Monday night, January 27, 2025 was a typical day. Chris would call us 2-3 times a week, usually when he was out walking one of his special Lucky Dog companions. The conversation always started with who he was walking and  what they were doing. Often they would be just walking, or in the warmer weather sitting on a park bench looking out at the water or watching soccer or baseball on the fields. It was clear to us these times were important to Chris and he looked forward to them.  The conversation moved on to talking about family, maybe what he and Jen did over the weekend, or what his brother Matt and his family were up to. Little did we realize this would be the last conversation we would ever have with our son. As we think back about our conversations with Chris, we are thankful they were always upbeat, and filled with the usual joking and some lighthearted teasing. He knew how much he meant to us and visa-versa.  We didn’t end the calls with the specific words, love you, but we all knew that was the case. He was happy for Jen with her new role, which being in the Northeast made it possible to visit us and his friends more frequently and spend more time near the ocean. Things were good for all on this night. Two nights later that all changed.

As with all of the families impacted by this horrible tragedy, his wife Jen’s, brother Matt’s, our lives, and those of our extended families will never be the same. At this 100 day mark, it has not gotten easier. In some ways it is harder, and we don’t see a path forward right now. Nancy and I will always be thankful he found a loving partner in Jen, and had the opportunity to share some wonderful and exotic adventures together. Chris also loved his quiet time sitting on the beach reading a book, walking in the woods, hiking a mountain or just relaxing at our house waiting for his mother to make him blueberry pancakes for breakfast. We will forever cherish those visits and sad they are gone forever. No matter what career or activity Chris pursued he would always put his heart and soul into it. That included treating everyone with respect. Over his 42 years we saw a child grow into a wonderful man with very simple needs, whose greatest gifts were his kindness, caring and compassion. We could continue with our examples of what a great man Chris is but with tears running down our faces it’s time to bring this to a close. I hope you get the sense of who we lost.

The world lost 67 wonderful people, and our family lost a wonderful husband, son, brother, uncle and friend.  Rest in peace Chris.  We miss you and will never forget you.