothes were proof.  He had more fun at some of his friend’s sixteenth birthday parties.  I know they could tell some stories.  One in particular, I think it was Caroline's party –When I picked him up I made him sit in the back.  I could have wrung out his clothes and they would have dripped sweat.  Her parents must have been mortified wondering who this kid was but I'd like to imagine they found him humorous.  He enjoyed himself.

I took the boys on a cruise a few years back; I think it was their third.  At this last one, Chris was old enough to go to the teen disco.  There was a designated time, maybe 6-8pm or so when the adult night club specifically catered only to the teens.  No adults allowed.  It had one of those Saturday Night Fever dance floors that lit up and glowed in multi colored squares with the disco ball glistening and music thumping. 
 
Each night Chris would race thru his formal dinner in the dining room and run off to hit the club.   He always looked nice in his shirt and tie.
He met more friends on that cruise!  He still kept up with some.  I wonder if they know he passed?  Well, one night I couldn't stand it and curiosity got the better of me so I hid in the shadows by the door and watched.  Chris was shaking his thing.  I was hysterical because he was so serious about it.  He wanted to get the steps right.  There were these dances the kids would do together - The Cupid Shuffle and the Cotton Eyed Joe.  He tried to teach me too but I know I wasn’t the best student.  He had much more fun with his buddies.  I enjoyed his enjoyment.  That was fun to watch, I'm glad I saw that moment in time.

His friends tell me he had fun at lunch. Although Chris brought his lunchbox everyday (yes a lunchbox at seventeen)... he also mastered the art of swindling food from those around him.  He was good at distracting someone and quickly removing an item he had his eye on.  Be it a cookie or chips I don't know.  Apparently he was liked enough that it was accepted, maybe even expected?!  Couldn't have been fear for heaven's sake because the entire class of 2013 was Christopher's best friend!  Everybody liked him so everybody tolerated his antics, even me.  I was fair game as well - or my plate was - no matter at home or out in a restaurant.  Chris could smile in my eyes while slowly reaching in for a french fry.  I think he did it as much for fun as he did to actually sample the food.   I want to share my fries with Chris again.

So, I'm sitting at Chris's desk as I write, in the brown desk chair.  You can see it in the photo from the other day.  I never wrote in here before but this is nice.  All his posters are in front of me as well as his ipod and football bag and slippers.  I have no idea what I'm going to do with these things.  I see the SHEN green walls too.  Chris sat here every night to do homework.  This is not homework for me though.  Did you go look back at the past blog so you can be here with me too?  You should.  It's a pretty good feeling.  I may write in here more often.  It puts me in a good mood.  I like the lights on in Chris's room too, it feels like he's home.

I hope you will take the time to remember funny things - either about yourself or your kids or your parents or friends or Chris if you knew him.   I hope you find humor in daily life and simple tasks.  I hope you enjoy the moments and share a smile.  I'd like you to think about happy memories and be thankful for those around you like I'm thankful I had Chris and now I have you.

Thank you for reading.

19 comments:

  1. I swear, it's like you have some ESP or something into my own life. Just when I needed to hear that last little paragraph, you wrote it. Thank you. This, as always, is beautiful

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  2. Mrs. Stewart, once again, thank you for sharing your memories of Chris. When this tragedy struck I asked myself how a parent could cope with such an event. You have, through your daily blog, given me some insight. Your grace and strength continue to amaze me. Our youngest graduated Shaker last year and knows Bailey. I don't believe he ever had the opportunity to meet Chris, but I'm certain that if he had, he would have been one of the many that obviously like him. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you, your family, and all the families and friends that are mourning these fine young people.

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  3. Regina, I giggled out loud. What an amazing kid Chris is. You must know its because of his awesome parents. I'm just so sorry I'll never physically ever get to meet Chris although I feel as though I k ow him so well. I hope you and I, our paths will cross someday...I love hearing your stories, they never get old. I'm super glad to be a part of this experience but wishing it was under different terms, of course.

    I hope you continue to think happy thoughts. Over the last few days I have done the same and it's brought some comfort. Life is Good.

    Hugs. Lela

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  4. Thank you for sharing. I believe our sons are enjoying one another's company. They sound alike but different in so many ways. Our family took our first cruise on what should have been Tyler's highschool graduation day. I will treasure the memories we had as I couldn't help think how much fun and trouble he would have had while his siblings clung to one another. They prefer our vacation in the Adirondacks as they have our memories.

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  5. Regina,

    I look forward to reading your blogs and getting to know a little about Chris. I think Chris was the way he was because he has a great mom and dad and a great older brother. I think he smiles and probably chuckles when you write about some of your memories of him. Thank you for sharing part of your family and yourself and Chris with all of us. I think about you guys everyday even if I only write a comment once in a while. Your grace and strength are something I find to be very admirable. Always in my thoughts and prayers

    Nerissa

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  6. So true about the stair thing. That put a smile on my face. Always enjoy reading your posts about Chris. Thinking of you always.

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  7. Thanks again for sharing about Chris I read your blog everyday, although I did not know your son I was deeply saddened when I heard about the accident. I think it is because my sister and I grew up with Deanna's cousins. I think everyday what these 2 kids would have done inlife had they had the chance to grow up. I am so sorry that you and her family has to go thru this everyday it is just wrong. I hope you are finding comfort in writing this blog everyday because I am finding comfort in reading it and finding out about Chris and what he was like. Please know that I am thinking about him and your family everyday, along with the winds, Hardy's and river's families.

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  8. Reading today's blog, I start out laughing and end up all teary eyed. I think you truly make everyone that reads your blog, feel better. Thank you for that, Regina. Wishing you a comforting day.

