Remembering Chris

While meditating a couple of weeks ago, Chris came to mind. The last time I saw him in person was when we were 12, graduating from the sixth grade. We weren’t close back then, but we got along fine. When Facebook came along, he was among those from my past who I friended, and we would occasionally like and comment on each other’s posts.

When he showed up again during the next evening’s meditation, I logged on to check his activity. He hadn’t posted since last November, but in the comments section, someone wrote, “RIP, Chris. May you find peace in what comes after”, followed by other condolences. He was a few weeks short of turning 54.

Over the years, Chris posted about his work as a music teacher, playing piano, his admiration for composer FJ Haydn and singer Hildegard von Blingin, and his involvement with his church. He also wrote of his struggles with diabetes, kidney failure, and eventual foot amputation.

Since learning of his passing, I’ve thought of Chris frequently. These thoughts bring a richer appreciation and gratitude for each day, my health, and all the “little things”—carrying groceries upstairs, exercising, and seeing my parents. I hope that doing this, as well as introducing my Youtropolis tribe to him, honors Chris’ memory.

This video is Hildegard Von Blingin's rendition of "Hurt" by Nine Inch Nails.