A lasting lesson about bravery, strength and hope
During a lifetime, we sometimes meet a person who impacts us on a deep level. This person may linger in our hearts and minds forever. Sometimes the person is remembered because of a positive event and sometimes a negative event leaves its mark on us. Recently, talk of the memorial honoring the steel workers killed during the bridge construction has stirred memories of a remarkable person I had the honor of meeting.
I worked at a little sub-contracted coffee cart at MCO when the accident happened at the bridge. A gregarious little boy, maybe 9 or 10 years old, began to hang around the coffee cart, making pleasant conversation with me. Day after day, Christopher came to visit, keeping me company. He learned about counting back change, making coffee, cleaning up and how to make conversation with folks who are not always at the hospital under happy circumstances.
Christopher’s mother came to check on him all the time, making sure he wasn’t being a pest or interfering with my work. I assured her I enjoyed having such a great kid around. Customers chatted with him about why they were at the hospital and he shared his story with patient’s families, nurses and doctors. Christopher seemed to have a profound effect on whomever he talked to. He was an inspiring kid, always wearing a smile and endlessly curious about the world around him.
I knew that Christopher’s parents had to be extraordinary to have raised such a wonderful child. I hoped I would do as well raising my own son. Christopher talked about doing everything with his dad. He told me stories of hunting and fishing, riding four-wheelers, having good old-fashioned fun with his dad.
Christopher talked about making great memories and hoping he could be just like his dad when he grew up. Every day, Christopher talked about all the things his dad had done with him. He told me funny stories about their family life, laughing as he thought of other things to tell me. There was always another story.
Finally, Christopher came down one day to tell me his dad had died. He told me that his dad had been hurt at the construction site at the bridge. I was amazed at this child who said he would miss his dad but would hang on to the memories and lessons of him.
Christopher was so strong as those around him cried for him and his loss. He knew that his dad had prepared him for the world in his short time with him. I grieved with him and for him, but somehow knew he would be okay. Christopher was the bravest, most positive, strongest person I ever met. I haven’t seen him since then, but to this day, I think of Christopher in my daily prayers.
I hope to see the memorial some day and send thoughts of love and prayer, not just for Christopher, but for all the families affected by loss on that terrible day. I hope Christopher stayed strong and positive. I hope the memorial will remind him how very much his dad loved him. I hope the other families are filled with memories of love too.
Christopher taught me about bravery, strength and hope. No matter what happens in my life, I think of Christopher, lift my chin and I hope.
 |
Family 
Subscribe to this comment's feed