Archived Memories

Memories of Chrissy

Chrissy
From: Bill Jr.
Date: 11 Apr 2006
We created this part of the website for family and friends to post any memories or thoughts they have of Chrissy. We would like this to become an ongoing memorial to her life and to all of the ways she touched ours. Please feel free to post an individual story (no matter how short or long), memory, etc.

Bill and Hannah's Wedding
From: Scott Lawrence
Date: 11 Apr 2006
I have to say my most vivid memory of Chrissy was during Bill and Hannah's wedding. Just a half hour or so before the cerimony was to start. THere was an item (it was an heirloom) that was supposed to be with the flowers (when they were delivered), but wasn't. Chrissy was trying to tell the person at the flower shop, how importian this item was for the cerimony. Now the night before, we men, where out and Chrissy and her temper came up in a few stories. I honestly believed I was experiencing "The Wraith of Chrissy" and from the look on Shawn's face at the time, I had to laugh, because I was truly relieved. I wasn't on the other end of the phone. I wish I had known her more than I did, she is missed !!!!!

Re: Bill and Hannah's Wedding
From: Bill Jr.
Date: 11 Apr 2006
Scott's 100% right. If any of you were down in the basement of the church with the wedding party, you would have seen Chrissy letting the floral arrangers have both barrels of her frustration over the phone. I grew up with it, so it was another day of family bliss for me, but I'm sure it surprised a few people to see 5-foot, smiling Chrissy tear into the floral guy for losing our late grandma's cross. It was never a good idea to upset Chrissy's family when she was around. She let us have it when she felt the need, but nobody else got to step on her family.
Peanut Butter & Jelly
From: Bill Jr.
Date: 11 Apr 2006
Chrissy and I never got to spend the night at relative's houses very much, so when we did we liked to stay up as late as possible. One night we were staying at our Aunt Margaret's house and for some reason we were in bed earlier than we wanted to be. Chrissy decided to protest and wanted me to join along. We were "sleeping" in different rooms, so Chrissy started yelling "peanut butter" from her room. For some unknown reason, I chimed in instinctively with "and jelly." It didn't get us anywhere, but it made us laugh and I'm sure Aunt Margaret got a kick out of it. We tried it a few weeks later on our grandma, but she didn't find it nearly as funny.

Bugs
From: Bill Jr.
Date: 11 Apr 2006
I started calling Chrissy "Bugs" sometime while she was in high school. I went to all of her track meets and cross country events to watch her run, and I was making fun of her curly hair one day saying that it looked like a nest and probably had bugs in it. She obviously didn't appreciate it, so I made it stick and charted chearing her on with the nickname as she ran the course. It never went away, and when she made homecoming court, I made a personalized "Bugs Fan Club" shirt with an old white t-shirt and a sharpie marker. I wore that shirt under my tux to her wedding and took off my outer clothes when I made a reception speech. I'm sure she thought (or wished) the shirt had disappeared.

Bad Chinese Food
From: Hannah
Date: 11 Apr 2006
Chrissy and I liked to get Chinese food together. One time before discovering First Wok, we went to the Panda Express. I don’t think either one of us had ever eaten there before but we liked Chinese food so we thought we would try it. We both ordered chicken of some sort. Only she didn’t get chicken. She didn’t eat very much of it before we decided it was something other than chicken. We were both sick that night and swore we’d never eat there again.
Before The Wedding
From: Lindsay Staley
Date: 11 Apr 2006
I remember I was late... (for the wedding) but it seemed to me that Chrissy didn't notice. Her mind was everywhere. She was "bouncing" as Billy called it one minute, and near crying the next minute. She was pregnant, she was the most lavish I think I had ever seen her in our whole lives. She was a little on the demanding side, as we all know Chrissy could be; but its funny to me now. Like many memories I have of Chrissy, I was just happy to be part of the festivities. We took one picture alone, back in the room she got dressed in (i still to this day dont know where that picture is, but there was a Hardee's cup in my hand) and Chrissy gave me a big hug. I told her I was really proud, and she just smiled. It was few words with Chrissy when it was sentimental between us. She knew that was the first time she'd seen me since I told her I was pregnant, and she always worried and prayed for me. One look from her, and I dare ask... haha. Chrissy was scared- but like the girl she was, she made me feel invincible... I'll never know how she was always so strong, but it's something she instilled in me for as long as I'll live. I was scared for her always... but, thats just the most beautiful memory I have. I know she knew how proud i wasof her. It's everything she ever wanted. We dreamed about marriage and children for as long as I can remember.

Heat Vent
From: Lindsay Staley
Date: 12 Apr 2006
I don't know why "grown ups" use to do this back in the day... but Aunt Lorie use to put aluminum pans of water over the heat ducts... During a sleepover, me, Chrissy, Billy, and Jeremy were playing hide and seek at their house one night (it was dark), and I just hadn't quite found the perfect hiding place. I heard Chrissy shout "hear i come" from little Bill's room, and she burst throught her bedroom door. I was standing behind the door and sat right in the pan of water.

