Four years. . . Where does the time go? As I sit here at my computer I look around and see all of the changes I have made around the house, Chris would be pleased. New floors, new paint, new furniture, Chris would have loved it all except for the dust it generated as the work was done. I finally replaced the sectional couch that Chris bought before we got married. It has been great, held up well, but it needed to be changed. Emily helped pick out the new one, but was a bit reluctant to let the old go. The fact that a young family who had no couch received our old one made the new one that much nicer. Emily recently spent time weeding out the bookcases but made sure to leave all of the science fiction books that Chris loved to read, she thought that maybe she would read them some day. Chris and I chose all of the things for this house together, as I made choices for the new floors and the new kitchen, what Chris would suggest was never far from my mind. I think he would like how things are now.
Chris would have “felt my pain” because I was in school so late last June-we both looked forward to summer days spent at the pool. In late June, Emily and I went to Boston to spend time with Allison and Meg, I am sorry that Chris is not here to celebrate their engagement and upcoming marriage. Chris often talked about the time when our girls would settle down. He would have really liked Meg-she makes Allison very happy.
Chris would have been very surprised that I was not ready to go back to school in early August-I am always ready, but last summer was entirely too short! Chris would love that Emily is finally taking computer classes-working towards a graphic art degree-he really liked the work she did on the computer. Chris would have enjoyed getting to know Emily’s boyfriend, Jonathan. He would have probably talked Jonathan’s ear off about the “War of Northern Aggression” (Chris’s term) especially since neither Emily nor I are particularly fluent in the American Civil War, but it is something Jonathan likes. Chris would have been so happy and proud that Allison earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and was offered a teaching position at her school. He knew how difficult it was to work and take college classes at the same time as Allison has done.
Chris would have enjoyed watching his beloved CATS in the NCAA tournament last spring but would have been disappointed that they did not make it to the Final Four. He would have been pleased that five of the CATS were chosen it in the first round of the NBA draft, but would have preferred that they stay at UK. Chris would have enjoyed watching the CATS this season but would have moaned like the rest of us that they have had a such hard time winning on the road. No matter what he hated to see UK lose ball games.
Family was always very important to Chris, he loved each and every holiday, wedding and birthday because it meant that family was gathering somewhere. My nephew Sean’s wedding in July and my niece’s, Beth, wedding in October meant celebrating with the McKennas. Thanksgiving and Christmas were celebrations with his mom’s brothers and sisters. Chris loved to talk, and family gatherings gave him the chance to catch up with everyone. Although the girls and I enjoy all of the family celebrations, they are just not the same without Chris.
There have been so many changes this year, weddings, births (Ryan and Grace), deaths, remodels, engagements, new friends, new technology (ipad!), movies, TV but one thing remains the same, Chris has been missed each and every day. Life goes on, things change but the memories remain. I am glad that Chris was part of my life.
Allison, Emily, Carolyn and I really appreciate all of the thoughts and prayers that have come our way. We are all doing well and know in our heart that Chris keeps watch over us. Life is good. Take Care. Mary Jo
