Today is our son Chris’ 25th birthday. Nine weeks ago, Chris left us for Heaven and, although we are happy for him, we miss him tremendously.

Over 1000 people attended Chris’ Memorial Service, and in case you couldn’t attend, I am sharing the video of my “Love Letter to Chris” that I presented on September 30th at his service. I was planning on giving Chris a special letter for his quarter century birthday, but unfortunately, I had to read it seven weeks early, at his funeral. I am also providing a link to the video tribute of Chris’ life that was so beautifully put together by his brother Nick.

How Are We Doing?

Generally, we are getting back into our normal routines of life. We have many blessings to be thankful for each day and we do our best to focus on the positives. However, we still cry several times each day and we have trouble believing Chris is truly gone. It is very difficult “erasing” Chris’ name from his RRSP, cell phone, bank accounts, etc. It feels like a small part of him dies each time we “take care of the required paperwork”.

As I write this email, we are thankful that our son Nick is home, with some friends from California, for his US Thanksgiving break. We are also so thankful that Chris brought our “daughter-in-love” Marie into our lives! Marie tells us often that she loves us, and we spend quite a bit of time together, so she has helped fill the void created by Chris’ untimely death.

I love to listen to podcasts and I have recently been listening to many messages that provide valuable advice on dealing with grief. Two lessons that have really impacted me are:

1. “Eat the fruit of sorrow, even if it is bitter. This fruit, that you can only eat during your grief, has nutrients in it that you can’t get any other way.” John Piper
2. “Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you’re just coming out of one, or you’re getting ready to go into another one…I used to think that life was hills and valleys – you go through a dark time, then you go to the mountaintop, back and forth. I don’t believe that anymore. Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it’s kind of like two rails on a railroad track, and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life. No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on. And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can be thankful for.” Rick Warren

Yes, our family is going through an extremely difficult time, but I acknowledge that every family has challenges that are real and often very difficult. My heart goes out to you in whatever struggles you may be currently dealing with. Please know that I am available if you ever wish to talk.

My family and I would like to thank you for attending Chris’ Memorial Service, for sending cards, flowers, food, gifts and messages, for visiting and loving us, and for your generous support of his wife Marie. What can I say? AMAZING…THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Chad’s Love Letter to Chris: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQU2EG2uwaQ

Chris’ life in video: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_cpppi4i8L-MkFGVllFMjRPTFE

 

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