Halloween - 1 year later...

Hard to believe this was our post 1 year ago...

"Chris took everyone trick-or-treating in Portand, TN this weekend. He, his wife and son, and other family walked around a neighborhood for a couple of hours. It seemed as though hundreds of people were out and about, going house to house for candy.

A local church setup at a home with coffee, hot chocolate, food, and of course, candy for anyone stopping by. Chris took the time to speak with the people from the church. Not one time did he mention his cancer or his illness, and simply focused on getting to know the neighbors and have a good time.

He seemed really upbeat and able to go around the neighborhood and keep up with his young son and nephews. It was a really good time, and for a night we all could put his illness in the background and just enjoy the time together with the kids. "

The story repeats itself this year, without Chris. It was the same neighborhood, and everyone that attended last year was there again - but you were noticabily absent. It changed the dynamic of the event. The trip that lasted hours last time, well, not so long this time. The kids enjoyed walking around the neighborhood and trick or treating, small talk was made... but each house presented images of the outing with you last year. I didn't think it would be that shocking, but around every turn... there you are, but you are not here. I hope you smiled down on us all last night, but 1 year later, life is so different.