Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Happy Birthday Christopher!


Well, today's a special day.  Christopher would have been eighteen this morning.  8:45 to be exact.  He was a breakfast baby.  Happy Birthday to my angel!  Momma loves you Squirt!!
We were waiting for this day.  There's something very special about turning eighteen, especially for a male.  Not quite sure what it is, several things I'm sure.   Maybe the military enlistment aspect, or perhaps the voter registration?  Maybe boys just seem to feel they've crossed the threshold to becoming a man.  Eighteen brings more responsibilities legally. That must be empowering.  I know Chris was looking forward to it.  It opened up many more job opportunities.  He could check the box YES when asked "Are you eighteen or over?" Not that I looked forward to him aging because every parent wonders where the time went but I'm sorry we missed this birthday in person.
Do me a favor, stop reading for a sec, close your eyes and sing Happy Birthday to Chris - if only in your mind rather than out loud.   He can hear you either way.  I want Chris to listen to his song all day long at whatever time you read this.  I want him to be inundated with Happy Birthday's from all of us even though I know some of us are not singers!  We may even make him cringe with our creaky voices.
My boys will always be the best things that ever happened to me.  I couldn't be more proud. I can't believe I carried them and brought them into the world.  God blessed me big time!  He gave me a special job on the days of their births to care and nurture for the boys.  I was expecting and prepared for that.  I signed up for it.  He also gave me a new, unexpected job on December 1st to care for the boys and nurture them differently.  I definitely wasn't prepared for him to ask that of me.  Not sure what makes me so special that he thinks I can handle this but since he wants me to, I will.

Even if I can't have Chris here in the physical, I'm still celebrating like he's right by my side. This is a very special day!  I'm certain he'll make himself known.  Matter of fact, as I type there's a bug bothering my face.  "Bug"... Christopher is bugging me! He's watching what I write.  Probably wants to say hello.  Hi Chris :-). Are you a fruit fly at the moment?
Bailey stayed over last night.  She wanted to attempt a sleepover.  Can't say I blame her! Waking up in Chris's room on his special day sounds just perfect if you ask me.  I'd bet Chris is leaping off the high dive at the thought I invited Bailey to sleep with him!  Well, you know what I mean... Sleep where he slept!  If he was here she would NOT be in that bed on his birthday morning!  ( ha ha, love you Bailey but Mrs. Stewart has rules!)

Funny how a child's personality shines thru before you even meet.  I should have known Chris would be a night owl because he was nocturnal while I was pregnant.  He was quiet all day long and did all his moving in the evening.  Kept me up with his kicking and pushing, probably just looking for more space to stretch out.  The fetal position didn't suit him, he liked the "X" position - all stretched out.

We had no idea if he would come out Christopher or Gabriella!  Imagine if we had no Christopher??? Oh Lord, no way!  How could we have even sat and wondered what God would give us; a girl or a boy?  How could he be anyone but Christopher Francis Robert Stewart?  It's a no-brainer now.  The world is a much better place since Chris came along.  I'm glad you got to know him but I'm the lucky one, God placed that little bitty gift in my hands and lent him to me to share.
If you shed some tears for my loss today I'm okay with that.  We all lost out, there's reason to cry.   I'm going to shed plenty of tears myself too, over and over.  But try to be cheerful instead of blue because Chris's personality was one of joy and he wouldn't like it if we lingered too long in sadness.  I know this.  I dwell on it every time my heart sinks.  My son’s demeanor was so positive that I know he's the one to bring me back up from my heaviness of heart.  He can do that for you as well.  Try to remember that when you hit a valley, when you fall in that pit of pain.  Chris will pull you back up to where you can breathe again.  Lean on him.  It works.
Thank you for reading.



85 comments:

  1. Happy Birthday Christopher Francis Robert Stewart....an amazing young man, I am honored to meet him through your blog. Kathi

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  2. Happy Birthday, Christopher!!! Regina, what a great tribute to your son...I sobbed, I laughed(come on the Bailey comment is funny...way to go mom!) I sang Happy Birthday! Celebrate your boy all day! I know I will celebrate the birth of a young man whose life touched so many! :-)!!!!

