Trick or Treat Nights Revisited

I've really been dreading this. This will be our first trick or treat night without Christi. She always loved this night! (Shayla told me today, "Christi didn't like the candy. She just liked that you let her dress up like a cat and go out and walk around with Thersa. What a hoot!) Even in 2002 when Christi was in isolation, she was still here. Even in 2003 when she missed the real trick or treating, her friend Theresa waited a day and went with her November 1st. Tonight we will continue with our tradition of meeting at Grandma Donna's house to go trick or treating with Katie and Donna in Grandma's awesome neighborhood. Theresa and Kaylyn will meet us there. Shayla is thrilled. I'm queasy and just wishing Shayne were home to help me get through this night. (He's been on a business trip with a client in Amsterdam since Saturday. Thankfully, he'll be home very soon - just not soon enough for me!)

2002 (age 5) At home in isolation. THANK YOU TO ALL WHO CAME TO WAVE THROUGH THE WINDOW!

2003 (age 6) "Cat in the Hat"

2004 (age 7) The Cat, Christi with Theresa

2005 (age 8) The Cat, who lost her hat, after a silly night out trick or treating with Theresa

Since Christi was a cat for the past three straight years, Shayla asked if she could wear the black cat costume this year. (Can you believe my mom made it for me many years ago?!) Thankfully, she made it very easy on me in terms of costume creations. Christi's idea this year would have entailed great last minute effort on my part, I'm thinking.

Christi decided her Halloween costume during the summer. As she was thinking out loud, I was praying she'd be alive and able to go Trick or Treating with Theresa and Grandma Donna again this year. Christi wanted to be "half boy / half girl". She said she'd wear a ball cap on one side of her head and her wig on the other half. She said she'd wear a dress on one side and pants on the others. She thought she'd wear one high heel and put make up on one side of her face. I'm certain it would have looked hideous, but she would have loved it!!

Gone were the days when the "Halloween Fairy" would assign the girls' costumes. When the girls were little I'd find their costumes at garage sales during the summer. Once fall arrived "THE HALLOWEEN FAIRY" would leave a note in our mailbox assigning the girls their halloween costumes. Well, it all worked out great until Christi started making friends at preschool and she learned that the other kids got to pick out what they wanted to be for themselves. (Hmmmm! So much for "The Halloween Fairy"!)

Black Cat Sisters

Shayla, a black cat, fall 2006 (age 7)
Christi, a black cat, fall 2004 (age 7)

After church yesterday, we headed down to Columbus where we met our sweet COSI friends at the "Boo at the Zoo". “Wouldn’t it be funny if the kangaroos actually jumped over the fence and hopped right past us?” Shayla said once she realized we were IN the exhibit with no fences separating us. Sure enough, that’s exactly what they did as we stood there with our mouths opened! With our museum friends’ amazing connections we were blessed with an extra special hour long treat – our very own ‘behind the scenes” tour with an awesome “zookeeper”!! At dinner, Shayla said that was her best part of the trip. Thanks, Traci & Jenn for a glorious (and downright silly) day! We love you!

I took another big step today. Even though it was hard, because the memories are so fresh, we finished reading all of Christi’s Judy Moody books to Shayla. (These were the last books Christi enjoyed; the once purchased at the B&N in Philly which we read to her in the hospital last month.) Just like Christi would have, Shayla wanted to hear more so after I took her to school this morning and ran some errands I went to the public library. While I had been to the library before, it was only to the adult section where Christi rarely went. Today in the Jr. Section, which Christi loved so much, I tried to just find Shayla’s new books and head out, but I couldn’t help but look around and think of Christi’s favorite sections and how I longed to check out a few items for her as well. I always loved it when she claimed I brought her “the perfect book”. (What a charmer!) At the counter, I paid her big whopping 39 cent fine and had to chuckle thinking she was saying, “Gotcha!”. (I located her overdue library book on top of her bed with a few stuffed animals on top of it yet, typical Christi! Gotta love the little book worm with books going in every room of the house!)

Happy Birthday to my dear sister!!

Happy Fall to You All

Baby Christi, Fall 1997 (5 months old) This picture always makes me laugh; it's of our adored baby Christi in the pumpkin patch!

