I wasn't sure whether to write this post, or even how to write it. We are still coping with the loss of our beloved Uncle Chris (my brother-in-law), who lost his battle with cancer on October 21. One of Chris's last text messages to me was, "I'm fighting." And fight he did! The last years of his life were nothing short of miraculous. Chris was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2016 and given mere months to live, but through grit, determination, the power of prayer, and the grace of God, he turned those months into 4 years. His suffering was great and unimaginable at times. But amidst the pain, he inspired so many of us and has left a big hole in our hearts.
Jeff and I were honored to have become closer to Chris in the past year as he worked to put many of his affairs in order. Chris had so many special gifts, including a unique way with words and a mesmerizing personality that drew in anyone he encountered. This was true even more so in the end. Every text, every phone call, and every email was filled with insight and wisdom but also sorrowful acknowledgment of the short time he had left in this world.
Chris was likely the most goal-oriented person I've ever known and will ever meet in this lifetime. He lived for achievement - both his own as well as achievements of those around him, and he wasn't afraid to let you know if you fell short! It was nothing personal, but he wouldn't hesitate to prod you with a not-so-gentle reminder if you weren't living up to your potential. For someone with thick skin, this was just the kick-in-the-butt we needed to refocus and work toward our goals. But even if he rubbed you the wrong way with his high expectations, his magnetic smile and charming charisma would dissolve any hurt feelings along the way.
In Chris's presence, it felt like he could see right through you, and he had a way of getting to the heart of any matter in mere seconds. He always made others feel so special, as if YOU were the one who mattered most in that moment and there were no limits to what YOU could accomplish. Chris, ever the gifted salesman, often ended up selling others on themselves as much as anything else. He inspired, uplifted, praised and encouraged. After an encounter with him, we all held our heads a bit higher and stood a bit taller. What a gift he was to all of us who knew and loved him.
The day of Chris's memorial service was a chilly but gorgeous fall day, full of blue skies and sunshine. When the service began, we sat with my sister Michelle and listened intently as Chris's loved ones shared their memories as well as their hearts. We laughed, we cried, and we grieved, as the reality of his absence began to sink in. Perhaps because Chris had a larger-than-life personality and spirit, it seems harder to accept that he's gone. We are heartbroken and will miss him so much.
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