On June 25th our family celebrated Christopher’s half-birthday. He didn’t suspect a thing and Xhiv and I had so much fun planning it. She ordered decorations and party favors and set up things for the little ones to do so the adults could have conversations.

It was up to me to keep Chris away from the house for a little over an hour so Doug and Xhiv could make preparations. That was easy to do, since Christopher’s go-along-to-get-along nature had him hanging out with me at a thrift store and Home Depot even when he’d rather have been relaxing in his own room.

Cana and Ennie had gone away for the weekend, but made it back in time to join in the festivities. Their voices along with Doug’s and Xhiv’s shouted out “Surprise!!!” as Chris headed up the stairs. He turned around and entering the family room, stood in silent shock.

It slowly sank in that the party was for him. There was cake, a piñata, party favors, and lots of laughter. It was a happy, beautiful houseful!

We FaceTimed with Jonathan too. He sympathizes, as we all do, with what a hard transition it has been for Chris to move back in with us and he was happy to join the party virtually.

Evan would love that we used Chris’ half-birthday for an excuse to celebrate him randomly. He would love that our house is at a stage where we can host a little family party. I guess there will never be a celebration where we don’t all miss Evan like like crazy. But celebrations like the one we had for Chris seem to hold him close and honor his legacy. “We’re gonna love each other forever.”

Chris is every bit as passionate about social justice and compassion as Evan was.Maybe even more so. No matter what he suffers or what joys await him, I hope he never forgets our unconditional love for him.

Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another. . .

Romans 13:8a