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  3. Happy Birthday Chris! I am soo happy i get to share my birthday with you. WHen i blow my candles out today, please blow them out with me up there. And keep watching over my sweet friend Bailey. Happy birthday again Chris.

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  4. PS... I love the picture of him in his sectional shirt! All of his pictures are adorable, but his personality, mischievousness shines through in that one. It is just priceless! :-) you can see in his expression he loved to tease!

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  5. Happy Birthday Chris! Regina, thank you so much for your writings. I look forward to them every single day! My thoughts and prayers are with you today!

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  6. Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you! Happy birthday, amazing Christopher, Happy Birthday to you!

    I'll be thinking of you guys today.
    Love and blessings,
    Hannah

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  7. Happy Birthday Chris!!!! There will be a huge party in heaven today and Chris will be dancing away like on that cruise ship. An angel turns 18 today!!! Thoughts and prayers are with you today Regina. Stay strong, I'm glad Bailey is there with you. Thank you again for sharing your wonderful son with us. May God Bless..........

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  8. Happy birthday Chris!! I'll never forget your birthday on this special day. It's also my nephews 10th birthday. I hope u you have one big party up there with all the other Angels. Chris your mom is amazing! I'm sure u already know this!!

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  9. Beautiful. I thought about this day all week as I had with my own son's 18th birthday. I am hoping through all your tears you have the chance to enjoy his birthday. I know we picked my son's favorite place to eat and had some of his favorite foods. thinking of you...

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  10. HI! Happy Birthday to Chris! Yes, I even sang it to myself! I've been reading your blog daily and it makes a difference in my life. Thank you for doing this. I'm grateful to get to know your son through your words. Praying you see many signs today!

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  11. Hugs for you today as I know your gonna need them. Your dealing with alot of emotions but your still human. May you and your family and friends have a wonderful day celebrating Chris's birthday and im glad to remember him as a great young man how is inspiring us all through you. Hope this little message helps a little. "REMEMBER ONLY THE GOOD DIE YOUNG" Have a great Day!!!!!!!! Happy 18th Birthday Chris enjoy your day dont "BUG" your mom too much.

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  12. Happy Birthday Christopher! At 8:45 this morning at work, I will pause and wish him a Happy 18th!!! You know 18 is a big age!!! Here comes the "but i'm 18 now I can do this, this, this,...." Lol. Have a great day! I'm sure Christopher has many plans for you today. Be prepared lol!!!

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  13. Happy Birthday to Chris! Thinking of all of you today and praying you continue to find strength.

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  14. Happy birthday Chris! Many many hugs to you today!! As you said celebrate his birthday as he would want it that way! You are so strong and inspiring! Hope you have a great day! Chris will be with you, im sure!

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  15. Happy Birthday Christopher!! Thinking of the whole Stewart family today!! So happy you have Bailey by your side. I am sure he is right there with you both!!! Also thank you for giving me a whole new perspective on my life!! You truly are an inspiration!!

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  16. Happy Birthday Chris ! Regina, I hope Chris "bugs" you alot during the day so you know he is there with you ! Have a great day and thinking of you guys always

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  17. Happy birthday, Christopher!!! Great read today to celebrate the big 1-8!

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  18. I am so touched. I didn't know your son but am a mother. I am so incredibly sad everytime I think about this. I sang, cried and tried to think how I would get thru this if it was me. I hope Bailey stays close to your family. You are all united forever now. We are going to try to attend the breakfast, perhaps you will be there and I can shake your hand. My son and I hadn't spoke since September and when this happened I made it my goal to reconcile and we did for Christmas.

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  19. Happy Birthday Chris! I loved your bit of humor with Bailey not sleeping there if Chris were there. I have no idea why your loss has affected me so much; however, I have followed this story and journey since I heard about it. I tell your stories to my husband and mother. This morning I caught my husband reading over my shoulder. He said "its Chris' birthday! " I told him yes and he paused and wished him a Happy Birthday too. He also just said to me you know you'll never forget that because his birthday is the day after little man's. Yesterday was our son's 3rd birthday.
    Enjoy him"bugging" you today and enjoy your time with those you love.
    Thank you for writing again.

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  20. Happy birthday Christopher!! In a little tribute tonight my kids and I will light a candle and sing happy birthday to Chris. Regina thank you again for sharing Christopher's story with us again. God bless you. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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  21. Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Chris, Happy Birthday to you!

