July 16 1980 - Nov 4 2009. I cant believe it has been 5 years. And - TopicsExpress

July 16 1980 - Nov 4 2009. I cant believe it has been 5 years. And even though it has been SO many years since he lived with us, there are still moments and memories that creep up on me. Craig came into our lives when I was 7 and Lesley was 5. Fiona had not yet joined our family. None of us realised the huge impact he would have on all of us, what he would teach us about ourselves or the paths we would take. His impish grin and mischievous eyes warned us when he was up to no good. A favourite was taking off in his wheelchair at the mall, making us chase after him before he cornered someone. Or wiping his spaghetti coated face and hands on Lesley at dinner. Throwing his shoes and socks out the window of a moving vehicle. And laughing. He knew our buttons and pushed them very well. Just generally being a bratty little brother. He had an eclectic taste in music that ranged from bagpipes, to the Beach Boys to modern pop to Bach and Beethoven. And I can assure you, waking up to Scotland the Brave on the pipes takes a lot of getting used to. But he also taught us patience, understanding and above all, empathy. His love was unconditional and knew no bounds. We gathered together the day after he passed away, to prepare for today, to go through pictures. We laughed and reminisced and cried over so many “craigisms” and escapades during his time with our family. Perhaps Craig is the reason that Lesley and I followed the career paths we did. That we continue to care for, understand and empathize with those more vulnerable, who have a harder time in life. Those who need us to see life through THEIR eyes. And because of that, everything Craig taught us, continues on. Our family is truly blessed that Craig shared his gifts with us. I think the following poem expresses how we feel right now, the void we now feel and yet the overwhelming love. BROKEN CHAIN ~ Author Unknown We little knew that morning God was going to call your name In life we loved you dearly In death we do the same It broke our hearts to lose you You did not go alone For part of us went with you The day God called you home You left us beautiful memories Your love is still our guide And though we cannot see you You are always by our sides Our family chain is broken And nothing seems the same But as God calls us one by one The chain will link again