Chris Stezenski
October 30, 1943 - April 30, 2011
I first met Chris about 1 1/2 years ago when my mom was diagnosed with lung cancer and I had started the Caring Bridge journal. Chris was a friend of moms that sent messages on a regular basis. She was so candid and laugh out loud funny. She got me and our family through a lot of tough days through laughter. She would say things like, "I am too old to get on my knees and pray so I am on my back praying." She was looking forward to her class reunion this summer and told mom, "I am happy to report that my earrings still fit from high school."
On one of my entries I had written that I was having the Caring Bridge Journal printed with my updates and every one's messages. Chris replied, "You better wait until the kiddos are a little older to read my messages." LOL I met Chris in person about a year after we had started corresponding via Caring Bridge and Facebook. Her genuine smile and laughter were contagious and the minute I hugged her I felt like I was meeting an old friend I had known my whole life. She had a way about her that just drew you in. She was straight forward and didn't seem afraid to say what was on her mind..which I loved.
As you can see by the picture below and may remember from a previous post, Chris came to the Relay for Life and walked the survivor lap. She wasn't feeling well that day, but came anyway for support. A short time ago, Chris found out that her cancer was incurable. Her and her daughter Lori decided to plan a trip to Alaska in May to spend some quality time together. I was so excited for them that they were going to do something so great with the time they had left together. Sadly, Chris passed away Saturday night before they were able to go on their trip. I hope that God finds a way to let her get a back stage pass of that Alaskan vacation in heaven.
In such a short period of time, I grew to value our messages back and forth and am so sad that our friendship was so short, but soon realized that I feel blessed to have met her. I am proud to call you friend Chris. You fought a hell of a fight and kept your sense of humor the entire time.
Until we meet again...You will be missed by many. Please give my mom a hug. I bet you two have found each other already and had a nice visit.
Love - Melissa