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  22. Happy birthday Chris!!! May you dance and sing with the angels on high today. Flap your wings and bother everyone you love and let it be known its your special day. No matter how you do it; whether it be that fly a breeze in the halls at school no matter what.
    Regina make a cake buy balloons and celebrate your son. From your readings sounds like he is the son every mother dreams of having. Remember he is always there watching over you no matter where you are.
    Thanks for your readings every day I enjoy them.

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  23. Happy Birthday, Chris! Regina~ I wish for you (more than anything) that you could be celebrating with Chris under better circumstances. You're in my prayers and thoughts everyday (today more than ever). Thank you for sharing Chris with us. I hope I raise half the man that you have. God bless you!

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  24. Happy Birthday Dear Christoper!

    Regina,
    As I respond to your blog today I am having difficulty seeing the screen through my tears. I sang your beautiful boy Happy Birthday. I wish, as I am sure you do , that Christopher was here to celebrate in the flesh but I am sure he is with you every step of every day. He is holding you close and encouraging your faith and love and spirit. You are so incredibly brave and I know he is holding you high! Your strength and spirit encourage me.
    God Bless you and yours on this very special January day!

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  25. Regina,

    God Bless you and your family today! You are an inspiration to all. God has given you this new job. Wow! Happy 18th Birthday to your Chris!

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  26. Happy Birthday 18th Birthday Chris!

    Regina,

    I hope you can find some comfort today knowing so many of us are celebrating with you and singing to Chris. He is here with you and I am sure he is smiling from ear to ear. God Bless you today and everyday . You are a brave and strong person who is changing so many lives everyday.

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  27. Regina,
    I just sang to Chris and I will sing again tonight with my family over dessert :) May God send you extra blessings today and may you receive many signs from Chris that he's with you on his special day. Thanks for sharing Chris with us.

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  28. Happy Birthday, Christopher! Just finished singing Happy Birthday to you. In honor of your life in the physical, I will wear a smile on my face all day long and let joy fill my heart, just as your dear mother has requested. You accomplished more in 17...almost 18 years than many will ever accomplish in 80 years. God Bless you sweet boy!

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  29. Happy Chris' Birthday, Regina!! I think this will be one of your hardest days - - I am wishing you peace and strength on this day. Prayers are with you today ad everyday!

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  30. I was reading your blog at exactly 8:45 and sang to him as you asked. Singing to him made me joyful and has already inspired me to do something special in his honor today. Happy Birthday Chris! God bless you!

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  31. I signed on to your blog, 2 minutes before 8:45. It made me well up with tears when I read that he was born at 8:45. I woke up thinking about you, because I remember you saying a while back that his birthday is today. It stuck in my head. I sang him Happy Birthday in my head (as I'm in my office right now) and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers (you hear that a lot so I hope it is still a sense of comfort). When I get home, if I ask her, I'm sure my daughter will stand outside and play Happy Birthday to Chris on her bagpipes. She loves to do that for people and I'm sure she will do it for him.

    I love that Bailey got to stay there last night and that her parents are accepting of that, even with your joking about her sleeping there in Chris' room. I don't know you and your family (but feel like I'm getting to), and only know Bailey and her family from years ago, yet I cry for all of you. I hurt for all of you. I can't stop hurting for you all, but as I read your words, I know the time will come when it doesn't hurt. It hurts as a parent wondering how I would cope. I hope it would be with the same grace and strength as you. We never know when we will be called to go home with God, but I used to hope when I went, my kids would be old enough to care for themselves (that's a long story), and now that I have the comfort that they would be okay. Now that they are older, there is that thought way back in my mind, what would I do, if God called one of them first. All that has happened, all that you have said, has a lot of people reflecting on the past, present and future, and I hope in some small way we have helped comfort you, in return.

    I posted this poem as a facebook comment but I'm posting it here as well:

    Birthday in Heaven
    It's your birthday up in heaven,
    and I'm wondering what you'll do.
    Will there be a celebration
    And a cake to honor you?
    Are the kitchen angels busy
    Breaking eggs and sifting flour?
    Is the angel choir practicing
    As it gets close to the hour?
    Is there ice cream made from snowflakes
    And some candy made from clouds?
    Will it be just you and Jesus,
    Or all the happy crowds?
    I won't be there to hug you
    Or to count and pull your ears,
    And I'm sure I'll feel lonely
    As I shed some birthday tears,
    But I know your heavenly birthday
    Will be your best one ever!
    Just remember, I still love you --
    On your birthday, and forever!



