Death Be Not Proud

Chrissy

Yesterday, my sister in law's (Laurene) niece and goddaughter passed away due to complications induced by cystic fibrosis.  She was just nineteen.  She had been sick for a long time.  Her passing, though not unexpected, is still difficult to understand.  We have a certain expectation of life, one is born, lives, ages, then dies.  The disruption of this process unsettles us.  I only had had a fleeting connection to Chrissy, since she was my brother's wife's sister's daughter - a somewhat tenuous connection to say the least, yet our families intertwined at times, and I had the privilege of meeting her a few times.  Because of her frailty, I would always inquire about how she was doing before I would ask about the rest of Laurene's extended family.  I guess it's akin to cheering for the underdog, you knew about the strikes against her, but you still couldn't help hoping the best would happen for her.

Cystic Fibrosis is a vicious disease, in that one's own body produces the debilitating effects of the disease in the form of a very thick mucous that covers the lungs, making it impossible to breath.  In addition, people with CF have a very difficult time absorbing nutrients through normal eating and generally have a difficult time growing at the pace of their peers.  About half of the people who have CF will survive to their 40s, the other half ... well, Chrissy was in the other half.

There is no known cure for CF.

About a year ago, Chrissy and her family came to Toronto for a visit from Western Canada.  Jamie, who was working at Canada's Wonderland at the time, managed to procure a deal on some tickets for them.  Afterwards they came to our house for a BBQ.   I had inquired ahead of time as to what foods the girls would prefer and I was informed that Chrissy didn't really eat anymore, or more accurately, her body had far too difficult a time digesting food and she was on a special diet.  I think 10 people sat down for dinner that night and Chrissy chose to hang out on the couch, though the raucous conversation and laughter tempted her enough to join us at the table for the later part of the meal.  Like a typical teen, she was more interested in texting and checking her cell phone than anything else, but she did seem to enjoy the camaraderie.  After dinner she played a little pool, but more than anything, she loved playing with Guinness, our dog.  She desperately wanted a dog, but her mom wisely kept putting it off, knowing that it would be too much for the family to handle.  Chrissy ran and ran around the pool table, playing 'tag' with Guinness, she was exhausted far too quickly, and went and lay down under the pool table - Guinness with a wisdom that animals sometimes posses, did not bother her to play further, but quietly lay down beside her.  A special moment of quiet enjoyment on both their parts.

Maybe if you're looking to donate some money this holiday season, you'll think about Cystic Fibrosis
http://www.cysticfibrosis.ca/en/index.php

Chrissy was on the list for lung transplant.  Today I made sure my donor card was signed and visible in my wallet.  Tonight I'll discuss with John my wishes with regard to organ donation.  Tonight I'll give Madie a good hug and send Jamie an email about how special he is.  Tonight I'll ask God to look out for an amazing teen who's coming His way.