Happy Tenth Birthday, Angel Christi

Shayne holds baby Christi for the very first time, May 12, 1997
With the wonderful, Dr. Cordero!

The sweet Chatty Catchy Club girls called me Friday right after school to invite us to their party they were having for Christi's birthday. They wanted Shayla to come swimming with them but I had to decline - not that I didn't think Shayla would LOVE it, but because I knew I couldn't see all of those sweet, sweet girls – all gathered together in honor of Christi’s birthday. I was so moved. I told Julie that I just couldn’t bring myself to do it and she responded, “It’s a good thing you weren’t here a minute ago. They all stood around the pool and said what they missed most about Christi before they jumped into the pool.” Oh, that would have been hard. I hung up with tears rapidly flowing and dialed my sweet friend, thinking maybe one of the Grine’s would have time to take Shayla to the party. I thank the good Lord Lori did for me. I know she didn’t have the time, but somehow made it for us. On the way Shayla said, “Mom, I’m glad you’re still letting me go to the birthday party, even if you’re too sad to go.” She’s a sweetie!

With our sweet COSI friends coming up to spend Friday night with us, Shayla determined everyone's sleeping arrangements on Thursday. She decided that she would sleep with "Elizabeth" in Christi's room. Well, that meant I needed to actually strip Christi's bed and wash all of her bedding for the very first time since August. I know that sounds terribly gross, but I just didn't want it washed and I dreaded having to one day do it and “move on”. (Denial is a much better state to be in than reality!) I would occasionally go into Christi’s room and try to catch her scent, even though I could no longer do so after eight months without her here. Early Friday morning I removed about 40, but who's counting, treasured stuffed animals neatly arranged from on top of her made bed and pulled off all of the bedding. With tears of self pity streaming down my face, I quickly started the washing machine trying to convince myself it was just a regular load of laundry. A small step during a terribly emotional time. We had a lovely evening with our dear friends who arrived from Columbus and we are so grateful that they love us and that they’re going to be the characters for today’s tea party. Jenn looked adorable last night out in the driveway sporting her “Queen of Hearts” skirt. (Shayla suggested which character would be most fitting for each person to play and they agreed.) It was a pleasure to also get to meet the sweet little niece of Traci’s last night too. Shayla had a grand time playing!!

The scholarship applications, which are due today, started rolling in over the past few days. I guess busy students were just waiting until the last minute. Again, the Christi Thomas Scholarship Committee of five will have a hard time determining the next three scholarships for students from: Seneca East, Fremont St. Joe's and Dance Unlimited.
Six day old, Christi, after Mass at St. Mary's - the same church where her funeral was held.