    ~ Connie Faust ~
    Copyright © 2012

    God bless...

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  32. Regina,
    Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dearest Christopher, happy birthday to YOU!
    Happy 18th Birthday to Chris! And a Happy Giving Birth day to you as well. That's what I like to say to the mom's. I too will never forget Chris' birthday because today is my daughter's 26th birthday. Please know that every January 9th I will remember your son and wish him a happy birthday.
    If one of God's mission was for you to change other's lives for the good, his mission is working. You have made a difference in my life through your writings. Thank you for sharing Chris' story, your story and life with us. God Bless you and your family!

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  33. Aunt Gina- Your blog this morning has moved me by far more than any of the others. I said Happy Birthday to Christopher first thing this morning, on my way to work, again now as I sit here, and will several times again through out the day. He was such a special gift to all of us and he always will be. Just the thought of him brings a smile to my face. He was such a happy little "tank" and I enjoyed watching him grow into a wonderful young man. Thank you so much for sharing all of these stories with us. It is really great to learn more about him seeing that as we all get older we seem to drift apart. I love you very much. You, Uncle Mike and Jeremy are in my thoughts and prayers. Love Anita aka Rita :)

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  34. I never had the priveledge to meet Chris or you Regina, however I can tell you this. Chris was so lucky to have you. You sound like such a amazing woman. Know that this story has made a difference in many lives today. I'm praying for you and your family. May God bless and protect all of you. With my eyes filled with tears I thank you for this. Happy Birthday Chris..

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  35. Regina you are an amazing mom. The best! Christopher was truly the man he became because of the life you gave him.

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  36. Happy Birthday Chris! I hope you enjoyed your song! I am sure you will be hearing it all day! xoxo

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  37. Happy Birthday ChriS!!! What a great job on this blog!!!

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  38. Happy Birthday Chris! Regina, I do not know you or your family but you are in my prayers.

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  39. Happy Birthday Chris! I loves the baby picture, reminded me of my son with those rosy, rashy cheeks. My husband always said his skin was that way because of the kisses I use to give him. Maybe he is right, as I am sure you kissed those precious cheeks just as much. My thoughts and prayers are with you all everyday <3

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  40. Happy 18th Birthday Christopher! I sang already and will continue to do so a few more times throughout the day as well. May you find comfort knowing your baby boy will be thought about many, many, many times today by people who have grown to love and miss him as you do. Thank you for sharing your blog with all of us. You are an inspiration and a wonderful person. Praying for God to lessen your saddness today and everyday as you heal and find peace. May God bless you always.

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  41. Happy Birthday to Chris!!
    I sang not very well but I did.
    Keeping you in my prayers always,
    Amy

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  42. Happy birthday to your beautiful boy!

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  43. Happy Birthday Chris!!! I llove your blog. I am expecting my first child in April and reading the blogs from you give me great inspiration to make sure I cherish every single moment I get with my baby girl. I especially intend to know my childs hands and every other part of her as well.
    Thank you so much for sharing your story.

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  44. Happy 18th Birthday to you Chris!

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  45. Well, I sang. It wasn't pretty but I hope he heard it and I'm sure he got a chuckle (grimace) out of it. I'm a devoted reader Regina :) but I rarely comment....leave the words for you but today I had to let you know that I'm thinking of you and Chris! Happy 18th Birthday Chris.

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  46. Happy Birthday Chris, you always made me smile in school before I graduated. Mrs. Stewart you are an amazing woman, I found this song a while back and I think of my son when I listen to it. You are an amazing mother and Chris was and still is amazing. Here is the song for you
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-HSN7T2frU&sns=em.