Yesterday we had an amazing guest from Arizona over for lunch. (He was changing planes in Cleveland, rented a car, drove all the way down to our house (1 1/2 hours each way) to deliver something very special to us made by Christi less than 24 hours before her precious little soul returned Home to our Savior. I've yet to hear if he made his flight back, but I hope so. I also hope to tell you more about "Christi's Charms" in the future. (How appropriate for "the little charmer", eh?!)

Last night we watched the DVD of the funeral. Even though we were disappointed with the sound quality during the entire Mass, the rest of it is ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS! It captured more than we could have ever recalled from our memories of that day. We were incredibly touched by all of the sweet people who attended and how hard the Trauneros work. The day was truly a blurr for us so to cuddle up last night with a big bowl of popcorn and to watch it was very comforting. Shayla had a great overnight with her good friend, Amber, and they even attended the YMCA's fall party. (Thanks, Sherri!)

Shayla picked out darling pink glasses, which she needs to be wearing all the time now. They should arrive in two weeks. (We had no idea she even needed glasses, oops!) I think before "cancer" I would have thought, "Oh no, my poor little girl needs to wear glasses," but since 2002 I look at things much differently! Unfortunately, in our haste of being so wrapped up in Christi and her care, Shayla's needs were once again pushed aside. (Yes, remember last year I sent her to school with countless ear aches until her ear drum actually ruptured at school- all because I was out of sick days and I couldn't let her have her third surgery for tubes until Christmas vacation. Ugh! I've yet to forgive myself for that!)

The glasses will be on top of the vision therapy I'm taking her to each week in Toledo (1 hour 45 minutes each way). I'm so glad I now have time to focus upon her needs and hopefully, after six months of six days a week of eye exercises and six months of driving to Toledo her "excessive convergence" problems will be solved. We are so grateful to Dr. Schader for examining her while we were in San Francisco and telling us, "I know exactly what's wrong with her reading." And the brilliant Robin hit the nail on the head! While Shayla didn't qualify for extra reading services at school, we knew she wasn't at the top of her class. Additionally, her IQ and other areas are so much higher than her reading area we didn't know why she was struggling so much and why she didn't enjoy it. Robin showed us that because her eyes do not focus correctly it's like three lines of text all blurring together as one and is making her eyes tire and giving her the headaches she complains about. (It's no wonder reading has been so hard for her!)

The developmental eye doctor in Toledo told me that it was 100% cureable - something I'm not used to hearing. She also told me insurance wouldn't cover it and it is extremely expensive - something I am used to hearing. When I asked how much she said, "$2,800". I chuckled to myself thinking, "We paid thousands more for stuff that didn't work; this seems like a tremendous bargin!" Shayla has been great about doing her eye exercises every day and we have hope this will help her. She's a champ!

I continue to reflect with amazement and to be most grateful for the kindness and support we've been so richly blessed with for so many years. THANK YOU!

More Holiday Pics & "Today" in Text

Typical, I relied upon my mom and therefore left my camera at home so that Shayne could take Shayla's pictures while I was on the cruise. Today my mom sent the pictures from her camera so I'm sharing them here.
Check out the sky as we were embarking upon our trip. Mom got my attention, but when I was blinking away tears she knew I already saw it and felt like it was Christi wishing us a great trip. (Knowing how much CT would have loved to have been with us was hard!)
Happy Cruisers!
Kissing our sweet mom!
Pointing at an incredibly large sting ray at a gorgeous hotel ("The Atlantis") in Nassau.
Hanging out on deck!
Determining the game plan!


Today I gathered up all of Christi's jeans to give to one of her fellow "lean and lanky" friends (smile). Christi just discovered wearing jeans about a year ago and from then one it was like they were her staple! After packing the six pairs up and calling our friends, who were grateful, I decided to keep just one pair. I hold them up and can't believe how tiny they are. Christi seems so much bigger than that. It's odd to see Shayla dressed in Christi's tops every day, but I'm so glad she's able to get great use out of Christi's toys and clothing. We are blessed!

