December the 8th: another year rolls by

You and your fun,
laughter, energy,
continue with us
in so many ways.

Eight years is ridiculous.

Never ever forgotten,
always missed.

I remember ...

• a dark eyed boy who looked straight at you
• a toddler who never stopped and then slept when his head hit the pillow
• random acts of toddler aggression
• his independence
• his energy
• not always understanding him, but loving him beyond myself, beyond my need to control
• worrying, being unsure, praying for wisdom and being grateful that Chris could stand his ground
• noticing parents with ‘easy’ children, and their watchful (and sometimes critical) gaze on our ‘not easy’ child
• sometimes guiltily wishing we had an ‘easy’ child but never wanting to swap despite the challenges
• his connection with animals and lively games with cats and a dog in the backyard
• (his energy)
• a cheeky laugh
• an inquiring mind
• the way he gathered people together and made things happen
• that there was never a moment to waste
• (his energy)
• his interest in so many things, and his impatience to learn
• how he was good at many sports, 
• that fear never stopped him doing anything, just made him more determined
• moral courage
• that being corrected was not his cup of tea; he liked to be right
• that people told him their fears and worries because he could cope; ‘his broad shoulders’ were literal and metaphorical
• how he inspired loyalty and was dauntless in leadership
• sarcasm, and harsh judgements at times, but quick to forgive, quick to apologise
• (his energy) 
• that he didn’t suffer fools, but was also a rescuer 
• his deep and unshakeable faith which saw him leave his earthly life as comfortably as anyone is able to

from Lindy