Dearest Christopher, It's unimaginable to be writing this; attempting to put into words the gaping hole your absence leaves behind, and failing because all the words feel inadequate. Learning to make sense of a world without you is something we never thought we would have to do. On April 2nd, 1997, the world welcomed your kind-hearted and sensitive soul, knowing that you were destined to leave a permanent mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing you. You were always cautious about who you let in, yet you forged a strong, unique, and genuine bond with each person who was lucky enough to be chosen. Every one of them says the same thing - you were always there, and they never stopped laughing when you were around. One thing is for sure, no one felt indifferent about you. You were born with a rebellious spirit and a remarkable ability to find humor in everything, both of which were unwavering until your final days. You didn't have the easiest time with this time you were given, yet you remained a hard worker, who was smarter than you ever gave yourself credit for, and who still valued the slow seasons of life. The joy that shown from you during the simplest moments - spending time with your friends, teasing your sisters, holding your daughter - continues to serve as a lesson to us, to cherish what we already have. This heartache extends far beyond your parents, and sisters; it is echoed in the lives of your grandfather, daughter, and many friends, cousins, aunts, and uncles. However, we find some solace in knowing that your departure from Earth reunites you with three of your Grandparents, who we have faith were there waiting to guide you home, and will continue to hold you through this transition. Perhaps your path was always to be the catalyst that brought our family closer together; that healed familial wounds. When we find ourselves wondering what more we could have done for you, we will turn that energy outward and into the loved ones around us. You won't be remembered for how you left this world, but for the love you gave, the joy you brought, and the impact you had, and will continue to have on our lives. Causing mischief in a shared time-out corner, Easter egg hunts, rushing to open presents on Christmas morning, long days creating entire worlds in the back yard, long nights playing when we were meant to be fast asleep, car rides full of conversation, drinking too many sugary coffees, spontaneous calls on your lunch breaks, giggling about nothing, and everything; these are the memories that will fill our hearts when we think of you. You were, and always will be a fierce and loyal friend, brother, son, and father. The spot you held in our everyday lives can never be filled, but grief is the price we pay for love. It feels impossible to say goodbye to you, so we won't. We will say see you later. We love you forever.