Today I took Christi's pink sweatshirt jacket, embroidered with a "C", to one of her very best friends (Cami). Another best friend (Sarah) gave me the wonderful poem she read during the funeral Mass. She had it framed and matted, very touching! (One day soon I'll share the four poems those amazing little girls read in a very packed church.) One my way to meet the girls and their moms, I found myself in a hysterical fit of tears. I pulled over at St. Joe's church sobbed, prayed, then called Shayne and said, "I don't think I can go." He felt that I should go, so I did and I'm very grateful I did! (I actually see Christi in those precious daughters who were so sweet to me. The "Chatty Cathy's" made her laugh and feel so happy and normal. And when THEY KNEW what Christi was going to be for Halloween, I was stunned!! I thought I was the only one to know about her silly costume idea.)

Today after school I went and met with my wonderful sub, Mr. Jones to begin to get updated. I'll be heading back in about two weeks. If I could just get up to my classroom without having to see Christi's I think I'd be ok. Hmmmmm.

Today I "cashed in" thousands of Christi's frequent flyer miles. Since there was no way to use them for flights, or to transfer them to Shayla's account without hefty fees, I figured out how to order magazine subscriptions so the Ronald McDonald Houses in New York City and in Philadelphia will soon be receiving some year long magazine subscriptions! Shayne and I both found light reading to be a helpful way to pass the time when we really couldn't concentrating on anything of great substance. I hope "Christi's gift" will help other kids and parents staying in those wonderful "homes" too! Take care!!

Cruising and Coping

Check out my awesome gown and shoes I borrowed from my wonderful sister!









Entry finished Tuesday, October 24th:

With an incredible loving gift of an amazing Carnival cruise from a very generous prayer warrior given to me, I talked my sister, mom and Aunt Marty into sailing with me to the Bahamas for a long weekend. Talking, laughing, teasing, crying and reading every day with my dear, sweet family was the best of therapy. I can’t believe how well I feel every time I’m away from home and all of the “Christi reminders”. Her bookbag and shoes still sit by the doorway as I just can’t bring myself to put them away. Today Shayla wanted to wear Christi’s shoes and since they fit, I let her. She also asked to take Christi’s bookbag to school tomorrow, but I told her to give me a day to slowly go through it first, then she could have it. I’ve yet to unzip it and I know seeing the new school supplies we just purchased, in addition to her homework papers ready to give back to her beautiful teacher will be incredibly hard.

I long to feel close to her, yet the pain is so raw it sometimes feels crushing and unbearable. I know God is holding me up at those times each day. Arriving home I saw the latest issue of her American Girl magazine arrived. Grandma and Paw Paw had just renewed their subscription for her Christmas present knowing how much she loved reading that magazine. The day it would come I’d never see her as she’s take off for her bedroom where she’d devour it in private. My mom called to cancel the subscription, but she warned me that one issue would still arrive with Christi’s name on it and it did.

I did get a bit upset with Miss Christi today (smile). I received an overdue notice for a book she checked out on my card at the library!! I have to laugh as this was “Christi”; she did this a few times each year and would create panic until the book was found.

On our cruise to the Bahamas, I read some excellent books which gave me hope and shared witness of God’s love for us – now and after our earthly deaths. I’ll share the titles in case they may be helpful to others sailing in this or a similar boat: “Final Gifts” by Maggie Callanan and Patricia Kelley (Thanks, Dr. Gartner) “90 Minutes in Heaven” by Don Piper (Thanks, mom) and “The Bereaved Parent” by Harriet Sarnoff Schiff (Thanks to a sweet lady who came through the line at the funeral home and told me this book helped her after she loss her child many years ago.) I have many more books waiting to be read, but I’ve been very busy. (I am a full time student again this quarter and Heidelberg has me teaching a class for them again this semester. I’m so blessed!)

Shayne has also been extremely busy working on long overdue home remodeling projects. When I was too upset to sleep last night and I had to go wake him up, he told me he thought that keeping very busy was helping him cope. I think he’s right!