ONE Eye
From: Lindsay Staley
Date: 12 Apr 2006
This is the LOOK. Chrissy had it watching TV, Chrissy had it if she was pondering something, or listening to your thoughts... this is a LOOK. One eye... looking right at you... (or the TV, or whatever), her head cocked to the side, and her expression was questionable. Definately unique...!

The Titanic
From: Lindsay Staley
Date: 12 Apr 2006
I was in middle school and my boyfriend just died. Aunt Lorie and Uncle Bill didn't let Chrissy visit often (for sleepovers) but, Chrissy visited me at my dads for the weekend. Among many memorable events from that weekend, we went and saw "Titanic" the movie. Maybe not the best choice for the situation... but we stayed up all night, and she talked and talked me throught it.

Re: Heat Vent
From: Bill Jr.
Date: 12 Apr 2006
There was another time we were playing hide and seek: all of the family was at our house for something (I'm thinking the 4th of July), and all of the cousins were playing together (I think there were like 184 of us at the time). Stephen had the best spot and we couldn't find him for the longest time. Chrissy got so mad about it that she punched Stephen pretty hard when we eventually found him.

Re: ONE Eye
From: Hannah
Date: 13 Apr 2006
That is so funny! I know exactly what you're talking about. She had that look a lot. It always made me wonder what she was thinking when she looked at me like that. Definitely unique!

Camping
From: Liz
Date: 14 Apr 2006
I don't have a lot of memories of Chrissy when we were younger, because I'm a little older (shhh, don't tell), but the one thing that stands out for me is the memory of our families going camping together in Missouri. Because, at the time, Chrissy and I were the only girls, we got to be special and sleep inside the camper. I remember, like always, she was a talker...and we'd talk and giggle half the night away...until we got in trouble! Of course, 5 minutes after getting yelled at, we'd start talking and giggling again...

Barbie Dolls
From: Lindsay Staley
Date: 15 Apr 2006
Barbies, Barbies, Barbies! Need I say more... I seriously believe I have more 'Barbie' time in with Chrissy, than any girl in the entire universe. It didn't matter if we were in the 'scary' basement... or upstairs... we played for hours... I think we were like 12 or 13 before we gave that up. (well, maybe younger... but sure feels that way)!

Re: Barbie Dolls
From: Bill Jr.
Date: 15 Apr 2006
You may be right on who had the most Barbie time. I admit, she was able to convice me to play sometimes. I remember you all playing a bunch, and I also remember being glad you were playing with her b/c that meant she wasn't asking me. Between the two of you, I'm sure you had enough Barbies to start your own Barbie country.

Re: Camping
From: Bill Jr.
Date: 15 Apr 2006
Camping in MO with you all is by far one of our most vivid childhood memories, and it was one of the things we loved to do. We'd load up the truck with coolers, clothes, food, bicycles...and make the 4-5 hr drive to Mermac, MO. I always felt a little more grown-up when we went camping b/c Mom always told me to "keep an eye on your sister and watch out for her." We loved going camping with Uncle Mark's family. That is one of the things I mentioned that we will miss out on now--taking our kids camping together. Remember the time our dad ran over Aunt Donna's dog?

Chrissy
From: Chet Staley
Date: 15 Apr 2006
I remember a virtuous young woman who never had a malicious thing to say about anything, or anybody, and was my daughter's best friend.

Halloween
From: Kerri Mesaeh
Date: 15 Apr 2006
I don't have many memories of Chrissy because no one came around very much here but i do remember on halloween uncle bill and aunt lori always had big parties and chrissy loved them and she was always up to scare someone at them! she was always so nice to me when she first met me even though i wasn't apart of the family then.

Candles
From: Kerri Mesaeh
Date: 15 Apr 2006
One other memory i have of chrissy was she came to our house and we hosted a candle party for her and at the end she asked me if i want to be a consultant and i was like sure. She told me that she would set it up. I had high school and beauty school and i was working so she said she wanted to wait till the summer since i was so busy, we never finished it:(

Article 22
From: Kerri Mesaeh
Date: 15 Apr 2006
I worked at red lobster and chrissy and shawn came in to eat with grace and after they were done eating shawn went to get the car and i told chrissy i would get a lobster out for grace. I think they were both a little freaked out:)

Graduation
From: Kerri Mesaeh
Date: 15 Apr 2006
The week before my graduation pary my dad and ann went to see chrissy and snn was talking to chrissy about my party. Chrissy freaked out because she thought she missed it but it was the next weekend. Well at my party i didnt want anything but uncle bill and aunt lori got me a present and aunt lori came over to me and said i didnt know what to get you but chrissy said " Money you want money for graduation, duh" I started to laugh. Chrissy got me a very pretty picture fame and money.. lol. I will never for get her saying that. She promised me that she would be there and she was.

