In Our Hearts
IN LOVING MEMORY OF CHRISTI THOMAS, FOREVER 9
"Her Smile"
Though her smile is gone forever,
And her hand I cannot touch,
I still have so many memories
Of the one I loved so much.
Her memory is my keepsake,
With which I'll never part
God has her in His keeping,
I have her in my heart.
posted by the Thomas team @ 6:41 AM
65 Comments:
That poem was beautiful...
hoping you are having a day full of loving memories...
kelly
Beautiful
Breathe taking
My thoughts and prayers remain with you and your family
How sweet! She will never be forgotten...never. She (and the whole Thomas Team) has touched so many lives. Praying for you...
Dana
My heart is breaking for you. I have only "known" Christi for a few months & am filled with sorrow at her passing. I wish you peace & happiness in the memories of such a wonderful girl! Much love, Lisa
What a beautiful picture & poem! The picture is just breath taking.
God bless & lots of love,
Traci
Just beautiful!!!!!
Christi is in my thoughts and prayers every day along with the whole "Thomas Team".
Helen in Australia
WOW! That is the most incredible picture I have ever seen. I love it! As always, praying for your whole family and all of your friends.
Beautiful poem and one beautiful angel! My prayers are with you.
That is just a gorgeous picture of your beautiful Christi! Did you do that? It is just breathtaking!
Thank you for sharing.
Absolutely beautiful...........
may God's peace be with you.i know this is the loneliest time,when everbody has gone back to their lives leaving u alone with the memories.i have faced it,i know.Jesus is with you.
isnt there a typing error in the word 'memories' in the poem?
Angela, I believe that no words need to be said, this picture of our sweet Jesus looking over Christi says it all. Know that our family is praying for you each day.
Brenda in Tiffin
Beautiful Poem.
Thinking of you always, praying for strength and comfort.
Know I love you.
Lots of love and prayers for always,
Heather
Thank you for posting such a beautiful picture and poem.
Thinking of all of you daily, Christine
Amen and Amen!!!! So wonderful so true so peaceful...What an awesome way to convey the truth of all of this. The words of your poem bring so much peace.
I love you guys... praying for your strength. We will never forget her.
Love,
~chris†ie~ Ymca In Tiffin
That was simply beautiful.
I have this picture of Christi on my MySpace. It is gorgeous.
Blessings
Desiree
Angela ~ Shayne ~ Shayla ... thinking of you all today as you remain in my thoughts and prayers every hour ... thank you for the beutiful angel picture of Sweet Christi ... she truly was a beautiful angel on earth I can only imagine her glory as a true angel in Heaven! Recently I was listening to the Johnny Nash song "I can See Clearly" and this verse took me back to the last weeks of Christi's life at CHOP, sadly she wasn't without pain and suffering and was tortured with pain more than any person let alone a child should endure ... this is the verse that made me think of Christi as she entered Heaven's Gates running into Grandpa's arms for the first time ... I hope that thought brings you some comfort as you miss the physical presence of the amazing Christi. God Bless you Thomas Team!
"I think I can make it now, the pain is gone.
All of the bad feelings have disappeared.
Here is the rainbow I've been praying for.
It's gonna be a bright, bright sunshiney day.
Look all around there's nothing but blue skies, look straight ahead, nothing but blue skies"
I have small comfort knowing that Christi finally is pain free and caught her rainbow in Heaven.
Love to your family from mine!
Rebekah Clark
Prior Lake, MN
mommy_jaden@yahoo.com
Thinking of you today
xoxo
Jodie and Karlie
Just beautiful, the poem, the picture.
I can just see Jesus holding her close.
She lives in the hearts of so many.
You will always be close to her in spirit & heart. I know she is with you always. I bet she is saying she is ok now & joking with God as only she can.
Dear Angela, Shayne, and Shayla,
I'm continuing to pray for you throughout the day...hoping that your love for one another is helping you get through these early days of grief. I was just thinking...as I check Christi's site for the millionth time...one of the things that hit me hard after our son's death was that there was no new news. Not for him, anyway. That just struck me, as I'm so used to checking on Christi every day. Know that there are so many, many of us out here who grieve right along with you, missing the cheeriness of that sweet girl.
I was just chuckling to myself about her saying "if I weren't so civil I'd be cursing right now." What a girl!
Jennifer (Oregon)
Dear Thoams Team, The picture is just beautiful. I know that Christi is right there with Jesus looking over you. Angela, I think that was amazing you were able to teach your class. I will continue to pray for your strength. As you all will continue to be in my prayers. "Her Smile" is perfect for Christi. Thankyou again for allowing us to share in your lives. God Bless all of you. Sincererly, Denise Brooks
I thought of you AND Christi as i read this poem so i wanted to share it with you:
You are who you are for a reason.