This afternoon I made another big step, in my mind. About an hour after school I went to pick up Shayla from Girl Scouts (held in the school’s cafeteria). I assumed all of the teachers and students would be gone, but I still ran into a few. Everyone was very nice. One student at his locker gave me a huge smile and said, “Mrs. Thomas, will you be back teaching us tomorrow?” I laughed and said, “In a couple of weeks, but I just made a very big step. I just walked past Christi’s classroom on the way to mine and I didn’t even cry.” This seventh grade boy so sweetly said, “Don’t worry. We all know it’s going to be hard for you and it’s okay to cry.” I told him what a great kid he is, gave him a wave and a see you soon and took off to my classroom before I lost my courage and ran right out the door – without Shayla! I sat, I walked, I cried, I cleaned out my fridge (yogurt and cottage cheese from August – nice!) and yet I was so proud of myself for actually getting there. I really have missed teaching. I’m just scared knowing school was Christi’s favorite place in the world and knowing that I have to walk past her classroom every time I go to my classroom. I know I will have to go and return her textbooks which must be in her bookbag by the door and to collect her things from her desk, but I fear that so much right now. I was DEEPLY TOUCHED that her name tag “Christi” is still outside on the wall with the other kids’ names too. Her teacher will never know how much that meant to me. Our wonderful school “yearbook lady” came through the funeral line and told me that Christi’s picture will be in the school yearbook using her picture from 4th grade and I think that’s the sweetest thing.

Today I put that free one hour student massage my student teacher from last year gave me to work. (Natalie, it was pure bliss – thank you!) There truly could be no greater gift! For months I’d been scheduling and cancelling appointments; finally it worked out. The massotherapist told me my shoulders, back and neck were a mess and that there are knots that she couldn’t get out in an hour all over my upper back. I’ll probably be sore in the morning, but it was awesome and……………since the one hour massages with the students at their school are only $20.00 I scheduled one for next week too! (BIG smile!)

Additionally, late this afternoon on my way to a meeting, I stopped to chat and pray with Christi at the cemetery. I was simply blown away when I approached and saw the sweetest fall wreath placed over her little name stake and also a little bouquet of flowers placed on the dirt/mud. People and their kindness is simply amazing. I know that our family is not the only one hurting over this loss. I keep reminding myself that Christi is exactly where I want to be! The ground has really settled, making the indentation of the ground about 5 inches lower than the grass. It all looked too real for me so I walked away, put in a scripture CD and drove off to my meeting.

Shayne and I were pleasantly surprised to learn from different people today that Father incorporated Christi into his sermon at St. Mary’s over the weekend at Mass! To hear that Christi and Mother Theresa were included in the same sermon gave us great comfort. From what we understand, Father talked about how one person can touch countless others. “Nine years, a lifetime; the dimension that defined Christi’s life wasn’t length, it was breath. She touched so intensely, gave so generously, loved so deeply and lived so courageously,” (to borrow the words of another).

Well it’s approaching midnight and I’d best get to bed. Tomorrow I will take one of Christi’s best friends her 11th birthday present (a Cat Monopoly game since our family loves ours so and Christi & Theresa shared a love of cats.) I’ll also be taking a hand created card for Theresa. In the hospital, Christi drew Theresa a great cartoon about two cats and then wrote:

Dear Theresa,
I hope you enjoy the comic strip. There will be another in your next card because I’m gong to be here for a while.

Love, Christi

Tomorrow I also need to take Shayla back to her doctor in Toledo for more therapy. More about that and about her many Halloween activities another day! Thanks for still loving us!! Goodnight!

One Month Ago

Interesting to us, a sweet Prayer Warrior made note of the fact that Christi died at 9 a.m. on 9/19 at the tender age of 9. Did Christi plan this? I wouldn't put it past the little jokester! It's hard to believe today marks the one month anniversary of her passing back to the Lord. We miss her more than ever!

Yesterday the beautiful, talented and sweet Miss America 2006 emailed her sympathy and attached this picture taken outside of CHOP. Jennifer Berry is a ballet dancer and she talked with "our little Miss America" about ballet. I let her know that Christi's pointe shoes were in her coffin because she is now dancing in Heaven.

A compassionate group called Code Blue sent us an awesome gift of the following framed poem. Additionally, it contains one of my favorite photos of Christi taken about one week before diagnosis at the bottom of the staircase to Heaven and a second picture of her cute little bald headed is inserted at the top in the clouds. Although it actually makes me sob because it is so true, here’s the beautiful poem that’s on the frame.