Re: Halloween
From: Bill Jr.
Date: 15 Apr 2006
Thanks for writing, Kerri. Chrissy was good at scaring people, and she always had fun at those parties. You're right--she was good at making people feel at home. Email me with your email address so I can add you to the family email list.

Re: Camping
From: Liz
Date: 16 Apr 2006
Sadly enough, wasn't the dog's name Pitiful anyway? Even though Chrissy can't be with us, she did say she wanted Grace to do all the things that she did as a kid...and I still plan on holding that promise-even if I have to arm wrestle your mom to be able to do it! LOL

WHEN CRISSY WAS ABOUT 3OR 4
From: BOBBIE ZEPEDA
Date: 16 Apr 2006
WHEN I USE TO BABY SIT , CRISSY WOULD REFUSE TO ANSWER TO CRISSY. SHE WANTED TO BE CALLED " MARGO" FROM HER FAVORITE CARTOON!!! SHE WAS ABOUT 3 OR 4 THIN.

Re: Halloween
From: kerri
Date: 16 Apr 2006
my e-mail is cherrykerri23@yahoo.com, its good to hear from you. i dont get to talk to much of the family often:( i always enjoyed those parties with you and chrissy and your mom and dad....

A poem
From: Julie H.
Date: 18 Apr 2006
I hope this comes through THE GREAT THREE IN ONE Separate they are one. Together they are one. Together they are separate. Separate they are Three. This is a note of what they are to me. The oldest, the mother, is dearest to my heart. As most things do, she is the start. Like a tree with roots deep and strong, You better get out the way when things go wrong!!!! When the rain comes, her branches reach so far To keep dry, her shining stars. When the wind blows, she bends and sways Time and storms have wore down the tree, look deep and you will see She wants to stop, rest, and give in. but we all know this will not be. Sometimes, I don’t think the great tree knows her own strength. The second one came, a flower so sweet. One of the nicest people you will ever meet. She believes in truth and justice for all, and her tiny hand reaches to you if you take a fall. Just like King David, the goliath before her, her faith and her love is an example to all. The small one like a kitten, so gentle and frail, has had to know a pain, The worst kind, but she will prevail, for life has already tried to get in her way, Sheltered by the tree, comforted by the sweet flower, she will be okay. Someday the small kitten will be a roaring Lion, and many will hear her. The roar will be sure and strength to us all. This is my story of the three greatest ladies I love so. “God always keeps his promises”, Love, Julie Haworth

Re: Chrissy
From: mom mamma mommy lori
Date: 18 Apr 2006
I DO NOT DO WELL ON THE COMPUTER BUT I JUST CANT GO ON ANY LONGER W/OUT THANKING EVERYONE FOR ALL YOU HAVE SAID ABOUT MY BABY GIRL I HAVE TO SAY SHE WAS THE BEST DAUGHTER ANY MOM COULD HAVE OH YES SHE SURE WAS SPUNKY THAT IS FOR SURE BUT FROM THEDAY I GAVE BIRTH TO HER I KNEW THAT SHE WAS IT I HAD MY BABYGIRL AND SO SATISFIED EVEN THOUGH BILL SAID I SCREAMED LIKE CRAZY WHEN I BIRTH BOTH BILLY AND CHRISSY BUT I KNEW IN MY HEART I HAD MY LITTLE FAMILY AND THAT WAS ENOUGH FOR ME .I HAVE TO SAY UNLIKE HER BROTHER SHE WAS AQUITE CONTENT BABY AND AS SHE GOT OLDER LOVED TO GET UP ON THE KITHCEN COUNTER AND WATCH HER BIG BROTHER PLAY OUYSIDE AND HELP ME COOK AND DO DISHES AS HER DAUGHTER GRACE MARIE DOES NOW.THANKS AGAIN TO EVERYONE YOU DO NOT KNOW HOW IT MAKES ALL OUR HEARTS FEEL WHEN WE READ THIS AND BILLY AND HANNAH THERE IS JUST NO THANKING YOU ENOUGH WE WOULD KNOT HAVE THIS IF IT WASN'T FOR YOU TWO. WE MISS HER SO SO BAD W/ LOVE AND JULIE THAT POEM MELTED MY HEART. PLEASE DO NOT STOP LETTING ME HEAR ABOUT MY BABY GIRL

Ohio/Partylite
From: Liz
Date: 18 Apr 2006

When Chrissy started being a partylite consultant, I volunteered to have a party at my house just to help her out (or so I thought). Little did I know what I was getting myself into! After my party, Chrissy started trying to talk me into being a consultant too...mainly to get the free candles. I'm not into sales, so I felt I was pretty set against it! Just when I thought I had her convinced I couldn't do it, Chrissy called my husband and convinced him he had to talk me into it. She was a sneaky little thing! Anyway, I signed up. After that, she talked my husband into making me go to Ohio with her to a Partylite meeting. I was not excited and I really didn't want to go. But I went so Chrissy wouldn't have to go by herself. It turns out that that trip was the very beginning of my close relationship with Chrissy. She talked my ear off the whole trip, we stayed up and laughed and talked until 3 am (our meeting was at 8:00), and had the best time getting to know each other again. Overall, it was a really great time and a really good trip, just because I got to spend time with my cousin. However, I made the mistake of letting her drive home! Wow! She scared the crap out of me!

