The Lion and the Butterfly

I always thought that I would consider this blog complete if Chris passed away.  However as the second anniversary of that date approached, things suddenly shifted and fell into place. 

For the past few months I've spent countless hours, many sleepless nights and poured my heart and soul, working on a project that I'm excited to share. 

Shortly after Chris was diagnosed with myeloma, he talked something he dreamed of doing.    I loved the idea of doing such a project together and we talked about it on a few occasions.  Unfortunately cancer and life were all consuming and we never had the to chance to do much more than just talk of the idea.   

 

Today on that difficult anniversary, I'm pleased to introduce the fulfilment of his dream.  

  It is published on Amazon (Ad)*.   

I also ordered a handful of extra copies that can be picked up in person ($12).   

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases

For those that have followed our journey, the characters and story will be familiar.   I sorely missed his input and artistic eye, every step of the way.    I desperately wished to ask him a million questions.   But with the assistance of AI and countless revisions, and some help from close friends, I hopefully have crafted a beautiful book that I hope honors his legacy.  It has been very therapeutic for my heart to reflect upon his life and create something to share his story... our story.  I've had a copy of it sitting on my coffee table, and looking at it brings a smile to my heart.   

     

One of his greatest desires was to have children, and the thought of his nieces, nephews and grand-nephews and grand-nieces having a way to remember him brings me comfort.   Many of them are to young to remember him, and I hope this will give them something to connect to him.      

I sent copies to a few close friends and family, and watching videos of them opening it gave me something to look forward to.   Sitting beside my brother as he carefully and tearfully read it, then carefully wrap it back up like a treasure is something I will always remember.   

I've carefully tried to weave his personality and passion into every page, both in my selection of words and in the images. Each person who knew him, will likely pick up on different details.   I'm working on a list to summarize the details, but I'd love to see what details you can pick out.   Trying to summarize a life into a short children's book was no small feat so I'm sure I've missed some.   

Writing the book has been a great way to spend time reflecting on his life and his legacy.

For some that legacy is his love of football and the Kansas City Chiefs.   

For many people across the globe his legacy is his love of video games.     

While yet for others, he will be remembered for his love of Star Wars, superheroes or movies.

Others may remember him for his love of delicious food.   A favorite pizza, a mouth watering steak, a specialty drink.   Or sometimes the pure joy of extra salty pretzel or a hot chocolate chip cookie.

But for me his legacy his legacy boils down to simply one thing.   

His love.