“Words from an Angel”

I have not turned my back on you,
So there is no need to cry.
I’m watching you from heaven,
Just beyond the morning sky.
I’ve seen you almost fall apart
When you could barely stand.
I asked the Lord to comfort you,
And watched Him take your hand.
He told me you are in more pain,
Than I could ever be.
He wiped his eyes and swallowed hard,
Then gave your hand to me.
Although you may not feel my hand
Or see me by your side
I’ve whispered that I love you
While I wiped each tear you cried,
So please try not to ache for me
We’ll meet again one day
Beyond the dark and stormy sky
A rainbow lights the way.

Forever alive and cherished in our hearts,
The Code Blue Family

This balloon release took place a month ago for Christi - in Texas! (So sweet! THANK YOU!)

San Francisco

Thank you, Robin & Kelly for an incredible trip to San Francisco!

With Eliza at the zoo.




In Golden Gate Park at the Japanese Gardens

Outside the science center

Shayla with brilliant and beautiful Robin the Great!

Muir Woods, enjoying the California tall tall redwood trees

Traci & Jenn give a San Fran Send off complete with flowers in our hair, building the Golden Gate bridge out of orange pipecleaners and yes - using dry ice to create "fog" in the bathtub! Dear Lord, thank you for these tremendous (and creative and funny) friends we don't deserve!

Within 24 hours of booking our tickets, we were on our way to the airport last week! A VERY generous "mom" from town called and said she thought it'd do us well to get away, so she gave us three airline tickets to go anywhere Southwest flies. Like she said the only catch was travel had to be completed by October 20th so we took off in a rush and yet it was a FABULOUS trip - great time spent together.

After we had the tickets and we talked about where we could go, I called one of the sweetest Christi supporters to see if she was still offering us a place to stay in San Francisco like she has offered so many times. She told us it was a small cottage without much in terms of furniture, but we were welcome to come. (Well, her description was quite inaccurate as this most amazing place was the same size as our home, it overlooked the Golden Gate Bridge and so much more!!) I had only met Robin one other time before, when we went to the Met together when she was in NYC for the day. Without a doubt, she is one of the most amazing, brilliant, compassionate and beautiful women I've ever met. It's no surprise she's a Professor; I could sit and listen to her forever! I simply didn't have enough time! Not only does she stock the fridge with fabulous foods, Robin is so inspiring and she knows so many different things including "must do's" while in San Francisco for a short period of time. (smile)

Taking Robin's recommendations we had a jam-packed schedule, just the way we like it: biking over the Golden Gate Bridge, seeing the Muir Woods (Those incredibly tall California trees) seeing Sausalito. We also enjoyed "the Exploratorium" (even though it doesn't compare to COSI) and the zoo - where we met sweet, sweet Eliza (a Christi Fan). We ate sushi and Thai food and toured Japantown and China town and of course had Shayne drive down Lombard Street. Shayla didn't care much for the Haight-Ashbury area, but she did enjoy Fisherman's Wharf and all of the seals sunning themselves. We ended our trip by taking a drive around Berkley on our way to the airport yesterday.

The days before we left were just getting harder and harder and harder. A trip was too good to pass up! Everywhere we turned there was a reminder of Christi. (Not that we don't want reminders, but it was making us so sad.) On our trip, we had time to relax, talk, walk and enjoy Shayla. It was great until we returned home and I saw the free CD rom "The Truth About Cats and Dogs" Christi had been saving up her five cereal box tops for arrived in the mail, ugh! I crawled in bed and then cried my eyes out knowing how much Christi would have loved our family vacation.

Today I made a HUGE move. I had to go get Shayla picked up from school for the first time. (I want to thank all of the sweet friends and family members who have been doing this for me as I knew there would be nothing harder.) I made it in the building, past Christi's 5th grade classroom and down to Shayla's room to get her. I knew I couldn't look at anyone or I'd start crying and I made it. The flood of tears didn't start until we were buckled in the car and it was time to leave the lot. It's so hard to believe this week will be the one month anniversary of her death. Thank you so much for your love and support and for seeing us through!! Thank you Kelly & Robin for this amazing trip!! We've been richly blessed!!

