It is hard to believe that it has been two years since Chris died. The girls and I miss him terribly, but we go on. Looking back at this past year there are many things that Chris would have reacted to. Again, he would have been thrilled that I enjoyed my summer at Spindletop and would have moaned and groaned with me that we started school so early in August. He would have been pleased with the outcomes of my eye surgeries (I sure am) and would have been sorry that I needed to have surgery on my left knee. He would have been thrilled with how well both Allison and Emily have done in school. Although he probably would have preferred that Emily stay at Western Kentucky University, he would have supported her decision to sit out a semester-I am sure he would have enjoyed having her company at home during the day. Chris would have loved the surprise we pulled on his mom with Allison coming home for Thanksgiving Chris would have been thrilled that my nephew Ryan and fiance Jill got married but would have been very disappointed that the weather kept us from attending the wedding.He would have been happy the weather did not keep Allison from making it home for Christmas. Speaking of weather, Chris would not have been happy with the winter we had-the cold was always so difficult for him. Chris would have been very sad at the passing of his Aunt Virginia, but very pleased that his cousin Carolyn and her husband Reid are expecting a baby in late April. Chris would have been happy to see that Barack Obama is the President of the United States-Chris commented several times on Obama's accomplishments. Chris would be distressed to see the state of the economy, and probably even more distressed to see the state of the UK Basketball Team. (I have a feeling Chris would be one of the fans calling for the firing of Billy G! )Chris would have been sad at the death of Marge Lee-a long time employee of Delta Chi and Fred Hammert a Delta Chi from Texas. Chris would have enjoyed the Family Trees the girls and I made for both his mom and mine as well as the progress I have made in other scrapbooking things. Chris would have encouraged me to go ahead and enjoy myself with my Monday Night Knitters group, and the Needlepoint Guild. Chris would have loved having tickets for Mama Mia! Wicked, and Cirque Dreams-he really liked attending the theatre.

As time passes things become a little easier, and different. I've made many a mistake in the past two years-who hasn't-but for the most part I have gotten along pretty well. I still think about how Chris would react to things or how he would suggest I handle something, he was always so good at giving his opinion. I know that he is keeping watch over Allison, Emily and me and helping to make things as easy as he can for us. For this, I am truly thankful.

The girls and I are doing well. We miss Chris each and every day and really appreciate all of the thoughts and prayers that have come our way during the past two years. Thank you . Love, Mary Jo