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  47. happy 18th birthday in heaven hope you and deanna have a big party in heaven. rip to you both. and to you mrs.stewart no words can tell you how i felt that day i heard about that accident that took your son and deanna and hurt bailey and matt may they have a speedy recovery. i am a mom to a 15 year old son his name is also Christopher and i love him very much and would be lost if anything ever happened to him

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  48. Last night i was speaking with my 12 year old and we were commenting on how it was Chris's birthday today. When i think of Chris it makes me reflect on my own 3 boys..........I sang Happy Birthday to Chris, out loud in my kitchen :-) I hope he heard.....I am also sending love to you........what a day to reflect on the most amazing gift you received on this day 18 years ago.....I'm sure you an remember it like it happened yesterday. I've been wanting to comment and let you know of a book that i enjoyed that might bring peace to you........the title is,

    Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back.........Todd Burpo

    I was just thinking recently that i am going to take the time to pick that book up again and read it.............my grandfather passed when i was 18 years old, we were very close......i loved him dearly. I know when times were hard for me at one point in my life, he was with me. I felt him, it is unlike any other feeling. This book i picked up about 2 years ago, i am now 40, and i felt myself rejoicing! I KNEW he was with me...........it let me know that our loved ones are safe in heaven with others who they have loved before and passed. And also that they are with us!

    So may your sweet boy visit you tonight and hug and kiss you, and tell you what a wonderful gift you were to him as well.
    XO

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  49. Happy 18th Birthday Chris! There is no stronger bond than that of a parent and child. Regina and Mike you did wonderful raising him to be the man he had become. I'm saddened for you that he isn't here to enjoy this day in person. A little tune I find both sad and uplifting at the same time. Find the truths in the words written in red and as this blog has in its title "BELIEVE" by Brooks and Dunn!................................................................................................... http://youtu.be/X5z-jjWyAJQ

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  50. Happy 18th Birthday to Chris! I DID sing 'Happy Birthday' to him, and I hope he heard my bit. :) I don't know you, Regina, and I never met Chris. Please know that you both, as well as your entire family and huge community of friends, have been in my prayers. I know that my parents suffered with the passing of one of my brothers (age 23), and now that I am a mom, I can't fathom that pain. You seem to have a beautiful perspective, one which must be an inspiration to all who read this amazing tribute to Chris/your sons. God bless you on this most special day and hold you close in the tough times.
    Love and peace be yours,
    Chris Atkins

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  51. I am so sorry for your loss...I graduated from Shenedehowa in 1985 but no longer live in the area but your posts are bringing me back to Shen. Your positive attitude lifts me up...My son's birthday is today also (he was a preemie and came into the world early 8 years ago today)...I now feel a little more connected to Chris - my son is a big boy who loves football so there are similarities. I am saying a prayer for you and your family today that each day gets a little easier...Thanks for your words again - you truly are an inspiration!

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    Replies
    1. My son was a preemie (due in Feb) and also born today (at 1:05). He turned 10 today and is my youngest son. He has a wonderful personality and loves sports as well.
      It's a month of birthdays to wonderful boys! (All my sons were born in january).
      I love reading this blog. I think it has made me slow down and enjoy and pay more attention to the details of them.
      Happy Birthday Chris!

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  52. Happy 18th Birthday Chris. Know your family is in my prayers.

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  53. Happy Birthday Chris! Hi Regina~This came up on my newsfeed and although I did not know Chris or you, I HAD to respond. How utterly wonderful to celebrate your boy like this, today. I also sang, wept for your loss, and marvel at your open-hearted wisdom at having Bailey stay there in his bed! You are a super human being! You are a great mom too! I have only one child and he shares his birthday month with Chris. You are an inspiration Regina, for me and all parents to celebrate and to appreciate our own children more. I sing praise to you today for sharing this with us! I am praying that this day and everyday that God's presence is near and comforting you and your family!

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  54. Happy Birthday Chris!!
    Regina, I read your blog everyday, this is my first comment. Just wanted to let you know I am reading and listening even though I struggle to find the words to write back... thank you for sharing your experience with us everyday :) -Kelly

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  55. Happy Birthday Chris! Your Mother is very special! I have never met you or your family, however, I can see how very special you were to all who knew you. The news of this tragedy made me so sad. May God continue to bless your family and give them strength. I know you are in Heaven and watching over your family.

