Sad Sad Sad

I received many blessings when I married Scott. Not only did I have a loving husband and great life partner but I also received 2 wonderful brothers in laws and my 2 fantastic sisters in laws. I was blessed with 3 handsome nephews and 4 beautiful nieces. I was so excited to be an Aunt and take my role very seriously. In fact I feel like I had unofficially settled into that role during the 2 years Scott and I were dating before we were married. I was Aunt Megan to these beautiful children before I was Scott’s wife. I read once that an Aunt is “the friendship of a sister and wisdom of a mother”. In my case I feel this especially true. Since Scott is 10 years older than me and his nieces and nephews are older I often feel like the filler of the generation gap. I love being able to relate to them and they keep me feeling youthful. Next to being a mother being an Aunt is my most fulfilling role.

Last night we received terrible news. Our oldest nephew, Chris, passed away Thursday night. Chris had a rough start in life and the path of his life was not always straight, narrow, and clear. But last night in remembering him Scott and I both were drawn to his genuine kindness. I was always so impressed with his gentle nature towards his three younger sisters. Scott remembers how eager he was to help us when they visited for Thanksgiving. He had genuine goodness in his heart.

When Chris found out he was expecting a baby with his girlfriend Alex, Scott and I both received personal phone calls from him to share his exciting news. You could hear in his voice the excitement and love. We often chatted on facebook, he always said hello when we were both online at the same time. His life was really taking a good turn. He was overjoyed when his beautiful baby girl, Lilyana Rose, arrived last July. He felt welcomed by Alex’s family and often referred to them as “good people”. I feel a debt of gratitude towards Alex’s family for being there for him in such a meaningful way.

Chris and Alex with beautiful baby Lilyana Rose.

Chris’s own sisters left such beautiful notes on facebook I wanted to share…

From his oldest sister Stephany ~ To the most beautiful person I have ever met (my brother) Chris Edward Strosnider you really had the biggest heart anyone could ever have. I don’t know what to do without you…This is a nightmare. I can’t accept that your gone. I feel numb. I’m shattered in a million pieces and I really don’t know how I’m going to put the pieces back together. I was supposed to visit you soon but now I can’t. I don’t know what to do…You’re my other half. I just want to hug you and hold your hand and talk to you but I can’t. I miss you so much. Why did you have to leave me? I’m empty. Rest in peace my beautiful brother.

A drawing from his middle sister Sarah

And a heart breaking note from 8 year old Becky ~ i miss you so much chris you are resting now you are the only brother i have in my life remember i miss you with my whole life bye your sister becky

The disease of addiction took this kind and gentle soul from us. In this disease the separation of the disease and the person can often be hard for people to remember and maintain. There is not a simple solution, a medication or a short hospital stay, that can battle this ailment. It affects many and yet is often so misunderstood. In the end we, the families of those who are taken, are left with many questions and few answers. Our hearts are broken for the loss of such a beautiful young soul.

In closing I found this quote and feel its message is very appropriate for the world’s loss of Chris.

Life is a gift to all, especially the young. For when you are young you know everything, and are willing to do anything. Ready to reach to the farthest part of the universe, for one moment of fun. And that's why when the young die, the world goes dark for a few seconds, because the mind that stretched through the universe disappeared, and there's a hole in the heart of the world.