Pumpkin Picking

Today's summer-like afternoon found us buying and painting pumpkins! Happy Fall!



October 5, 2005: CT & Shay Shay work on our pumpkins.

Memorial Garden

From Aunt Marty and Uncle Jeffy:We finished the memorial garden today. It's shaped like a dog bone. Wouldn't Christi have loved that? The Christi apple tree is at one end of the dog bone, with my lilac tree on the other end of the dog bone. In the center is a butterfly bush which is how I think of Christi...like a butterfly who flew into our lives, then flew out again. Be sure to tell Shayla thanksfor picking out the angel statue for the memorial garden. Next spring there will be nine varieties of flowers blooming from bulbs I'll be planting this fall. Nine for her nine young years she was with us.Where the Memorial Garden is now located, Christi sat and sketched, May 2006.

From Shayne:
I was doing pretty well with my grieving this entire week. Until...Shayla and I were hanging out in the den Sunday afternoon watching the Suite Life with Zach and Cody. A short video came on in between shows. It was the song Breaking Free From High School Musical sang in Spanish. My kids know I enjoy show tunes, so when Christi and I were in Philadelphia the last time she could not wait to watch that DVD with me. We layed on the bed at the Ronald McDonald house and watched it together eating popcorn-a very nice memory. THEN when she became semi-unconscious at the hospital I put it in and watched again with her this time in her hospital bed-not so great of a memory. (I was hoping with all my heart that she was still listening and we could share this once again). By now you can probably guess where I am going with this. Shayla comes over and stands by my chair and starts singing the song in English to the Spanish version that is on TV. Her singing brought a rush of emotion that totally took me by surprise. I had no idea that a single song sung by a little girl could trigger such an enormous range of emotion. As a result I have not been worth a shit since. Day by day.....

Breaking Free

We're soarin'
Flyin'
There's not a star in heaven that we can't reach

If we're trying
So were breaking free
You know the world can see us
In a way that's different than who we are

Creating space between us
'Till we're seperate hearts

But your faith, it gives me strength
Strength to believe

Oh, we're breakin' free

Can you feel it building
Like a wave the ocean just can't control

Connected by a feeling
Ohhh, in our very souls

Very souls, Ooohhh

Rising 'til it lifts us up
So every one can see

We're breakin free
We're soarin'

Flyin'

To get to that place

To be all that we can be

Now's the time

So were breaking free

We're breaking free

Ohhh , yeah

More than hope
More than faith

This is truth
This is fate
And together

We see it comin'

More than you
More than me

Ohhhh, climbin'

To get to the place
To be all that we can be
Now's the time

Hope to Cope

For years people asked me how I could keep marching along as I did. I always reponded, "Hope". Upon learning she had cancer, I had hope that she'd get through the nine month protocol just fine. When she didn't I had hope that alternative treatments would save her life. When in March of 2003 we learned it was indeed terminal, I still had hope convincing myself that if she just held in there long enough a cure would be found. Even the last week I had hope - a different kind of hope. I had hope that she'd have a peaceful transition. Now, weeks after her death, I still have hope. I hope to live the rest of my life in a way that will ensure that we will one day be together again - in a much better place. (Thank you to a sweet Prayer Warrior for making this picture! The photo of Christi was taken in October 2005 when Christi hopped up on a chair and I slipped my wedding dress over her head and gave her my wedding flowers to hold. What a beauty!)

Despite my "hope" it's still very, very hard and my Angel friends who have also had a child die of cancer tell me time makes it worse for over a year. I spent much of the afternoon crying my eyes out on the couch wondering, "How can it possibly get any worse?" An hour before we were going to leave to go to the football game last night with our classmates (It's our 20th class reunion weekend; can you believe it? Certainly we're not THAT old, smile.) I suddenly realized I couldn't possibly go. Although I wanted Shayne to go be with our friends we haven't seen for so many years, he said he wouldn't leave me. Instead we watched "The Wild" with Shayla and ate popcorn. Hopefully, tonight I'll be up to the 1986 class dinner. I really love our old high school friends.

