"Friendship" Read by Theresa

Laughter at the Lemonade Stand (June 2005)

Theresa & Christi made their First Holy Communion together (April 2004)

Theresa will never know how very grateful our entire family is to her for her incredibly kind friendship with Christi. In looking back at old pictures of Christi, it's easy to see that the times when Christi was the happiest she was with her great friends! Theresa and Kaylyn were the best of friends for years before Christi ever came along, finally joining them in school in the 2nd grade. We will forever be thankful that they opened up their friendship to include Christi. Never was Christi treated like she was one and a half years younger than her friends, even though she was. Never did they treat her like an outsider who didn't belong even though she was in and out of school so often.

With Theresa, Christi loved to use her imagination and play all sorts of silly things. ("F" is for friends who do things together...."). The two would be so giggly together. Christi absolutely loved when we weould ride our bikes over to Thersa's home to play with her (many) kittens. Her sweet mother, Linda, reached out to help make certain things happy for Christi countless times and supported Christi's causes (lemonade stands, blood drives, etc.). The amazing Linda even drove those three silly girls to Columbus where they met me at a teachers' meeting for Christi's 8th birthday party!

Now, I see Theresa a couple of times a week in the school hallways. I'm always amazed at how tall she is now. Of course I can't say it doesn't make me wonder how much Christi would have grown by now too; however, I'm also always very happy to see her - a gem of a friend who made Christi feel "normal" and happy, two of the greatest gifts a cancer kid would ever receive! Thank you, dearest Theresa! We will watching her grow and we will always imagine Theresa with an Angel at her side: cheering her on, making her laugh, and providing comfort and strength when needed.

Two Peas in a Pod - Swimming in the Pool! (August 2005)








“Friendship”
By Jean Kyler McManus

Read at Christi's Funeral by Theresa, Christi’s friend

There’s a miracle of friendship
That dwells within the heart,
And you don’t know how it happens
Or where it gets its start…

But the happiness it brings you
Always gives a special lift,
And you realize that friendship
Is God’s most perfect gift.

Girl Scout Camp with Theresa (June 2005)

Putting on a Pirate Play at Home (July 2005)
Wearing their "Best Friends" tee shirts at Cedar Point (July 2006)
Warming Up Their Recorders Before the Spring Music Program (April 2006)

Trick or Treating with Theresa! (October 2005)

Recess Time with Great Friends(mid September 2005 - a year before death)

Swimming Fun (May 2005)

Enjoying the fair (August 2006)

Happy at School!!!! April 2003 (age 5)

With Theresa after the 2004 Dance Unlimited ballet recital (CT age 6)

McDonald's Playplace (7th bday - 2004)

Playground Silly - May 2004 (CT age 7)

Theresa & Christi Staying Dry (2004)

Fun in Fourth Grade on "Western Day"! (November 2005)

Cedar Point!! (Rub a Dub Dub - Three Girls in a Tub - Theresa, Christi & Angela!) (May 2004)
School Friends (Feb. 2006)