My intention was to post after Thanksgiving, again after Christmas and finally today. I’m going to make this my last post. You have all been wonderful about following our year, praying for us, encouraging us and loving us. This has been the worst year we have ever known. While we know many good things happened in 2008, we’re ready to close it out. January 1, 2008 Chrissy woke up with bell’s palsy on the left side of her face and today she’s gone.

Thanksgiving day was celebrated quite differently for us. John ordered dinner from Cracker Barrel and then we ate our dinner in John’s camper parked alongside Chrissy. Matt and his family were here, and we were hoping Chrissy’s marker would be placed so Matt could see it. Much to our disappointment, it didn’t arrive until mid-December. We were able to send him pictures, which we have posted one.

Christmas day was also quite different for us. We awoke fairly early, packed up the van and stopped to tell Chrissy, "Merry Christmas" and leave a couple of gifts for her, before heading out of town. We drove all day on Christmas day to spend some time in DC with Matt, Priscilla, and Jayden. We arrived around 8:00 Christmas night and once we were all unpacked, we celebrated Christmas. We all had “Chrissy gifts” to open. These were items that Chrissy might have bought were she still with us. It was a tearful time, but special for each person as they opened their “Chrissy gift.”

Chrissy was a gift. We miss her more than words and tears can express.

Happy New Year!