Happy 40th Birthday, Chris!
Today is your 40th birthday. How well I remember
that day when I laid on the couch after a wonderful turkey dinner at your
grandmother’s house, thinking that I had eaten too much. Your grandfather looked
at me and said, “I think you might be in labour.” Since you were my first
child, I had no idea if he was right, but soon enough it became clear that I
was not suffering turkey pains!
Your delivery was quick and relatively easy, but I was
surprised to see that you had blond hair and blue eyes, not at all how I had
imagined you. I’m sorry that we teased you over the years about how you belonged
to the mailman, as your dad, myself and your younger brother Ben all have dark
hair and brown eyes. Over the years, it became increasingly clear how very much
you had inherited both the tall and lanky build from my side of the family and
your father’s quick wit and sense of adventure. Without a doubt, you belonged
to our family, and we all loved you dearly. I still marvel at your handsome blond
receding hairline and those beautiful blonde eyes!
As you grew older, you demonstrated a strong, intelligent,
personality. Your teachers always commented on your keen curiosity and love of
current events and world affairs. I so admired your knowledge and insights in
politics and world events, although I thought that you were a bit out there on
your conspiracy theories. It was fun to engage with you in deep and meaningful
philosophic conversations.
I also admired your strong work ethic and trying to
make a successful life for yourself. This is a value that both your father and
I hold dear, and it was so great to see you making your own path. It was clear that you were well on your way to
being able to enjoy the life that you wanted for yourself!
Chris, I miss you so much! You have been gone for 7 ½ years
now, and although the ache is less severe and comes less often, I cannot help
but wish that you had not walked out in front of that speeding taxi! How could
you not have seen it and how could you not have been more careful with
yourself? You were well taught as a youngster to look both ways. How different
life could be today if you were still with us. We could be celebrating your 40th
properly with joy and the fullness of love that always came when you were
around instead of an ache in our hearts that will never go away. Happy
birthday, my beautiful son.
Love, Mom
Christopher was one of a kind...a very special guy loved by all who ever met him. I miss him every day and pray for the day when we are together again with Ben, his little brother. As the memories flow from a life full of great times together as a family, Mom, Dad, Chris and Ben, I realize just what I had was special and will never be forgotten. It was the best of times !!!
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