You're part of an intricate plan.
You're a precious and perfect unique design,
Called God's special woman or man.
You look like you look for a reason.
Our God made no mistake.
He knit you together within the
womb,
you're just what he wanted to make.
The parents you had were the ones
he chose,
and no matter how you may feel,
They were custom-designed with
God's plan in mind,
and they bear the Master's seal.
No, that trauma you faced was not
easy.
And God wept that it hurt you so;
but it was allowed to shape your heart
so that into his likeness you'd grow.
You are who you are for a reason,
You've been formed by the
Master's rod.
you are who you are, beloved,
Because there is a God!
written by Russell Kelfer taken from the book The Purpose Driven Life.
What a beautiful picture and poem. You and your family remain in my prayers.
very touching
That was made by someone on the MySpace! There are some really gorgeous ones on there, aren't there??
Thinking of you...
Jennifer
Thank you, Angela, for sharing this beautiful picture.
Christi is truly an angel.
Much love,
Melissa
Hi guys,
I know that words don't really help much, but let me say that I'm truly sorry for your loss. I haven't posted before but have been following Christi's site after finding it on beebo's site about a year ago. The reason that I am writing is that I stumbled across a picture of Christi and Shayla with an NED warrior from beebo's site named Molly. You may have a copy of this picture already, but if you don't, it might be nice to have. Well, that's all for now. God be with you guys during these dark days, and I know that Christi is smiling down on you guys from heaven.
Christi will be forever in our hearts. Thank you for sharing this beautiful poem and picture.
While Christi is not physically here, she will always be with us - in our hearts. She taught us how to live! Thank you for sharing her with the world.
What a stunning picture! She looks so happy - as I am sure she is in Heaven - despite the fact the you are missing her so!
There is a quote from Edna St. Vincent Millay: "The presence of her absence is everywhere." How true!
With love -
Kim
Oh my God !!!!!!!!!
She is so beautiful Angela, breath taking. Christis faith never wavered. Yes a Saint indeed.
God Bless
What a breath takingly beautiful picture of a breath takingly beautiful child and a beautiful poem.
im sure that picture does no justice to the beauty that Christi has in Heaven.. I bet she is the most beautiful Angel up there.
I didnt know her.. but i miss her.
Love and Prayer
Staci C
NJ
The picture and poem were both beautiful Angela! I know Christi looks down on you from above! I can't imagine how your heart hurts, but when you're ready to face the world again remember 2 live the way she did & make the most of each day! I continue 2 think of & pray 4 you, Shayne, Christi and Shayla daily! How are Shayne & Shayla doing anyway?
Melissa Morley
I am praying for you through the night. love you much. sylvia
Just wanted you to know that we love you and prayed for you today.
Spring
What a beautifull picure and poem,I pray that you find peace and strength today.
Thinking of you all and sending you all of the best wishes in the world.
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Thomas,
Each morning our class prays for Christi. We pray for Shayla and you, too.
XOXOXO
Brigid and Celie
I'm wondering how you make it through each day. I'm knowing that it's God's love and grace that are going to help you. I'm thinking that noone can do it on their own. I'm praying that you trust HIM for stregth.
I heard an absolutely beautiful song this morning and immediately thought of the Thomas Team!
Held - Natalie Grant
Two months is too little.
They let him go.
They had no sudden healing.
To think that providence would
Take a child from his mother while she prays
Is appalling.
Who told us we’d be rescued?
What has changed and why should we be saved from nightmares?
We’re asking why this happens
To us who have died to live?
It’s unfair.
Chorus:
This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we’d be held.
This hand is bitterness.
We want to taste it, let the hatred NUMB our sorrow.
The wise hands opens slowly to lilies of the valley and tomorrow.
(Chorus)
This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we’d be held.
Bridge:
If hope is born of suffering.
If this is only the beginning.
Can we not wait for one hour watching for our Savior?
(Chorus)
This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we’d be held.
My prayer for yau is that you feel "held" by all of those who care about you!
What a lovely image.
Keeping you all close to my heart and hoping each day brings a ray of joy amidst your grief and sorrow.
Seizing the day for Christi.
Love,
Eliza
I've shed quite a few tears over the last few days reading this blog.
I'm praying for all of you. I've decided that next time I give blood I'll ask about becoming a platelet donor. Changing the future by inspiring others to give a chance of life to others (from all walks of life, over the world), will be Christi's greatest legacy.
Steve (Newark, UK)
Good Morning Thomas Team! I hope that God is watching over you guys! I pray for you guys each day! What a beautiful picture! Christi make a absolutly beautiful angel! Our love and prayers are with you all!
