Love

I used to secretly crack up and the cuteness of the relationship between Chris and Bailey.

How fun to be in love for the first time, to encounter that whole new world of feelings and take in all the new experiences.  I recall a few conversations with Chris on the renewed importance of cleanliness.  I told him Bailey wouldn't last long in his life if he didn't shower often and rinse off that football sweat! (I got the eye roll from him)...  Of course I was thrilled that there was someone new to help me instill in him the whole shower concept - it took the pressure off me to push him into the bathroom.  He had a reason to smell good :-)

I liked the longevity of his showers because he was in such a good mood when he had plans to head out on a date.  I could hear him singing thru the door and behind the glass as the shampoo lather spilled to the floor.  You know the sound it makes, there's a certain noise when it splats down.  Aren’t the acoustics in the bathroom the best?  I think I sound good in there too.  

What I didn't care for too much was the smell of the body spray Chris drowned himself in. Axe.  Oh wow was that strong!  He put on a lot of the aerosol spray and it left a fog in his room and trailed behind him down the stairs and out the door.  Truly?  I can't say I miss that, it gave me a headache.  I still have the can of course, I just don't sniff it.  I leave it to look at only.

I'm sure you're aware and maybe even thought about the fact that I still have all of Chris's "stuff"... You've probably wondered what I did with it and if I ever planned to talk about it. His toothbrush, comb, box of Q-tips, razor, old prescriptions bottles, mouthwash, sunscreen, hair gel, etc. is still in its spot.  I'm happy seeing it all right where it was left.  I like it and will move it when I'm good and ready.  Not yet.  Chris had his own bathroom so it's not in my way and I enjoy seeing his messy space.  He never cared if his sink was cleaned or his mirror was clean.  I tidied it when I couldn't stand it anymore.  He didn't worry about it one way or the other.  Today it sits as it was.

Back at Christmas I brought Bailey a bottle of "Manhattan Beach" fragrance body wash that she gave Chris.  I actually had two bottles of the same thing in the shower.  Maybe she bought them both, I have no idea.  Each had been somewhat used by Chris and so I thought well, maybe Bailey wants to smell this from time to time?  I know I do.  It'll remind her of him and that would be good. I certainly didn't shop at Hollister, it wasn't anything I bought him and I won't miss one bottle since I have the other.  I hope she's glad I brought one to her.

It was very sweet the way Chris raced out the door when he was headed to Bailey's house or one of her diving practices.  He used to bring his backpack full of homework and I always wondered if any of it got done.  Dawn Wind tells me it did so I'll go with that...  

Chris' enthusiasm was infectious though.  He miraculously was never hungry for dinner if it meant it would set him back an extra ten minutes in leaving to see Bailey.  I understood that. I never asked him to stay and eat.  I know what his priority was, especially since they didn't go to school together and he didn't see her all day long.  He was jumping out of his skin to be in her space.  I loved how in love he was.  I was happy for him.

I used to send Dawn texts and tell her I was coming down to her house.  They had so much fun there.  They would dance and cook and color and paint their nails (yes Chris got roped into nail painting)... 

He also did Bailey's hair.  He used the straightening iron on it.  He loved to play with her gorgeous long hair!

They had some really great dates.  I can't stand mini golf personally, but they enjoyed it along with shopping, ice cream eating, Lake George treks and movies... Among all the other things teens like such as school sporting events, proms and hanging out at friend’s houses.  

The Winds took Chris with them many places including Six Flags and Boston. They even had planned a trip to see the Bruins but the NHL season was cancelled in December.  I was horribly boring in comparison.  I took them apple picking and that's about it.

Chris and Bailey had one of those sweet love affairs.  They wandered in and out of each other’s houses very comfortably.  They let themselves in and there were times when they were at each other’s house when the other one wasn't even home.  Sometimes Bailey was at my place when I got home from work and Chris wouldn't get home for half an hour, didn't matter. They were welcome in either place all the time. I remember a text from Dawn early on, she told me her husband really liked Chris.  She went on to say she was floored by it because like any father of a teenage daughter, he didn't like ANY boy who took an interest in his child.  Chris was no ordinary boy though.  He was really special and it was impossible not to love him.  I'm so glad he found his way into their hearts and home.  The love was everywhere around Chris and Bailey.  It still is.

Thank you for reading.