Standing up for Austin
From: Liz
Date: 18 Apr 2006
Chrissy stayed at my house alot when she had doctor's appointments. It was the best! No, Uncle Bill, she was not overstaying her welcome! She could have moved in and we would have been happy to have her! We shopped, we ate chinese food, we watched cheesy movies... I have one visit that sticks out in my mind. Austin (my son) has had a hard time of it, staying out of trouble in school. Well, Chrissy was staying over, we had just gotten back from going shopping, and my husband was talking to someone at the front door. Apparently, my son had supposedly been mean to another student in his class and his father decided to show up and have a little chat. Well, Chrissy felt it was inappropriate for this man to show up at our door as opposed to talking to the school and upsetting Austin (who denied the whole thing), so she let him have it. She wanted him to follow proper procedures...investigate the matter with the school and have the school contact us. I don't think the guy got a word in...she was in rare form! I've never laughed so hard in my life! She said no one was going to show up at my house and upset Austin...even if he was mean to another kid! Chrissy was the type of person who would stand up for you, no matter if you were wrong or not. She wasn't going to let someone bully her family around! I saw a lot of her mom in her that night, considering I've seen Aunt Lori go off just like that (Missouri) for her family!

DADDY'S GIRL
From: DAD
Date: 19 Apr 2006
WE ALL KNOW THAT CHRISSY WAS GREAT.SHEWAS A FREIND TO ALL.SHE WAS TRUELY AMAZIING.WHAT EVER SHE SET HERE EYES ON IT WAS DONE.CHRISSY COULD COOK,CHRISSY COULD CLEAN(WHEN SHE WANTED TO)CHRISSY COULD RUN,CHRISSY COULD BE THE FREIND YOU HAVE ALWAYS WANTED. BUT..............CHRISSY'S DRIVING HAS ENOUGH MEMORIES TO WRITE A BOOK. " DADDY I HAVE A FLAT TIRE COULD YOU COME AND FIX IT " BENT RIM, CHUNK OF CURB MISSING, BLOWEN TIRE. WHISPERS IN MOMMY'S HEAR,MOOMY SAID BETTER TELL YOUR DADDY " DADDY I MIGHT HAVE BUMP SOMETHING IN YOUR THUNDERBIRD " WELL LETS GO TAKE A LOOK. FRONT FENDER TO REAR FENDER ONE LONG SCRAPE PLUS MIRROR." DADDY YOUR NEW TRUCK ONLY GOES 95 MILES PER HOUR" " DADDY YOU SIT BESIDE ME I'M DRIVING US ALLTHE WAY TO THE MAYO CLINIC BY MYSELF" 15 HOURS LATER WE ARE THERE, THANKS LIZ , NO COMMENT ON YOUR VAN ????? BUT SHE WAS DADDY'S GIRL AND SHE COULD DO NO WRONG.

Re: DADDY'S GIRL
From: Liz
Date: 19 Apr 2006
I'm so glad I didn't know that at the time! However, right now, I wish she was here to drive it and wreck it , so I could get a new one!

so thoughtful
From: Penny
Date: 21 Apr 2006
I just want to say that Chrissy was just about the most thoughtful person I ever met. She always thought about everyone else and their feelings. Hannah and Bill had already moved to California and it was time for Grace's birthday. Chrissy called me up on the phone and invited me to Grace's birthday party. She said, Now you don't have to come if you have other plans but I didn't want you to feel left out. I just thought that was so thoughtful!! I loved her and her beautiful smile. I too miss her! I am so glad that she wanted her brother to marry Hannah, for you see Hannah is my daughter and now I have Bill as my son-in-law. Also his family as part of my heart!!!

Re: Standing up for AUSTIN
From: BOBBIE ZEPEDA
Date: 21 Apr 2006
I COULD NOT AGREE MORE ABOUT CRISSY HAVING SO MUCH OF LORI IN HER!!!!LORI RAISED ME , ONE TIME I MADE THE MISTAKE OF BRING THIS GUY OVER TO MEET LORI AND UNCLE BILL!!! HE WAS A GREAT DEAL OLDER BUT DID NOT LOOK IT. BOY SHE SAW RIGHT THROUGH HIM SHE LIT HIM UP SO BAD THIS MAN WAS SHAKING THE WORST I HAD EVER SEEN SOME ONE SHAKE IN MY LIFE!!! HE RAN OUT OF THERE AND NEVER SPOKE TO ME UNTIL I WAS 21!!! " YES, BILLY JR. THE WIMPY TOOTHFAIRY"!!! BUT, NOW THAT I'M OLDER AND I HAVE A TEENAGER OF MY OWN I SEE HOW MUCH SHE REALLY DID LOVE!!!! WITH OUT LORI& MY GRANDMA I WOULD NOT BE THE PERSON OR THE PARENT I AM TODAY!!!!!!! HAT'S OFF TO YOU LORI!!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!! AND I LOVE U FOR THAT!!!!! I HAVE SEEN THIS SAME PERSONALITY IN CRISSY IT COMES FROM MY GRANDMA MARY ROGERS!!!!I ENDED UP MARRING A GREAT PERSON 1 YEAR OLDER!!! THAT GUY ENDED UP A LOSER!!!!CRISSY WAS VERY DEMANDING LIKE MY GRANDMA / LORI!!!!! I KNOW LORI I HAVE ALOT OF THAT PERSONALITY TOO!!!!!!

