5 Years Later

 Cancer was not in our plans...

 when we started dating in 1996...
 

...but without Dario there would not be the three of us today. I am so thankful for his life and the legacy that continues through the lives of our kiddos. God's got us in His hands...

...and so much life has happened in the last 5 years. We continue to hold on to our FAITH, TRUST and HOPE in God's LOVE. 

3 years ago-The Christopherson Benefit

March 7, 2010

These three ladies,Erin, Kerrie and Sarah, with a host of many friends, co-workers and volunteers, put on an amazing benefit for my family. It was in the works for a while, the date had been set, but only God knew it would be more than a benefit for my family...it would be a celebration of life. The benefit fell on a Sunday, 6 days after Dario passed away, 3 days after his Memorial service. Most of our family and friends from out of town were still here to see the amazing turn out at Stevenson Park.

 

 

Words cannot express my true gratitude for what these three ladies AND their amazing team of volunteers did for me on that day. The effects are ever lasting. Along with the great memories of such a special day, the financial support that came from so many has made an impact on my family's life that cannot be measured by money alone.

2013 

It is time to say thank you to so many people...for caring and loving my family. I am so blessed and I want you to know that your love continues to be a part of our every day. We will always be thankful for all that has happened to us since the hardest day of our life has gone by.

I hope to live my life to honor God and to bless others with the many blessings that I have received through each of you.

If you were in our life during this time and/or are now in our life today...

Thank You and God Bless!

3-1-13 Honoring Dario

Today was a good day. It is hard to explain the peace that we have to others. 

But we know that peace is from God. 

Anthony wanted me to come eat lunch at school with him today. It was my first time to have the opportunity to do this with him since moving to his new school this year. 

Then Isa and I headed up to Southeast Memorial Hospital to deliver a Thank You Letter and plant to the amazing nurses and doctors that loved on us during Dario's time there. I can tell you it took a lot of prayer and courage to do this but I am so glad we did. What a blessing to let others know that it still matters what they did for you three years ago, during such a difficult time, even without the outcome that we had all prayed for. It was a blessing and such an honor to see some of these wonderful ladies. They remembered so much and shared many stories with me.

 Floor 2B-PCA's These ladies did an amazing job taking care of Dario. 

Stephanie was the Head Nurse that loved on us from the minute we walked onto Floor 2B.

 Radiation Oncology Department:

These ladies shared with me many stories they they remembered of Dario. He was so funny and they just loved that even as sick as he was, he always had something to say to make them smile. He never walked into Radiology-they would come and wheel him in his bed to go to treatment 2 buildings over. One time it was expected to snow that day and they waited to come and get him until it was snowing. As they moved to the last building they took him through the carport so he could experience the snow. 

So Sweet! 

Then they shared with  me about a Patient Benefit they had back in September of this year. Each of the patients made a hand-print square for a quilt that will be hung on the wall as you walk in for treatments. In the middle of the quilt will be a square from a plaque that Dario and I gave them at Christmas the year Dario was there. This touched my heart so much.

 We finished our day off with ice cream. Ice cream makes everything better, right?!

Daddy-forever in our hearts. 

March 1, 2013

March 1, 2013

 Today is our 3 year mark without Dario.

  

 2010

 I never expected our family story to be interrupted with Stage 4 Lung Cancer.

At that time, Dario and I had been married 11 years. Anthony was only 5 years old trying to work his way through Kindergarten and Isabella was just 6 months old. 

When our new chapter started without Dario, we were weak, tired, confused and angry. But I think that was expected. Deep down I knew we were going to be okay because I knew HOPE.

Hope in God's promise of eternity only through Jesus.

Hope of His promise never to leave us or forsake us.

God has held us in His hands and has loved us through this journey. 

I know He has.Without any doubt, He has written every part of our story thus far.

2013

Three years later, Anthony is 8 years old, in 3^rd grade, playing basketball and baseball. He is a good boy, full of life and love for his family. He holds his dad’s memories very dear but also pushes forward with amazing strength and understanding.  Isabella is 3 years old. She is a crazy, loving little girl. She has an understanding of her daddy that melts my heart. Not too long ago she prayed a prayer all on her own and said,
 “Thank you God for Heaven because that is where my daddy is.”  

I am a blessed mom. 
I am amazed at the strength, courage and hope that my family has clung to.

Now as we move forward and my sweet little family's story continues,  

I am confident in God and His plan He has for us. 

So, thank you to our family, friends and to our

 new and old church families that have continued to love us through it all.

 

Daddy's Day

We done this for the last three years... the kids and I have chosen to honor what would have been Daddy's 41st birthday by going to dinner at one of his favorite restaurants. This year we went to Pei Wei and then grabbed some ice cream before running off to baseball practice. 
We love Daddy and will always miss him. 

These are just a few of some of my favorite pictures of Daddy...

Isa's 3rd Birthday

My Beautiful Birthday Girl! 

I love you, Isa! 

Happy 3rd Birthday! 

You are my gift from God. 

Only He knew what life would be like soon after you were born. In more than one way I am so glad I had you to care for and love on with your brother as we walked away from Daddy's cancer battle without him by our side and only in our hearts. 

God must have big plans for you, 

my sweet little girl.

Anthony's First Over-the-Fence-Home Run...Grand Slam!

 No words needed...he is so excited and mommy is very proud of him! 

Coach Cody & Coach Prappas...Thanks for all your hard work with Anthony!

Can't wait for the next one! :)