This morning will find us taking another family bike ride with Aunt Marty and Uncle Jeff - this one on the Lexington/Mansfield trail. Although my legs and arms are still aching from Shayne giving me exercises to do that the gym yesterday, I'm looking forward to our bike ride!

Advertiser-Tribune News Coverage

As one can note by the time, I'm up not able to sleep. After finishing, "The Twits" which Shayla loved, we talked about Christi for at least 40 minutes last night. Shayla was so sweet and candid in all of her comments about her sister as we laughed and cried together: "She could remember anything mom. When I couldn't remember I'd ask her to and then a long time later she'd tell me when I asked her." Precious!

I'm thankful Shayla and Shayne are alseep. Shayne is on our couch cuddled up with Buckeye who only said, "Meow," when I said, "What are you doing?" I told Buckeye I was going to check the Advertiser Tribune's website to see if they had any news about Heidelberg's event yesterday and I am so pleased they have a colored photo and little article listed. Don't you love a small town?! Here is the picture and the link: http://www.advertiser-tribune.com/News/articles.asp?articleID=4182

Last night I added a few more pics to the bottom of the entry I posted earlier about the celebration and Dr. Corley sent me some photos too. I'll paste a couple here. It was a glorious day!

Shayne, Shayla and I spent the entire evening opening thoughtful sympathy cards as over a thousand have been received. We continue to be moved by the kindness and compassion so lovingly bestowed upon our family. Please accept our deepest thanks!
Many "Alex & the Amazing Lemonade Stand" book orders were placed yesterday. I'll willing to bet when these sweet students have classrooms of their own they will be organizing lemonade stands at their schools. I just wish Christi would have been around to autograph them as she loved to do - Christi, always with hearts over both the "i's".
Thank you, future teachers!

Heidelberg College

Is it any wonder why this college is named as "one of the best" year after year?! Is it any wonder why this Department of Education just aced their NCATE exam?! WOW! Our deepest Thomas team thanks to Professor Lori Grine and to all of our wonderful and thoughtful friends in the Education Department! It was a glorious celebration of Christi's little life and a glorious testament of God's love.

Dr. F. Dominic Dottavio, the awesome Heidelbeg College President, sat beside Shayne, mom and I during the service. The wonderful Campus Minister did a remarkable job; college students shared how Christi had touched their lives moving me to tears. Some talked of how Christi will live on in their own classrooms when they are teachers themsleves one day. Christi's young friends from school lined up and read the sweet book she used to read in Professor Grine's classrooms "Alex & the Amazing Lemonade Stand". (I had to wipe tears away when I saw on the big screen the picture that Alex's aunt drew to represent Christi and I saw Christi had written "Love, Christi" underneath that picture in the book.) Lovely songs and prayers were shared and I felt surrounded by love in a packed room.

Outside, the Campus Minister again led us in prayer and then 150 balloons were set off into the sky. It was like Christi was with them as they were dancing, not floating, away in the sky. (Her Dance Unlimited lessons were on Heidelberg's campus.) As he talked I couldn't help but watch a single bee floating around his arm and back. You see during her service he mentioned that last year when he was talking to Christi during the lemonade stand she was concerned that a single bee was buzzing around and that it may try to harm someone. I couldn't help but think that Christi was with us - joking around, brightening the service!

The tree prayer and dedication was awesome. Professor Diane Armstrong did a tremendous job, as always. Lee Martin worked incredibly hard to get the plaque stone placed so quickly. Soon it will be engraved and I'll share that picture. We travel many times a week past "Christi's tree" so we will always think of great times, fond memories and loving kindness as we drive by - and it wouldn't surprise me if we have a picnic or two with Shayla beside it.

Before Christi's friends left I had them pick out a stuffed animal of Christi's. Christi LOVED her many stuffed animals; she named every one and I knew she'd want her friends to have them. We knew we wanted Sarah to have "Vanilla" - the brown bear she made at Sarah's birthday party in May - the brown bear she asked if I packed before she made that final trip to Philadelphia, the brown bear that was tucked in her arm when she left her earthly body bound for God's great kingdom. I think all of the kids were glad to have them. We've decided to let Shayla pick out the ones to give to her other friends, but we're not going to rush Shayla with this.