Re: so thoughtful
From: Penny
Date: 24 Apr 2006
When Hannah was having her 18th birthday party at the Holiday Inn in T.H., she had invited her friends to attend, swim and spend the night with her. Chrissy came to the party with a big bandage on her knee. She said she fell while running and couldn't get in the water, but not to fear because she would set with them by they pool. Most of the guests had left, and the girls were in the hot tub, and I was cleaning up the terrace. All of a sudden Chrissy showed up stating she saw me up there alone and wanted to keep me company. We had a nice long talk, she had on a beautiful heart necklace she told me her mother had given her. She was just so sweet to leave her friends and come up with me. So thoughtful!!!!!
Christmas Morning
From: Bill Jr.
Date: 24 Apr 2006
We had this game we’d always play every year on Christmas morning to see who would be the first one up to see the presents. I don’t know that she ever won, but the competition did get pretty close for a few years. When I realized that my winning every year wasn’t a guaranteed thing, I started to play dirty by turning back her alarm clock or unplugging it after she fell asleep. We obviously weren’t allowed to open or touch the presents, but we’d sit together on the couch in the wee hours of the morning staring and wondering what was behind the wrapping. It’s funny the things you miss as time goes by, but I’d give anything to have her here to sit up through the night again.

Re: so thoughtful
From: Bill Jr.
Date: 24 Apr 2006
There was a time during my junior year of college when my car was breaking down often and money wasn’t jumping off of trees. Chrissy knew things were a little tight for me at the time, but she also knew I wouldn’t just take her money. So, she went to the bank and got a “anonymous” cashier’s check to send to me. Her only mistake was that she couldn’t hide her unmistakably terrible handwriting that followed her everywhere. I knew the envelope was from her the minute it showed up at my apartment. We joked about it, but I knew that giving me the money meant too much to her for me to just give it back (besides, I needed the money!).

Re: A poem
From: Bill Jr.
Date: 24 Apr 2006
Thanks, Julie for that poem. I really appreciated the part about “life getting in her way.” When I look at all that Chrissy had dealt to her, it sometimes seems like she became larger than life, and this time on earth was just a hindrance keeping her from bigger and better things.

Re: Christmas Morning
From: MOMMY
Date: 27 Apr 2006
OH! YES THEM WERE THE DAYS HUH BUBBY IT WAS JUST AS EXCITING FOR MOM AND DAD I COULDNT WAIT UNTIL THEY WENT TO SLEEP TO DO THE FINAL TOUCHES YOU SEE WE NEVER HAD ANY OF BILLY AND CHRISSYS PRESENTS OUT UNTIL OF COURSE UNTIL SANTA CAME ON X-MAS EVE. BEIIEVE ME AS THEY GOT OLDER THEY WERE LATER AND LATER GOING TO SLEEP THEY WERE ALWAYS SO EXCITED AND SO WERE WE.THEY PLAYED THAT GAME AS LONG AS I REMBERED. I WOULD GIVE ANY THING LIKE BILLY SAID TO HAVE THAT BACK AGAIN.EVEN THOUGH BILLY AND CHRISSY WERE THREE YEARS APART THEY WERE RAISED LIKE TWINS. ICOULD NOT IMAGINE WHAT BILLYS HEART IS GOING THROUGH RIGHT NOW AND FOREVER BILLY YOU ARE TRYING SO HARD AND I KNOW IT YOU TWO WERE SO CLOSE AND TOU HAVE LOST YOUR LITTLE SISSY YOUR BUDDY . IM SORRY BUBBY. SO SO SORRY. I KNOW YOU TWO USE TO PLOT AGAINST MOM AND DAD THAT IS THE WAY IT IS SUPPOSE TO BE.AS GRANDMA USE TO SAY ....YOU TWO ARE SO THICK. YOU HAVE RAISED THEM LORI LIKE TWINS.... SHE WOULD SAY. IM SO GRATEFUL TO HAVE HANNAH IN OUR LIVES AND YOURS YOU AND CHRISSY COULD NOT HAVE PICKED OUT A BETTER PERSON FOR ALL OF US. HANNAH I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH.THANK YOU FOR BEING BESIDE BILLY. AND US.IT WAS ALWAYS SO MUCH FUN IN X- MAS EVE. WAITING TO SURPRISE YOU TWO TOE HEADS. NOTHING MADE US HAPPIER.

