This past year there have been many things that have happened that I often wondered what Chris would have thought about them. The biggest would be with UK basketball. He would have been thrilled to see Billy Gillispie go, but would not have been happy with the settlement the University and Gillispie agreed upon. He would have been thrilled with the choice of John Calipari as the new head coach of UK basketball. Chris would have liked the way that Calipari has embraced the Commonwealth and the way the Commonwealth has embraced Coach Cal. Chris would have loved the fact that the Big Blue faithful are once again camping out to secure their ticket or spot for the games, and he would have loved watching “his cats” play at Rupp. I can hear him now talking about the upcoming SEC tournament and the NCAA brackets and bemoaning the fact that the fabulous freshmen on this year's team may go pro.March madness is almost upon us and I know Chris would be watching every game possible.
Looking back at the past year, Chris would have loved seeing all of his cousins at the memorial they had for his Aunt Virginia. Chris loved being part of a big extended family and enjoyed anytime we were able to get together with his relatives-mine too!
Chris would have been thrilled at the birth of his cousin Carolyn’s daughter, Ava and my great niece, Caroline. His heart held a special place for baby girls-I wonder why?
Chris would have supported me in my decisions to take some ambitious needlepoint classes, although he would probably have just shook his head that I am needlepointing things for Halloween (he never understood why people would go all out in decorating for this holiday) He would have been thrilled to see me get out each month to attend the needlepoint guild meetings-he encouraged me to do more things for me, but he would be shaking his head that I am the treasurer of the guild-Chris took care of all things money related in our life and I was happy for him to do it! He would have enjoyed the things I’ve been knitting and would have been helpful with suggestions on color and yarn type-Chris had an opinion for everything!
Chris would have been thrilled to see that I spent most of my summer days sitting poolside at Spindletop and would have joined me if it were possible. He loved being out there and was disappointed when his health took that joy away.
Chris would have been happy to see Allison and Emily happy in what they are doing, whether it be school or work, he just wanted them to be happy.
I think the biggest new thing that Chris would have embraced this year would be FaceBook. Because of his health, Chris was not able to get out and do things a whole lot so the computer and email became very important to him. Chris loved being in contact with his Delta Chi Brothers from all over the world through email. Being part of FaceBook and other social networks would have made this a bit easier. Chris was very good about keeping in contact with friends from school but FaceBook would have made it so much easier. Because Chris was so good about keeping in contact with friends from the past he really encouraged me to do the same, which I didn’t really do. Chris would be thrilled to see that I have stepped out of my comfort zone and am now in contact with lots of people from my past and having a grand time with it all. He did it and he never understood why I did not . ..
Three years is a long time but sometimes it feels like it was just yesterday that Chris and I were talking about this or that. Allison, Emily, Carolyn and I are doing well. We have had our ups and downs in the past year but who hasn’t? We miss Chris each and every day but know in our hearts that he keeps watch over us. We really appreciate all of the thoughts and prayers that have come our way. Life is good. Love, Mary Jo