I asked Lori if Heidelberg would like to inherit the Lemonade Stand as I noticed Monday night it looked very nice in the early childhood classroom. She said they would be honored. Here's a picture of Christi's little lemonade stand making its way to its new home. A Professor told me they'd like to continue with the yearly lemonade stands and they'll never know how deeply moved I was to hear that. I'm certain Christi would love to see one of her passions continue; finding a cure to this beast which robs so many children of their lives is desperately needed!

THANK YOU to a couple of my dearest and most treasured friends, amazing Professors- Armstrong and Grine. They truly "get it" and know what matters in life! Their devotion, kindness, compassion and friendship over many years has been one of my biggest blessings!!

Bill at RUSH made and donated the beautiful yellow tee shirts. THANK YOU HEIDELBERG COLLEGE!! Christi never made it to be a real college student like she talked about, but we believe her spirit and memory will now live on at the 'Berg! When you drive down Greenfield St. past the Education Bldg., please give a little wave to that precious little tree and remember to live each day to the fullest.

Heidelberg College

Is it any wonder why this college is named as "one of the best" year after year?! Is it any wonder why this Department of Education just aced their NCATE exam?! WOW! Our deepest Thomas team thanks to Professor Lori Grine and to all of our wonderful and thoughtful friends in the Education Department! It was a glorious celebration of Christi's little life and a glorious testament of God's love.

The awesome college President sat beside Shayne and I during the service. The wonderful Campus Minister did a remarkable job; college students shared how Christi had touched their lives moving me to tears. Some talked of how Christi will live on in their own classrooms when they are teachers themsleves one day. Christi's young friends from school lined up and read the sweet book she used to read in Professor Grine's classrooms "Alex & the Amazing Lemonade Stand". (I had to wipe tears away when I saw on the big screen the picture that Alex's aunt drew to represent Christi and I saw she had written "Love, Christi" underneath that picture.) Lovely songs were shared and I felt surrounded by love in a packed room.

Outside the Campus Minister again led us in prayer and then 150 balloons were set off into the sky. It was like Christi was with them as they were dancing, not floating, away in the sky. (Her Dance Unlimited lessons were on Heidelberg's campus.) As he talked I couldn't help but watch a single bee floating around his arm and back. You see during her service he mentioned that last year when he was talking to Christi during the lemonade stand she was concerned that a single bee was buzzing around and that it may try to harm someone. I couldn't help but think that Christi was with us - joking around, brightening the service!

The tree prayer and dedication was awesome. Professor Diane Armstrong did a tremendous job, as always. Lee Martin worked incredibly hard to get the plaque stone placed so quickly. Soon it will be engraved and I'll share that picture. We travel many times a week past "Christi's tree" so we will always think of great times, fond memories and loving kindness as we drive by - and it wouldn't surprise me if we have a picnic or two with Shayla beside it.

Before Christi's friends left I had them pick out a stuffed animal of Christi's. Christi LOVED her many stuffed animals; she named every one and I knew she'd want her friends to have them. We knew we wanted Sarah to have "Vanilla" - the brown bear she made at Sarah's birthday party in May - the brown bear she asked if I packed before she made that final trip to Philadelphia, the brown bear that was tucked in her arm when she left her earthly body bound for God's great kingdom. I think all of the kids were glad to have them. We've decided to let Shayla pick out the ones to give to her other friends, but we're not going to rush Shayla with this.

I asked Lori if Heidelberg would like to inherit the Lemonade Stand as I noticed Monday night it looked very nice in the early childhood classroom when I glanced in. She said they would be honored. Here's a picture of Christi's little lemonade stand making its way to its new home. A Professor told me they'd like to continue with the yearly lemonade stands and they'll never know how deeply moved I was to hear that. I'm certain Christi would love that~

THANK YOU to a couple of my dearest and most treasured friends, amazing Professors- Armstrong and Grine. They truly "get it" and know what matters in life!

Bill at RUSH made and donated the beautiful yellow tee shirts. THANK YOU HEIDELBERG COLLEGE!! Christi never really made it to be a real college student there like she talked about, but we believe her spirit and memory will now live on at the 'Berg! When you drive down Greenfield Street past the Education Building, please give a little wave to that precious little tree and remember to live each day to the fullest.