CHRISSY'S NEPHEW
From: DAD
Date: 24 May 2006
THIS WAS THE WEEK THAT CHRISSY HAD BEEN WAITING FOR.THE DAY SHE COULD SHARE IN BILL & HANNA'S JOY.SHE TALKED TO US ABOUT THE PROBABILITIES AND "THE" WHAT MIGHT BE.ALL THE RAIN WE HAD ,THIS WEEK.I'M SURE WAS TEARS FROM HEAVEN.AS SHE TOLD ME ON HER LAST DAY "DADDY I KNOW THOSE TEARS I SEE ARE TEARS OF JOY AND I LOVE YOU TO NOW GO AND GET YOUR FATHER'S DAY PRESENT" SHE HAD JUST WOKE FROM A LONG REST.YOU SEE FATHERS DAY WAS A WEEK EARLIER AND SHE HAD NOT BEEN ABLE TO SHARE HER PRESENT WITH ME.I AM SURE SHE IS VERY PROUD OF YOU TWO. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO YOU SON. LOVE DAD

Weekend in Ohio
From: Robin
Date: 26 May 2006
Ok Aunt Lori, I wasn't going to share this with anyone, but it's too funny not to. One weekend Chrissy, Stacey, Liz and myself went to Ohio for a Partylite meeting. There was a raffle for the ACS and one of the items was a PLite watch. I wanted that watch so I bought some tickets. Chrissy wanted it also but didn't buy but a few tickets. Well, she mentioned she liked that watch so when we were all seated, I went back and bought $20 more in tickets thinking if I won, I would give it to Chrissy. For some reason, I won the watch and when I gave it to her, she didn't want to accept it. It was "too nice of a gesture, she just couldn't accept it" so I told her she could do the same for me sometime. I made the mistake of saying how I liked the cute little water cups at our tables.... When we got to the car, she pulled 2 of the cups out of her bag! I was laughing that she even thought of that, but she continued to pull more of them out of everyones bags! We were all laughing hysterically! She said, "now we're even for the watch, friend!!" Unfortunately I only have 2 left, they were cheap and they broke easily, but I call them my Chrissy cups!!

Chrissy
From: Lydia Finnie
Date: 28 May 2006
Chrissy was a part of my life for a few years while I was in college. She was always sweet, fun, and generous. I enjoyed the times I got to visit with her. She made me feel at home with her family. From seeing her in high school runinng track to seeing her in the hospital with her new baby, she had a strong and joyful spirit, which I will always remember. I hope these memories may be a blessing to those who love her. In Christ- Lydia Finnie

Re: DADDY'S GIRL
From: jules
Date: 11 Jun 2006
I am a bit behind as usual, but I remember one time Bill & Lori went on vacation and left Chrissy at home in charge of herself and guess what she had? A flat tire. Darrel fixed it and promised he wouldn't tell on her. The story came out later I think.
Monday mornings
From: jules
Date: 11 Jun 2006

Lori is my best friend and living across the street from the Mesaehs, we shared some times. One Monday morning, it was raining and I heard crying. I went to the door and I heard Lori talking to Chrissy as she stood on the porch waiting for the school bus. She said "I don't like Monday's, why did God have to make Monday's?" It was cute. I have to agree with her, Monday's can be the worst sometimes.

Chrissy's Kindness
From: jules
Date: 11 Jun 2006
I always think of a particular time toward the last days Chrissy was here. Lori told me of this, it wasn't first hand, but what I know of it is a particular individual lives in my old house and has 2 lovely daughters that wanted to play at the Mesaehs house. Those of us from the old school wouldn't give her the time of day, but what melts my heart is,as bad as Chrissy felt, she took small gifts to those children, offered kindness and basically said they need love to. I hope to achieve a portion of that spirit that seemed to come easy to Chrissy.

My Year
From: Lindsay Staley
Date: 18 Jun 2006

My year... my life. It has changed. I'd have to say the hardest thing about the year is watching Grace Marie grow up. Shaden is the same age. I don't notice his growth quite as much as Grace's, but it is hard to see pictures of her now, and pictures of her one year ago; because I know how much she has grown just like my Shaden has. Chrissy must be so proud. My child is my life. I know she felt the same.

A Year Without You
From: Hannah
Date: 19 Jun 2006
Chrissy~ This year without you has been hard. It took a while to realize this was real and that you were gone. I think about you every single day and dream about you often. I would love to talk to you again and see your pretty face. I wish we could do the things we used to do together. Sometimes a thought comes to mind and I think, oh I’ll have to tell Chrissy this, but I can’t and that hurts. I miss you more than you can know. You were and will always be my best friend. I wish so much you could have been there when I had my baby. I wanted you to see your nephew. I love and miss you so much.