Love, The Keiths
Hello dear Thomas family,
This message is for Shayla especially, but really is for all of you.
Shayla,
I just wanted to tell you that I lost my older brother 20 years ago. Much like you and your sister, my brother and I did everything together too! He taught me how to water ski. We even were partners in a junior archery league.
He had a disease called Cystic fibrosis, for which there is no cure, so he was sick quite often.
My parents had to spend a lot of time with him, to try and get him well. I know they felt bad about not spending much time with me, but their work helped him stay with us much longer --- am now I am so thankful they were able to do that for all of us.
I'm now married and have two boys of my own (one who actually looks a lot like the brother I still miss terribly).
But in the closet of our guest room is an archery bow that my brother made in school. I often go to the closet, just to hold that bow --- and it makes me feel like I am with him again. And I smile while thinking about those memories.
So I just wanted to suggest that you can choose something, some item, that will remind you of your sweet sister Christi and your fun times together.
You can keep this item with you forever - even far into the future, when you have your own children. It will help you to tell stories to your own children about all the fun you had with your sister.
I do this ALL the time with my boys. Now they both know all about their "Uncle Mike", even though they never met him.
But best of all, the bow helps me be close to him again.
All my love to you and your parents,
Val
In regards to the email from Kim, I thought the exact same thing when I first heard this song a few months ago (it made me think of your family). Here is a link to the song so that you can listen to it. It is truly a beautiful song. Continuing to pray for each of you as you carry on...
http://www.myspace.com/nataliegrant
In Christ,
Cheryl Borchardt
Clemmons, NC
He knows it all - the winding path,
The sky o'ercast and grey,
The steepness of the mountainside,
The roughness of the way,
He knows it all - the haunting fear,
The doubtings and distress,
The wond'rings and perplexities,
And all the strain and stress.
He knows it all - each troubled thought,
Each anxious wave of care,
Every burden, Every Grief,
Or cross that thou dost bear.
He knows it all - thy weight of woe,
Thine often tear - dimmed eye, The stabbing pain, the slow, dull ache,And sorrow's broken cry.
He knows it all - but His to choose,
And Thine to take his choice,
He knows it all! He planned it so!
Then trust Him and Rejoice!
I have no words...I have followed Christi for years and it breaks my heart to see another beautiful child lost. My thoughts are with you during this horrible time.
How are the Thomas' today? I miss the updates! I miss hearing not only about Christi but the rest of you too! Lots of love...
Forever in our hearts and prayers - the entire Thomas family.
Elizabeth in Washington
Hello Angela
I just came by to say hello and I although I know that we have never met, I just want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
When we lost our son Ben I thought that I would never breath again, that my heart would never heal.Well I have learned that breathing is automatic (duh), no brainer there eh, and that with time my heart has healed in it own way. Time is your greatest gift right now. Bills are forever and can wait.
And please do not rush to fast to get back in the race, be gentle with yourself. Christi, god love her little heart, is now pain free. You took such tender care of her and I am sure she is probably up there thinking that Mom needs a break, big time.
I know the financial stuff is very distressing. My partner and I could not return to work for over 9 months, we almost lost our home, but we had to take the time for us to recover as a family and individually as well. I do hope I have not offended you in any way. I just really want to say, Hi, I care and I am still here, not turning away.
May God bless you all, give Shayla a big squeeze. Susan
Dear Angela -
The picture of Christi is beautiful -- we love that trademark smile of hers'. Also, the poem was so good -- did you write it?? We loved it.
We wanted to let you know that we are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. We pray that Shayla is doing okay in school -- she is the best little sister ever!!
God bless you all!
Love -
Rob, Amy, Emily, and Ryan Farrell
Hello there... saw that picture on someones myspace last week and it touched me~~ I am leaving comment to correct something that I quoted in the last entry and I am VERY SORRY for quoting you wrong Angela~~~ Please accept my apology!!!! I commented in the last blog entry and stated.... Christi says I am not sick I just have cancer..... Well that is INNCORRECT... Angela quoted Christi and this is the correct quote~~~
"I'm OK I just have cancer"
I am sorry that I typed in the wrong quote so I felt that I MUST go back and fix it so here you are!! Boy Christi was one heck of a TROOPER~~~ She will NEVER be forgotten~~ Much love and prayers to Shayne, Angela and Shayla~~~
Angela ~ Shayne ~ Shayla and Christi .. thinking of you today as I always do ... praying for your strength as you continue down this strange but new road ... I hope your day has gone as well as it can ... the new daily reality must be awful but in the end Christi is looking down on you and thanking you for taking such great care of her for 9 wonderful years, even when she was sick ... thank you again for sharing your prescious child!
