When Liz (Derek’s girlfriend) and I were waiting to hear from the guys as they skied out Saturday night, I thought about how I was lucky enough to have Chris in my life, even as I worried about him. It made me remember what someone told me about how you have to embrace people in your life for who they are and not try to change them. That’s a difficult concept at 3:30am waiting for a loved one to return. It’s easy to think that someone will change for you because they do something that could be conceived as dangerous and harder yet to think that they can’t change. Because if they change, they die a little bit inside.
Anyone who knows Chris knows that he is exactly who he should be, his truest self. It’s not stupidity and far from a death wish, but the other side of it, living life fully. People like Chris and Derek smile all the time; they are the best company in the world, totally positive, giving and grateful. I think because they get out and do long trips in the mountains, it soothes everything in them. Running and skiing to them is like breathing to others.
I just think Chris going to be okay, not right away and not without great expense but he will be fine. And back to doing what he does. I can’t wait to get him home.
Because it’s a blog, I’ll end with a quote:
“The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.”
Henry David Thoreau (who also has a sweet beard)
Just a note to those concerned with Chris’s beard, his beard was in not harmed in any way during his hospitalization. He did however get a little manscape-ing down there for the central lines. Pictures to follow.
Be well,
Lori
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Hope Chris reads all comments, not only to his "fat fingered" post. Man, I passed on Lori's email like 5 times before reading last one and realizing it's you who are in trouble. But then again, by the time I read it, I guess, I hope, I pray (?) you are not anymore, or at least not in immediate danger? That said, way to live life! Lets just not have the complications so harsh, ok?
ReplyDeleteLori, this is for you. The words at the beginning of this post are totally what I needed this moment. Wise and simple. I actually have a sticker over my desk saying: Remember that our task is to expand our love - not to change others. I have no recollection where I stole it from, and it doesn't mention who said it...pretty similar to your words. May be all wise stuff is simple. But wise.
Keep at it, guys. Hope to visit you soon, and go for a run/ski/beer together!