Re: My Year
From: Bill
Date: 19 Jun 2006
I know exactly what you're saying, Lindsay. It was obvious that Grace was Chrissy's entire life, but now that I have my own child, it's even more clear how connected Chrissy was to Grace and how much pain Chrissy must have felt over knowing that she was going to have to leave Grace without a mother. She talked openly about that often--about her fears of Grace growing up without her, and about her fears of Grace forgetting who her mother was and not knowing how much she loved her. Every event in Grace's life is bitter-sweet b/c I know how much Chrissy wanted to be a part of everything Grace goes through. Grace talks about missing her mother right now, but there is no way for her to realize just what she is missing without having Chrissy there everyday.

Re: My Year
From: DAD
Date: 19 Jun 2006
MY VEIW IS FROM GRACE'S ANGLE. OVER THE LAST YEAR I HAVE WATCH GRACE GO FROM LOST TO ANGER TO LOVE. SHE LOST HER MOTHER AND WANTED TO FINDED HER. NEXT SHE WAS ANGRY BECAUSE SHE COULD NOT FIND HER AND DID NOT UNDERSTAND TOTALY WHERE HEAVEN WAS. THE PLANE TRIP TO CALIFORNIA,UP INTO THE CLOUDS,DID NOT PRODUCE HER. NOW FOR THE LOVE PART. SHE IS, WHAT I BELEIVE, TRING TO REMENBER HER MOTHER BY HOLDING ON TO THE THINGS THAT MOMMY GAVE HER, DID FOR HER,AND THE THINGS THAT GRACE IS DOING TO MAKE HER MOMMY PROUD OF HER. AS FOR "MY LAST YEAR" WITH OUT MY GIRL WORDS CAN NOT DESCIBE IT.


Chrissy
From: Megan Grey
Date: 20 Jun 2006
I graduated from NHS with Chrissy and I will always remember her as one of the nicest and friendliest people that ever lived. We had several classes together and it seemed like no matter how bad her day had been, she was always so bubbly and upbeat about everything. I was sorry to hear about her passing and I think the billboard is a very nice tribute to such a wonderful person.

Promises to Chrissy
From: Liz
Date: 20 Jun 2006
Chrissy, I couldn't agree more with Hannah that this year has been very hard without you. As the second anniversary approaches of losing my babies, I miss the unwavering support you gave me in the beginning and throughout the first year, despite all you were going through. I have tried over the course of the year to live my life and accomplish my goals as you did - if one goal didn't work out as you had planned (which didn't happen very often), you went whole-heartedly for something else - and that's what I'm going to continue to do! I remember every moment of our last "serious" discussion, and I want to assure you that I will fulfill each and every one of those promises I made to you. In celebration of your life, on the anniversary date of your passing, I'm going to go buy the most outrageous, colorful, wild purse that I can find and carry it just for you! I miss you every day! Liz

Keep Bouncin' Bugs, Keep Bouncin'
From: Billy
Date: 20 Jun 2006
How can you summarize a year spent without your only sibling? It was obvious to us (and others around us I think) that we were closer to each other than most siblings. She conned me into playing Barbies, and I had her in my tree house (usually killing Barbies). My world without Chrissy means a world without an automatic ally at family reunions, or someone I know I can count on to sign my name to the card when I forget to get Mom a Mother’s Day gift. But it also means there will be far too many years spent staring at an empty stocking at Christmas time, and nobody to call on Groundhog’s Day. To a brother, Chrissy was a best friend with compassion and aid with no questions asked; she was never condescending, and she always, always looked for the best in people. She found the best in me during times I was convinced there was none to be found. While I’ll never forget that Tuesday night I flew home to find Chrissy lying peaceful and painless in her bed, I’d rather remember the jokes, the “bouncing,” the holidays and the love. I love you, Bugs, and I’ll see you on the other side.

CHRISSY A YEAR WITHOUT YOU
From: AUNT MARY
Date: 20 Jun 2006
WELL, WE WILL GO TO THE Beginning. this is when you were born...what a pretty little baby you were, AND now you're a beautiful woman...Like an ANGEL. Remembering the last days with you.. I will never forget. Remember the cookies you made me? You couldn't wait.. you want to bring them to me in the early morning; I thought that was so sweet. I also remember the last talks we had. YOU told me you love purple flowers I WILL NEVER FORGET.