    Thank you Mrs. Stewart for sharing this special day with us and I will happily sing Happy Birthday to Chris!
    Gods Blessings
    Cathy Sainato

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  56. Happy birthday, Chris!!!!!!
    Regina- as I read your beautiful tribute, the song "A new day" by Celine Dion came on, and I thought how fitting that was. I do not personally know you or your family, but I do know that you are a special person to recognize how blessed you were to have such a beautiful son, and to be able to continue focusing on that! Best wishes to you and your family.
    :) Tami

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  57. Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you. Happy 18th birthday, dear Chris. Happy birthday to you.

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  58. Happy Birthday Chris. ( Your son is so Beautiful!! )

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  59. Happy Birthday Chris. Sending out much love to the Stewarts from Upstate NY on this special day~

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  60. Happy Birthday Chris. Hope you're rocking it out in Heaven today. Prayers go out with the Stewarts and Winds today! :)

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  61. Regina,

    Like so many people in the 112th Assembly District and across the entire Capital Region, words cannot express how profoundly sad I am for your loss. Chris truly seemed like a beautiful person with such enthusiasm and a love of life, family and friends. I have been so moved to read and hear about Chris and it’s clear from your writings what a wonderful young man Chris was growing up to be. I have and will continue to pray for you and your family, Deanna Rivers’ family and for a full recovery and healing for Bailey and Matthew. I will do all I can to fight for legislation to honor their memory and help ensure that other families and communities do not have to endure this kind of senseless tragedy. Thank you for your commitment to passing legislation to remove dangerous drivers from the roadways.

    I know that Chris is with Our Lord in Heaven right now and I want him to know that on behalf of the entire 112th Assembly District, I wish him a happy birthday and know that he and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
    All the best,
    Assemblyman Jim Tedisco

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  62. Regina,
    My youngest son, Brandon, and I sat this afternoon and sang "Happy Birthday" to Chris as you requested. We even added the part where you sing, "are you one? are you two etc..." I fought back tears, of course and my voice did even make myself cringe, but I am sure it made Chris laugh! I never had the honor of knowing him, but through all your blogs and through all the stories I have heard from Dawn, I feel like I have known him. What an amazing young man you gave birth to and raised! You have every reason to be proud and it is no wonder Chris has touched so many lives. He touched mine and forever will be in my heart. I celebrate his birthday with you and wish for you strength and signs like the bug today :)
    Sincerely,,
    Laurie Barrett

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  63. Happy 18th b'day Chris.18 is such an important milestone.my son is also having a big milestone today he is 13 now a teenager. Like I told you early Regina my son reminds me of you son more and more every day.yours was born at breakfast mine at dinner 501 pm.i was looking through pictures and found he was same number in foot ball.he was a lineman and was the one who handed quarter back the ball.this was when he was young.hoping we can get him back playing for shaker modified. Tonite as we light 14 candles for Benjamin Robert one for good luck we will be adding one more for Chris.ben is excited to be going to shaker game tomorrow as b'day last about a week on our house I hope you celebrate at one of Chris favorite placed.god bless you all.

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  64. Regina,

    You have been on my mind all day today as I had remembered it was Chris' birthday. I sang Happy Birthday to him as you asked. I'm sure he's having a big party up in heaven today. I wish so much he was still here so you could be celebrating his milestone 18th birthday like you planned. I'm glad Bailey was there to share this morning with your family. As always thank you for the beautiful story you have shared with us today. I hope you find some comfort and strength from your family and friends today. I know you're not a hugger but I'm sending hugs your way today. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

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  65. Regina, your writing so eloquently displays your love for your son. I come here to read your blog and check in on you often and find myself in awe of your perspective and strength. Your honesty could not be a more perfect example of your love for Chris. Sending you lots of positive thoughts and singing a round of the Birthday song for Chris!

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  66. Happy, Happy Birthday Chris! Sending hugs and fistbumps to you in heaven!

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  67. Dear Gina,
    Thank You for sharing another beautiful story with us today.i wished Christopher a Happy 18th Birthday early this morning, but sang to him a few minutes ago liked you asked. I have a terrible voice and can't carry a tune, but I enjoyed singing it and I hope Christopher was ok with it. I'm so happy Bailey spent the evening with you and was there with you this morning. I know it had to be a very difficult time, and I prayed throughout the day for all of you to find comfort somehow, some way, and I hope Christopher let you know he was there. I'm certain he did. You are a wonderful Mom, a wonderful sister, and an inspiration to all of us Gina. Thank You for sharing Christopher's Birthday with us and all the Love that you let us feel for your son each day. Always In My Thoughts And Prayers, I Love You, Eddie.

