The Memorial Ballet Dance
My deepest thanks to the very kind man who took this home video during Friday's dress rehearsal so that Christi's webfollowers can see this beautiful dance performed by sweet and talented dance teachers Christi adored. THANK YOU!!
Movie Link*
*Note, this is a rather large file (over 8 MB), so dial-up users likely will not be able to view this video. Sorry.
Don’t wait out the storm. Learn to dance in the rain.
Shayne was in Milwaukee this week for work and he text messaged me the words printed above, knowing I was really saddened again this week, being the Ritz's summer theatre camp for kids. Even though I texted back: "I don't want to dance in the rain. I don't want to dance, period. I want her back in our arms and dancing on our stage, not God's!!" I do think she taught us to "dance in the rain".
I stopped at the cemetery on the way to my teachers' meeting Wednesday (where it was wonderful to see my dear friends again) and I discovered three beautiful silk flower bouquets left at her grave. Even though it took me a bit to get over my emotions due to someone's kindness, I kind of felt like it was she had received her flowers following her stage performance. She always loved receiving flowers after her performances at the Ritz, be it her dance recital or summer theater camp show. God's people are good. I called my sister and asked if she left them on Sunday afternoon and she said that she did not. People are simply amazing and we have been richly blessed. As Shayne said to me recently, isn't it amazing that other people haven't forgotten Christi. I know I'm not the only one missing her belly laugh, silly joke telling and her captivating smile. Rest in peace, CT!
posted by the Thomas team @ 12:26 PM
22 Comments:
I just finished watching the dance tribute video, twice - I am speechless, it is breathtaking - what a wonderful, wonderful tribute to Christi - absolutely, those bouguets were left for Christi in honor of her unbelieveable performance on this Earthly stage and every stage she graces from Heaven. Bravo, CT, Bravo!
That video was awesome, thank you for sharing!! Angela ~ I think you are the bravest woman ever and the Thomas Team is simply AMAZING! Thank you for continuing to share your journey with us. We have not and will NEVER forget Christi; which is also amazing since many of us followers never met her, but she is in our hearts through this site! God Bless You!!
Amy Brown
Gleason, WI
What an incredible "Labor of Love" for a little girl who defined love, laughter, joy, hope, faith, kindness, special, sweet, bright, talented --- YIKES....etc. etc..
Christi was/is a legend in her own time and while everyone has their own special memories/moments/
thoughts....never doubt she is remembered and cherished! The dance was a VERY personal & appropriate (Christi style) way of expressing it - and I am sure it was done in memory and HONOR of the entire Thomas Team!!!
Sincere and special wishes to Shayne on Father's Day - enjoying Shayla and cherishing Christi--ALWAYS in his heart.
Warm regards & thanks for sharing,
Randy
That video is just amazing, what a moving dance tribute to a very special girl! It made me cry!
There was an Alex's Lemonade Stand in Knoxville, TN (which is where I live) this past weekend. I immediately thought of Christi.
I will keep Shane in my prayers on this Fathers Day.
Christi will never be forgotten.
The tribute to Chrsti is just simply beautiful. It brought tears to my eyes. Tonight and tomorrow I will be at our dance recital and Christi will be in my thoughts. God Bless! Elaine
Dear Angela and Shayne,
Don't you think for one moment that anybody who knew Christi or knew of her, will ever forget her, we won't. I don't write as often now as I did when she was fighting cancer, then I wanted to try to encourage you in the fight, though I felt quite helpless here, I tried by words, it was all I could do. Now I check on you, I want to know how you are, I'm so sorry that you are suffering. I don't write as often as before, I don't really know what to say. I keep Christi's poem, 'Nature' that she wrote in 2002 when she was 5, I read it now and again, it is lovely, it's nice to think that this dear little girl thought up these words, made them into such beautiful thoughts herself.
Take care,
love Angela
Ang - so sorry things have been so hard for you lately. But how could it not be. Just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you. The dance memorial was very moving (i.e. lots of tears). Beatiful - thanks for sharing - Lora in tempe
That was a awesome video. I miss her deeply.
Oh wow, what a beautiful memorial ballet dance, awesome..Everytime i heard this song it reminds me of Christi...
Lovely greets from germany
Thanks so much for posting the video. It was a beautiful tribute to Christi.
She was an amazing girl- I barely knew her, but I miss her very much.
Simply gorgeous! A wonderful tribute to a wonderful girl!
I shall remember your Christi always.
May God be with you and bring you peace.
Lots of love,
Heather
wow what a beautiful movie and quote..that quote describes her really well!
Christi Thomas...a ballerina angel dancing on the clouds forever...
The video was beautiful. I am sure that in person it must have been absolutely spectacular. What a wonderful tribute to an amazing little girl.
Love and tears,
The dance tribute to Christi is stunning and beautiful...how fitting for Miss Christi!
I don't know if I am going to be able to make sense of my thoughts, but I thought I would try.
As a singer, I would often sing at church. When my daughter was diagnosed my world went grey and upon her death...very black. I would go to church and felt a lump in my throat throughout the service, but more profound during the singing. If I tried to sing the tears would flow. I struggled with this so much since singing is "what I did." I spoke to my mother in law about this and she told me that one of the purposes of church and community was to support. She told me that I shouldn't feel obligated to sing, but instead to let my community/church "sing" for me. At that time I absorbed the love and support that surrounded me. It gave me great comfort to know that that was precisely what they were to do for me.
It is a hard parallel for me to put into words, but it is so "right" in my mind as I watch that beautiful video. Your community is dancing for you and Christi. That is their form of support and love and it is so deep. Their support shows how deeply they were affected by Christi's life and is such a miraculous tribute to her life and what she gave to them. I am moved beyond words.
I visualize my daughter playing and happy in heaven, but like you, I want her home with me. It is so unfair and incomprehensible how something like this can happen. My chest is tight from just thinking about how wrong it all seems. I just wanted you to know you are in our daily prayers and thoughts.
Rachael Jantz
Houston TX
Thank you for sharing the video with us. That is simply beautiful. I know I would've bawled like a baby if I were there seeing it happening live. I too wish that Christi were still dancing here on earth rather than in heaven but as it has been evident over the past 9 months, your precious Christi has left a lasting impression on so many! *Stay Strong!*
Thank you so much for sharing the video it is simply amazing and beautiful. Your strength is amazing and beyond words. I can assure you Christi will never be forgotten. I will continue to keep The Thomas Team in my prayers!
The Schmidt Family
North Carolina
What an absolutely beautiful tribute! Thank you so much for sharing it!
And, yes, Christi is still of by strangers - as is her beautiful family!
Dear Thomas Team,
Thank you so so so much for sharing that video with us. I was just able to finish watching it, and I am without words. It is such a beautiful and fitting tribute to your little ballerina. The pictures and videos of Christi so happy and in her element on the screen nearly brought me to tears.
Thank you.
Thinking of you all,
Olivia
That video was beautiful.. Thank you so much for sharing..
I am so sorry that your heart is aching for Christi. I wish there was something i could say or do to help..
Christi is always on my mind.. She will NEVER be forgotten..
Staci in NJ
Post a Comment
<< Home