Traci's Eulogy

Christi with her favorite "Cave Girls" (Age 5 1/2, April 2003 at COSI)
Surprise Birthday Party (on the way to the airport of course!) for Christi's 7th birthday held by Elizabeth and Harriet (May 2004)Forever Friends: Traci & Christi

Dec. 2004: Florida
December 2002 (Christi, age 5) with Jenn "Elizabeth" and Traci "Harriett" at COSI in Adventure.
Picture taken: October 2002, In Adventure, at COSI. This is the location where Christi first met Traci & Jenn. Christi couldn't wait to bring her daddy to this incredible place so despite being in isolation, we took her back a month later. At that visit I asked for the sweet little lady named "Harriet" because I wanted to know if her supervisor recieved the letter I wrote praising "Harriet" for her incredible work with my girls in September. Traci probably wishes I never would have asked for her that day, but she'll never know how richly she blessed Christi's life. Harriet and Elizabeth were, without a doubt, two of Christ's very best friends!


Eulogy for Princess Christi
By Traci Weaver (aka “Harriet”)

I first met the Thomas girls on September 4th, 2002. They came to visit COSI, and ended up staying all day, picking me over their scheduled afternoon trip to the Art museum, a high honor coming from Christi. Soon after, Elizabeth, Christi, Shayla and I became fast friends. We played together, traveled together, learned from each other, and at times got each other into trouble.

Christi's 9th birthday surprise: Racing Go Cars at Magic Mountain in Columbus - on the way to the airport to get back to Philly! (Christi really wasn't tall enough but Traci and friends managed to convince the guy she was. I just kept thinking, "I really don't think she's going to die by crashing a go-cart, but it would be a better way to go out.")

Early this year, when Elizabeth and I went to stay with Christi and Angela at the Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia, Christi and I stayed up late one night while Angela and Elizabeth tried to sleep in the next bed. Christi and I would be quiet, waiting for Angela to fall asleep, and then promptly begin to whisper and giggle, which would wake Angela, who would mumble sleepily, "Christi, go to sleep." We'd be quiet for a while, then start giggling again until we heard another sleepy command, "Christi, be quiet". This went on for a while until we decided, we'd better stop before she separates us.

Christi's off with Traci for her Private Island Party - wow! What a glorious night at COSI!! I've taken on many roles in Christi and Shayla's world; my favorites include: explorer, bicycle riding opera singer, swim instructor, cholesterol in a big giant heart, sister, fancy pillow bridge designer, admirer, partner in crime, jungle gym, Italian spy, sea monkey farmer, and countless animals and other fantastical creatures.

March 2003: Jenn & Traci drive to NYC to bring Christi, stuck in the hospital, some giggles! Christi was my friend, my accomplice, she always seemed to know when I needed to laugh, and when I needed to just sit and hold her hand. At times, I think she knew me better than I know myself.

She and Shayla and Shayne and Angela have enriched my life in ways I cannot express. They've opened their hearts and their home to me, and treated me like one of their own. In them, I've found a support system, true friendship and love; in them, I've found a family. In fact, there was a rumor going around Disney World a couple years ago that I was the third Thomas daughter, the one they kept locked in the basement, who only gets to come out and play on special occasions.

During the time I've spent with them, I've heard Angela introduce Christi many times and explain her name as spelled like "Christ" with an "I". This description could not be more accurate. Christi truly has a Christ-like quality. Even in death, she has the power to change lives, to touch hearts, and to inspire courage. Over the past several days, I’ve gotten many emails from fellow COSI team members expressing how Christi has affected them. This one in particular from our friend Dave: “Christi has made a big impact on me. I hug my kids tighter, and try to appreciate every moment more because of visiting that blog, and knowing what true love, true parenting, true strength, and true zest for life is. I could never thank Christi or her family enough for what they’ve given me.”

One of my all time favorite pics: Jenn & Traci with Christi in Philadelphia, spring 2006 (Christi age 8). Check out Christi's expression! Hee hee hee! Don't let her fool you - she LOVED it!

As she fought her battle with bravery, humor, and unfailing kindness, I don’t think she could have known how much I looked up to her, for her brilliant mind, her dazzling spirit and grace, and her unconditional love for everyone she came in contact with. Of course, I could never tell her I looked up to her, because she would immediately giggle and remind me again, “Well, I am almost taller than you.” She was and always will be my inspiration, my guidepost for generosity, faith, and humility, and above all, she will always be my hero.

I will miss you my precious friend, and I can’t wait to see you again, look into those beautiful blue eyes, and giggle with you at all the jokes and stories you’re saving up. You will be with me when I laugh, and just like mom told me, whenever something goofy happens, I’ll know it’s you.
Spring 2006: In Philadelphia at Franklin Institute
Can you find Traci? She's the only pall bearer wearing pink! We LOVED it! Additionally, rumor has it Traci - the theme party planner, also has special pink princess undergarments on in honor of Princess Christi! Christi most likely is still giggling in Heaven over that one!