It has been almost 20 days since Chris died-that is so hard to believe. It is amazing the amount of work involved after a death-most of it paperwork. I come home from work, take a nap and then begin an evening of "estate" paperwork. Fortunately I have friends who are helping me-it is a daunting task for anyone and even more daunting when the person who has to complete all of the paperwork has just lost an important person in their life.

On to brighter things. . . Yesterday, Chris was remembered in the state House of Representatives. Jody Richards, Speaker of the House and a good friend of Chris's, along with Charlie Hoffman the representative for our area, read a resolution that when the House closed for the day they would do so in memory of Chris. We (family and friends) walked down the center aisle of the House and stood in front of all of the legislators while the resolution was read. It was a pretty neat experience-Chris would have loved it!

Emily and I are going to an all day (12 hours!) scrapbooking event on Saturday. I have done it several times before-this is a first for her. I am glad she is getting into a hands-on hobby. She is so creative-I hope she likes scrappin' as much as I do. Thanks again for all of the kind words and prayers - they make things a bit easier. Mary Jo

Things are turning back to normal (whatever that is!) here in Georgetown. I am back at school-it is a short week for me-I'll be off Thursday to take Emily to a doctor and the entire county is out of school on Friday for the state basketball tournament. Allison is flying back to Boston in the morning. It has been great to have here at home, but she has a life to get back to in Boston-I am sure they will be glad to see here back at the school/facility where she works. Emily returns to her job at the theatre tomorrow , it will be good for all of us to get back in to our routines. Carolyn seems to be managing. She came to our house last night for dinner-the girls cooked. This evening we all went to an Asian Buffet here in Georgetown. Lyland and Bill came so we could have a good send off to Allison-she needs to be in Louisville by 7:30 am!!!!
We have received so many wonderful cards and and phone calls. Chris impacted the lives of many, it has been great for the girls (me too) to hear about all of the good things Chris has done for others during his lifetime. It is a strong testament to what a fine individual he truly was. He will really be missed.
I will probably keep this blog going for a little bit more. It is good "therapy" for me. Please keep the good thought and prayers headed to Georgetown-every little bit helps. Take Care. Mary Jo

We have had an emotional few days. Over four hundred friends and family came to the funeral home on Sunday for the visitation and to the funeral on Monday. What a testament to Chris. Family came in from Illinois, Iowa, Virginia, and Tennessee and some of brothers of Delta Chi and other friends travelled from Iowa, Ohio and Indiana to help celebrate Chris's life. I know Chris would have been pleased with the Knights Templar standing guard at the funeral home, with the Masonic ceremony at graveside as well as the Delta Chi graveside ceremony. Chris and I had talked in the past about music we liked, so I know that the music played by Charlotte, and sung by Debbie and the congregation would have pleased him as well. Steve, Vicky and Scott said such wonderful things about Chris and his life that Chris would have been honored but would humbly say that he did not do anything special, he just did what he liked to do and that he did not do any of it alone. Chris was a wonderful man and a friend to many. I know I am a better person from living life with Chris. He was a great husband and father and my best friend. I will miss him. Mary Jo

Life has been a blur for me since Thursday. As I sit here and write this , my girls are in the other room laughing with each other while putting a memorial board together about their Daddy. I am happy that in this sad time they are able to find laughter while digging through all of the old photo albums. Many family members have arrived with more coming tomorrow. Emily commented to me that it is so good visiting with her relatives, but that she wished it wasn't for such a sad time. She has also said that it is too bad that her daddy doesn't get see the out pouring of love and friendship and to hear all of the wonderful things people have said about him. I assured her that Chris knew he was well loved and that he would want us to celebrate his life, not mourn his death. We have laughed and we have cried and in the coming days we will do more of the same, but it is comforting to us to read and hear all of the wonderful things that have been said about Chris. Please keep the thoughts and prayers coming our way, I know the coming days will be difficult. Take Care. Mary Jo

Visitation, March 11, 3-7 Johnson's Funeral Home Georgetown, Ky http://www.johnsonsfuneralhome.com/
Funeral, March 12, 11 am First Christian Church, Georgetown, Ky

It is with a sad and heavy heart that I must tell you that Chris died last night. (3/9)He has been feeling so good lately that all of us are surprised-this hit us out of the blue. I am unsure of the arrangements, Allison is flying home today and other Family will be coming in over the weekend. I'll try to post what I can here on the blog. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Take Care. Mary Jo