- 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
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain for the old order of things has passed away."