Love from my family to yours!
Rebekah Clark
Prior Lake, MN
mommy_jaden@yahoo.com
Forever 9, forever beautiful. The image and poem you created is beautiful!! What a wonderful tribute to Christi, your little angel who is watching over you.
Thank you for sharing with us.
Thinking of you and praying for you daily,
Kathryn, PA
Angela, Shayne, and Shayla,
Hope you are getting some rest, I can believe that nights are hard when everything "gets quiet" and you have more time to think. Drop a line in the blog when you get time, people are worried about you. Nuff said, you know you're loved :)
Cathie Pensacola
haldagobay.com
Thinking of you all today.
Angela,
Just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you, Shayne, and Shayla every day and praying for peace and comfort for you all of the time. This picture of Christi is truly beautiful.
Thinking of you today, not that that's different from any other day but I wanted you to know.
Know I love you all and will never, ever forget your precious Christi!
Hugs and kisses to all of you!
I love you!
Lots of love and prayers for always,
Heather
Angela,
I saw Elizabeth Edwards on Oprah the other day. She was talking about her new book called "Saving Graces". It sounded wonderful. She lost her son several years ago. I thought of you immediately. Maybe the next time you are at the bookstore you could look for it.
You are an inspiration to mothers. Thank you for giving us a perspective on every day life and teaching us lessons about living and appreciation and patience...and so many things. You will never know how many moms you have touched and taught by your amazing example.
Peace and Serenity to you and Shayne.
Angela,
I saw Elizabeth Edwards on Oprah the other day. She was talking about her new book called "Saving Graces". It sounded wonderful. She lost her son several years ago. I thought of you immediately. Maybe the next time you are at the bookstore you could look for it.
You are an inspiration to mothers. Thank you for giving us a perspective on every day life and teaching us lessons about living and appreciation and patience...and so many things. You will never know how many moms you have touched and taught by your amazing example.
Peace and Serenity to you and Shayne.
Thomas Team - thinking of you today ... what a beautiful family you have, how much you have changed my heart and mind and how much your daughter was loved by me and so many others ... hoping you are doing "ok" ...
Love from my family to yours!
Rebekah Clark
Prior Lake, MN
mommy_jaden@yahoo.com
Dear Angela, Shayne and Shayla,
The picture and poem are lovely, Christi looks gorgeous, a beautiful angel.
I hope you are feeling ok today, that sounds silly, I know you can't be feeling so good, I'm just worried because you didn't write yesterday, I guess you are keeping busy, sorry. I don't know what to write. I'm thinking of you and send all my best wishes and prayers for your peace of mind. I hope you are able to think of good times that you had with Christi and smile sometimes. Take care,
lots of love
Angela
"Good Friend...
Why did you have to go?
Just when I was getting to know you..
I sing this song to show..
You were a good friend...
They don't make em quite like you..
And in my memory,
you'll always be..
A good, good friend to me.."
(as sung by Kenny Rogers)
In memory of your precious daughter.
Katie
Thinking and praying for you all today.
Dana
Just wanted to stop by and let you know I was thinking about you guys!
Always in my thoughts and prayers.
Becky L. Harbarth
Gaylord, MN
Dear Angela, Shayne and Shayla,
I have followed and shared your pain for the last year. The last 4 weeks or so have had me thinking, worrying and crying over you all most of the time. We've never met yet I feel I know you so well through Christi's blog. She was, and is, an amazing inspiration to so many. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us.
I look at your blog each day still. I am so worried about you all. Christi is now pain free but your pain is so much worse, and that makes me cry afresh. Shayla - remember how much Christi loved you and still loves you as she looks down from heaven. I am a big sister and the thought of leaving my lil' sis on earth without me brings pain that is too hard to describe. Christi is still looking out for you. If you concentrate you will see her love surrounding you each day. If you really, really try you will hear her giggle as she teases you like she did when you were on earth together. If you lose a pencil or eraser or book, for example, you can be sure it has been moved by Christi as she watches over you day by day.
Please excuse my own random blog of my trip to Japan. Your journey kept me connected to reality in my crazy year away.
Love and prayers and blessings to you all.
God bless
Amanda
You all remain in my thoughts and prayers. How is Shayla doing? I hope that she finds a certain comfort in the routine things like going to school and her after-school activities. I know that your hearts are so full of Christi and the legacy she left you and I pray that this will bring you some comfort in the days to come.
Thomas Team,
You are always in my thoughts and prayers. Praying God gives you incredible strength.
Love and Prayers
The Barnharts
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