Perform a "Christi Kindness" - Eulogy by Mike Kerschner

Outside of the Old Fort Bank Christi conducts an "Alex & Christi's Lemonade Stand". In this picture, an Official Proclamation is taking place making it: "Christi Thomas Day in Tiffin"

Words by Mike Kerschner, President of the Old Fort Bank
We are here today to celebrate the wonderful but, oh too short life of a beautiful young girl – Christi Thomas. Our hearts are full of sorrow for Shayne, Angela and Shayla who have lost their precious child and sister. We recognize their immense courage. Today we are all hurting and feel grief-stricken. Shayne and Angela have somehow found the strength to gather here with their friends and family, to reach out for help to face this most tragic of times. It is very hard to find words that will help them. But with the memory of a smiling, happy beautiful girl close to my heart, I will try to offer some comforting words.

We all have our own beloved memory of Christi. One of my favorites is when I told her how much I liked the paper dogs and cats she made for her dad’s desk. Lo & behold, Christi showed up in a couple of days with a paper dog she made just for me. She couldn’t have been any prouder of her handy-work and I couldn’t have been any more grateful to her. That moment exemplifies Christi to me. What a charmer!

Her giggles were infectious, her stories were hilarious - when the doctor came in one day she said “I eat an apple everyday and he still doesn’t go away.” Her eyes were filled with hope - especially when she was organizing a blood donation day or setting up a lemonade stand. Her compassion for others was inspiring. She would visit other children in the hospital and give them words of encouragement – her line was “I’m not sick, I just have cancer.”

Guided by her love-struck mom and dad she learned to blow kisses, wave bye-bye, give the raspberries, crawl, walk, run and skip and win more hearts by the minute. We all loved her. We all hurt helplessly. Where will Shayne and Angela find the strength? Where will the rest of us find the strength to help them? Our love for Christi will hold dear always. Love for the God who gave Christi to us. Love for one another and for life itself.

Shayne and Angela, I just want you to know that to me, you are braver than any president or king. We thank you for Christi who lit up the world for all who loved her and who gave the best hugs ever. She was truly an inspiration. How many parents gave their kids an extra hug after going to her web site? How many extra prayers have been said? How much more deeply do people care because of Christi? How many people get up and go to church instead of rolling over?

I have a challenge for each of us. Let’s keep Christi’s grace – her compassion and her charm alive and well. Let’s perform a “Christi Kindness” whenever we have the opportunity. When asked, volunteer for that hour or two when it’s not really convenient. Give blood in Christi’s name when you can. Write an encouraging note to someone who needs a lift. Visit that person you’ve been meaning to go see – This is what Christi inspired – this is the important stuff - please join me in performing a “Christi Kindness” whenever you can.

Shayne and Angela, you’ve accomplished what we all dream of for our children – for them to be happy and to make it to heaven when this earthly life is over. Christi is smiling on you now and forever from her honored seat in heaven – God Bless.

Christi "helps" Mike donate blood at one of her American Red Cross Blood Drives (Another one will be held in Christi's Memory on Monday, March 19th from noon to six at Hospice in Tiffin. We hope you can attend.)

Thank you, Mike for the lovely words! Christi always loved receiving your time and attention!