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  9. Dear Gina,
    Good morning and Thank You for sharing another beautiful story of Christopher with us. I think Hannah captured my feelings by saying you must have ESP and writing something we needed to hear. When I read about Christopher's room, it was very early in the morning hours, and one of those sleepless nights we all face at some point when we're overwhelmed with worry, anxiety, fear as a parent. I found comfort from your story and the pictures, especially the one of Bailey sleeping so peacefully, it gave me the strength that I lacked and so much needed. I have never been in Christopher's room before, but it is a place I will return to often as I know deep in my heart, he will be there, just as he was with Bailey, and just as he was when you wrote this. Each story you share brings us all something very very special in our daily lives. Each story seems to be like a missing piece of the puzzle we've been looking for so we can keep building. I hope you continue to write and share what you feel as long as it continues to help you. I know how much your writings are helping us and how inspiring they are. I can only pray and hope each day, our responses may be the piece of the puzzle you've been looking for so you may keep building as well. You continue to amaze and inspire me, and make me a stronger better person each day. Today's story made me smile and made me feel good. I could see Christopher " getting down ", and sneaking a fry off your plate....Thank You for sharing this with us, it came at the right time again! Always In My Thoughts And Prayers, Love You, Eddie.

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  10. Good morning and thank you for another wonderful day of stories. I didn't know other people left things on the stairs-my family ignores it too! I feel like you can really relish these memories of your son in your writing, and that is just soooo good. Blessings.

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  11. The cursor flashed for a long time on this screen before I started typing, it was almost like my fingers couldnt put into words what my head and heart were feeling for you today. Even though we are complete strangers there is a common bond and understanding about a mothers love for her children. Simply put we are so sorry for your loss today, and everyday since. Thank you for sharing, and all the reminders to embrace today. I will be less annoyed when I trip over the stair pile, or get hit in the face with that not so pleasant smell that comes out of my teenagers room. I always feel like situations like this make people feel like they are walking around in weighted boots, that all the steps through everyday have to be so labored, ontop of the pain that the heart feels. I prayed this morning, your day would feel lighter, that each time you write and post these blogs that some of the heaviness would be taken with it. I continue to admire your strength to keep sharing Chris with all of us, I can only hope our words and prayers offer you some comfort back.

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  12. You have an inimitable knack of examining seemingly simple and mundane parts of daily's life and rendering them magically meaningful -- I suspect through the prism that recent events have cast on your perspective. It is a beautiful thing -- and judging by the comments on this blog and facebook, a potpourri of life lessons lies in your musings for us all. Wherever he is -- undoubtedly climbing the stairs of heavens and blissfully ignoring the things he's bounding over -- Chris is so proud of you.

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  13. Regina,
    You have the power to make me tear, smile and reflect all in one multi paragraphed blog. Thank you again for your clarity and hopefulness! I too wish you could have Chris steal one more fry. I imagine him over your shoulder every time you eat and enjoying whatever you are eating and yes stealing those fries with his mind:) Have a wonderful day!

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  14. I love looking back on memories and the good times with our kids. It makes me smile:) I remember Chris best as a young child, in fact I have some amazing photos of Chris and Austin together at T Ball, Nursery school graduations and birthday parties. They are exactly how I remember Chris and Austin together. I would love to give you copies:) I think they will make you smile too!

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  15. Regina,

    Another day, another beautiful story shared with us. Each day it's like you are speaking to me about my life and my kids. My youngest two boys are so like your Chris. Ever since the accident I have remembered the last game of my youngest son's year playing modified football in 8th grade. Connor is the same age as Chris and he played for Shaker. That year the last game was against Shen. One of the last plays of the game he was tackled by this huge boy wearing #69 and Connor got up shaking his left hand. I thought oh no, he's broken it again. Sure enough, a few days later he we found out it was broken and he had to have surgery. I keep wondering was that big Shen bruiser wearing #69 your Chris?

    I love reading your blog, laughing and crying each day. Maryann RB above said it so beautifully, that I won't repeat! Thank you for making me appreciate the blessings in my life. On facebook, I saw something where you take a jar and as the year goes by you put slips of paper in with good things that happen to you. On 12/31 you open the jar and read each one. I have started a jar and already some slips in it. I look forward to filling the jar up. I have lots to look forward to in 2013! Thank you for opening my eyes up to the daily things!

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  16. Thank you for sharing another story about Chris. It made me smile as I am thinking about situations of my younger done whose name is also Christopher. He does some of the funniest little things also. Thank you again for sharing. God bless you.

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  17. I've said this before and I'm sure I'll say it again: I love reading your blog. Your stories and memories make me smile, laugh and sometimes cry. I admire your resilience, your strength and your courage. Thank you once again for sharing. Peace and love to all your family.

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  18. Regina - I really enjoy reading your blog. As the mom of three grown kids (your descriptions of Chris remind me so much of my oldest when he was in high school) I can barely fathom how a mother goes on after the loss of a child. You give me hope that it can be done and I so admire the way you are choosing to heal. Thank you so much for sharing your intimate stories and feelings with often times complete strangers. You may be doing this as a way to cope but sharing your journey is helpful to so many others in ways you can't even imagine.

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  19. I love reading about Chris. I love seeing his life thru your eyes...the eyes of his mother...the eyes of a mother raising boys. I find it very helpful since I am raising 3 boys 8, 5, and 1. I'm not too familiar with boys and what they do and how they act. I grew up with my sister. I have a few boy cousins but we weren't close enough for me to hang out with them or I babysat the younger ones. So I don't know what to expect living with boys and raising them. From your blog I can only hope I will have the special mother/son relationship that you have with your boys with my own boys. I pay more attention to their behaviors and don't question why, why, why but just accept it now and learn from it and move on to the next thing. thanks for everything you are teaching me.

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