Sunday, November 17, 2019
We were neighbors as kids, and for a brief moment in time, friends that would go for walks around white hills, around maybe the 7th grade. I wouldn't have guessed, back then, that we would cross paths as young adulthoods working to make "ends "meat" behind a deli counter. I certainly would not have suspected that at one of my lowest points in college, --(overwhelmed by my studies, family expectations, social pressures, heartbreak, loss and the fear of an unknown future)-- that it would be Chris there, extending supportive arms, grabbing hold of my hands with his own to pull me up out of my pit of despair. He told me that he understood, that I was welcome to stay over for as long as I needed to, while he slept on the couch, so naturally I felt as though I were imposing lol, but he and his brother Rob reassured me that I was a welcome guest, a friend...family. I realized in those weeks, and the subsequent months thereafter, that Christian was not trying to change me or make me change my mind to let go of the pain I was experiencing. He was not trying to "fix" me or convince me of anything, but rather he was letting me know that I didn't have to suffer it alone. He was simply demonstrating the character and the integrity of a true friend. Christian, his smiling, his joking, his listening, his lightheartedness, his compassion, his empathy, his laughter, his hospitality, was my beacon of light while I was lost in a dark place. It has been my honor to be a part of such a distinguished clan of truly great friends with Christian, and to forge a bond of loyalty and love and brother-and-sister-hood, for those of us, and we know who we are, he has always been an earth angel.
~ Jana
(representing) ~The Fam