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  68. This just makes me so sad....everyone deserves the chance to turn 18. It's supposed to be the best time of your life, and it's clear from your writings, and recent videos of Chris that he was the quintessential vibrant teenager. I'm sure he would have been a standup man. It crushes me that he is not here to celebrate with his beautiful girlfriend and loving family. To be here only a month ago...it just doesn't seem fair. I'm devastated for your loss.

    I thought of Chris on my way home tonight, crossing the Twins, just like I have every night since 12/1, and wondered what he would've been doing to celebrate his birthday. Maybe at Friday's with Bailey getting extra mozz sticks? Whatever he would do or whomever he would be with, I'm certain he would be the life of the party.

    I will always remember Chris on 1/9, my brother's birthday. They are so similar in personality...I swear they would've been friends if John were 11 years younger. We will send him birthday wishes and blessed thoughts to you on this day every year. Happy Birthday Chris!

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  69. I sang in my head I didn't want to ruin Chris' ears with my voice ;) Happy Birthday to a wonderful young man <3

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  70. Regina, Every day I read your blog -I laugh, I cry and today, I sang! Each day I think about you, Mike, Jeremy and Chris -and you're so right, thinking about Chris -helps me find peace and joy. Wish I could be with you today, sending a hug instead... Love you, Lisa

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  71. Happy birthday to Chris! I sang, and poured my heart into it so much that my cat started meowing really weirdly and then clawed at the couch. Maybe I should have just done it in my head. ;)Hope any tears you shed today were mostly happy and you were pulled from that heavy spot by your sweet boy when you needed it. Thinking of you and praying for you today and always. xx

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  72. Happy Birthday Chris!!! "My" Chris is 15--I can only hope he continues to grow into the man that your Chris was! God's blessings to you--thank you for sharing your little boy with us all!!!

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  73. Regina,

    I was shocked and saddened when I first learned of your son’s passing last month. I found your blog through a link on Facebook today and cried while I read it. Imagine my surprise when I saw your maiden name and realized that we graduated from Sage together and you were in my senior play/project, “Vivian!” I see one of the reasons why your son is so special...he had you for a mother. My heart aches for you and your family. I have an 18 year old son myself and know that I could never hope to have your immense strength. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless.
    Cathy (Aidala) Bruns

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  74. Regina,
    I read your blog often, but this is my first time posting. You are a courageous woman. I sang to Christopher as you asked, and I made a wish for you, too. God Bless you and your family. Your are in my thoughts and prayers.

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  75. Happy birthday Chris. Julius and Preston made you a birthday card attached to a balloon and let it go to send to you. I know you will receive it. I am so blessed to have meet you. I would tell the girl that sits next to me how special you were and how beautiful your relationship with Bailey was. It was a true and pure AND SO BEAUTIFUL. You are a wonderful boy.

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  76. Happy birthday Chris. The celebration to your life and spirit at Shen earlier today was a happy time. We got to be on the playing field that you enjoyed so much and I knew you were there with us helping to light those candles and get the balloons off the ground and shining in the sky. The after party and food fest was just as you like too. It made me very happy to see your football buddies chowing down, laughing, and keeping the atmosphere light and positive. And everyone in the family that was there: mom, dad, brother, nana, aunts, uncles, cousins - gave you special wishes on your day. We love you, and have you in our hearts. Happy 18th birthday from Uncle Joe.

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  77. Happy Birthday Chris. It was a beautiful sunny and mild winter day. Thanks for that.

    Regina, many hugs to you on this day. I thought of you very much today.

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  78. For some reason the story of Chris, Bailey, Matt, and Deanna really stuck with me (and continues to do so). My birthday is January 9th, as well (I turned 23). I know of a bunch of people that share my birthday, but I couldn't help thinking of Chris, Bailey, and your family multiple times on my (our?) birthday this year. I can't even imagine your pain. I'm glad to read that you and Bailey help each other cope.

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  79. Nice, Beautiful Picture and info thanks to share with us and Happy Birthday Wallpaper, very shy pic so nice.

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