Chris was my cousin. She was born in Toronto, Ontario, I, in Noranda, Quebec, in the same year, about a month apart. As children, we spent a great deal of time together. I never told her this, but as we were growing up, I wished she was my sister.
As life went on, we grew apart. I deeply regret this.
Chris fell in love, got married, had a wonderful family, and became a prolific, profound champion for everything good in life. Her spirit was always so genuine, kind and caring.
Cancer attacked her with a vengeance, and Chris fought back with everything she had. It was during these times that our relation-ship was re-kindled. Chris told me she would start her day by sitting in her recliner watching the sunrise over the mountains, so every morning, I would send her a new piece of music to listen to as she did so. We emailed each other almost every day.
Before Chris left us, I was fortunate to be able to visit her to say goodbye. She was so strong and positive and seemed so much at peace and so accepting of her journey.
This is a photo I took from her balcony, in Victoria, British Colum-ia on the day we parted company. When I look at it, I hear her words, feel her spirit, and remember to those days that we played in the sand as children.
“Chris”