I've moved!

With the help of the great Cass Comerford, Personal Social Media Consultant, I have a new blog address:

http://kristin-myers.com/

Come on over and check out my new digs!

Thanks!

Kristin

My 10 Favorite Things about My Son, Gabriel

1. His soul is old and glorious.  He tolerates life with compassion, and seeks the answers that will yield him a greater understanding of how the world works.  He welcomes strangers as though they are friends, and treats friends as though they are family.
2. Gabriel is sweet and tender with the feelings of others.  The only time he is sad is when he feels the pain of those around him.
3. He is gracious.  He often thanks me for teaching him how to be a good person, even when the learning process requires tough love.
4. He is principled.  He understands the difference between right and wrong, and most often applies this knowledge to his decision making.  When he falters, he assumes responsibility for his actions and offers a genuine apology.
5. Gabe truly cares about other people.  He eagerly engages in conversation that does not center around himself.
6. He respects his own limitations.  If something makes him uncomfortable, he listens to his inner voice of warning instead of going along with the crowd.
7. He ensures the happiness of those around him by flexibly adapting to their interests and hobbies.  He is happy as long as they are happy.  
8. He securely demonstrates affection to those he loves.  He initiates kisses and hugs with his family (even his little sisters) in front of his peers, boldly ignoring those that see this as a weakness.
9. Gabriel takes great pride in being a role model.  He makes it a point to set good examples for others.  
10. He is fair; always willing to share the load so that no one person has to carry it alone.

"All out...All the time."

     I lost a good friend of mine recently.  No matter how many deep breaths I take, there is a heaviness in my heart that won't go away.  His passing was much too soon, and I grieve for all the life he had yet to live.  I am sad for his wife who was undoubtedly the love of his life.  I am sad for his daughters who are too young to truly appreciate just how special Daddy was.  I am sad for his family; parents who lost a most ideal son, and siblings who no longer have the unwavering strength and support of their big brother to lean on.  I am sad for his friends, both past and present, because he was the kind of guy that you made it a point to keep in touch with.
     His was a personality that sparkled.  You couldn't help but smile when you saw him.  He was upbeat, charismatic, adventurous and fun.  He made it a point to be optimistic, never wasting any time on petty drama.  It was easy for him to offer a genuine compliment; and when he said it, you knew he really meant it.  He was admirably fair, always willing to do his part and pay his way.  He was eager to make out with his wife in public, and tore up every dance floor he ever encountered.  Always happy to share the spotlight, he was most content just being a part of the crowd, never dismissing a soul.
     In his short 38 years, Cory Sprow packed more goodness into his life than most 80 year-olds.   His voice may have been quiet, but he lived out loud.  He touched the people around him and left imprints on their hearts.  It was necessary to hold his funeral in a high school gym, and there wasn't an open seat in the house.   The service was uplifting and peaceful, just the way he would have liked it.  I left his memorial inspired to be the best version of myself, as did everyone.  
     Even in passing, his legacy continues to grow.  The continued outpouring of community support and fund raising for his family has been sensational.  His spirit is catching.  In some ways, he's more alive than ever.  With Cory in my heart, I am motivated to contribute more of myself to help people.  To lift my peers up when they are feeling down.  To get caught in the act, instead of the dream.