A YEAR WITHOUT MY BABY GIRL
From: MOMMA
Date: 21 Jun 2006
HOW CAN I EVEN SAY, HOW IT FEELS. I'M SO SORRY FOR YOU ....... NOT BEING HERE I'M SORRY FOR GRACE MARIE ...... I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY.I MAY SOUND STINGY BUT THIS YEAR WITHOUT YOU HAS BEEN HORRIBLE.I'LL NEVER BE THE SAME.AS A LOT OF PEOPLE WON'T YOU AFFECTED SO MANY LIVES.ON THIS EARTH IV'E LOST MY BABYGIRL.GRACE MARIE LOST HER MOMMY BILLY LOST HIS LITTLE SISSY .DAD LOST HIS LITTLE GIRL.I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY.I MISS YOU SO MUCH.I'M TRYING TO RAISE GRACE MARIE THE WAY YOU TOLD ME TO.I'M FOLLOWING YOUR RULES.ONE THING I'VE BEEN DOING FOR THE LAST YEAR FOR YOU AND ME BABY.I LIGHT A CANDLE EVERY NIGHT ON THE FRONT PORCH HANGING IN YOUR PARTY LITE HOLDERFROM THE CEILING.YOUR LIGHT KINDA MAKES IT LOOK COZY. AND I ALWAYS WANT A LIGHT TO BE ON AT HOME FOR YOU. I WILL CONTINUE TO LIGHT THE CANDLE ALWAYS....I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY ....BUT WE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE HONEY.AGAIN I MAY SOUND STINGY BUT ANYBODY THAT KNOWS ME I'VE ALWAYS BEEN STINGY WITH MY CHILDREN.MY WORLD HAS ALWAYS BEEN WRAPPED AROUND MY TWO TOE HEADS.I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY .WHAT A LOST YEAR WITHOUT YOU......I KEEP GOING AROUND THE HOUSE IN A CIRCLE LIKE ALOST MOTHER OF ANY FORM OF BEING LOOKING FOR MY LOST CUB.I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY BABY GIRL. IT'S AWFUL WITHOUT YOU. MOMMA MISSING HER BABY GIRL FOREVER.XO XO XO

Re: A YEAR WITHOUT MY BABY GIRL
From: MOMMY
Date: 21 Jun 2006
ONE BIG BIG THING I DIDN'T MENTION IS OUR MOTHER DAUGHTER FRIEND TALKS WE HAD NO ONE IN THE WORLD CAN REPLACE THEM.I HOPE I'M ABLE TO GRACE MARIE ENOUGH LOVE THAT SHE CAN COME TO ME ABOUT ANYTHING ALSO .I PRAY FOR THAT EVERYDAY ..... MISSING YOU CHRISSY LOVE MOMMMY YOUR CONFIDANT.

a year without you...
From: Kerri Mesaeh
Date: 21 Jun 2006
We didn't get to see each other much but you have been missed greatly here. You touched so many lives and you were loved by all that met you. I still can't believe its been a year. It seems like it was just yesterday... I know that aunt lori, uncle bill and little billy and grace and shawn are in loss with things since you have been gone but it will get better. I just wanted to tell you since i never got the chance, i love you and miss you Chrissy.. -Love your cousin Kerri Ann

GOING TO THE RACES
From: ERIC
Date: 21 Jun 2006
ONE OF MY FONDEST MEMORIES WAS WHEN CHRISSY AND I WENT TO THE RACES. WE USE TO ARGUE ABOUT HOW FAST THE CARS WERE GOING. SHE DID NOT BELIEVE ME WHEN I TOLD HER THAT THEY WERE GOING 130 MPH. SHE FELT LIKE HER CAR WOULD GO AS FAST AS THEY WERE GOING. WE ARGUED ALL THE WAY UNTIL QUALIFYING THEN THE ANNOUNCER TOLD HOW FAST IT WAS. CHRISSY & I FOUND A WAY TO ARGUE ABOUT MOST SUBJECTS, JUST LIKE SISTERS AND BROTHERS DO. I THINK WE ENJOYED IT THAT WAY. SOMETIMES IT ENDED UP IN A PILE ON THE FLOOR. PICTURES ABOVE TO PROVE IT. ERIC

Memories
From: Vicki Wildman
Date: 21 Jun 2006
Bill & Lori,My heart goes out to you & your family! When I saw Chrissy at Stacey's wedding I was amazed that she was ALL grown up. I watched the Mesaeh clan's children grow up since I met you 25 years ago. I remember your little "tow-headed kids"...like little dolls.You never expect to outlive your children--yet you should be proud that you MADE the time in your lives to take them camping, to spend time with your families...cousins, aunts, uncles, that you supported them in their decisions as they approached adulthood and that you taught them VALUES that ultimately defined their lives. Though Chrissy is gone for now, one day you all will be together as a family again. Thinking of you.

Not enough time
From: Rusty Barnett
Date: 22 Jun 2006
The few months we spent together i will cherish for a lifetime i just wish most of that time was'nt in the hospital . You changed my outlook on life , i never would have thought i would get involved with somone in your condition but i owe Robbin and Stacy so much for bringing us together . I will be a father in about three weeks , I just hope im half the parent you were to Grace and my baby is half as beautiful as Grace . FOREVER Rusty

Chrissy
From: Lee Ann Rogers
Date: 22 Jun 2006
Words could never describe a better person! I met Chrissy in junior high and graduated with her. We also had a class at ISU together in 2001. I feel so lucky to have known and built a friendship with such a beautiful woman! I'm so glad she has this awesome website for everyone to see!

babysitting
From: kelsie
Date: 04 Jul 2006
once chrissy had to watch me we played board gamesgraciemare ieshe had aruffday

Re: Chrissy
From:
Date: 11 Jul 2006
ttowiwou ouo qou