Chris DeWitt Family Updates - "www.christinedewitt.com"

Quick Links

2009-04-23T11:02:00.002-05:00

This site is now reachable via www.christinedewitt.com

Here are some quick links to certain postings:

The FINAL post...

2008-09-15T09:59:00.007-05:00

This was the year of firsts. I really hate that saying. Why? Because, what it really means is each and every "special" occasion, holiday, event, etc. is impacted because Chris is not there. It's true, every holiday, trip, dinner, game, was just not like it was before.

Guess what? This coming year is not going to be any different. Nor will the year after that or the 20 years after that. From the standpoint of not having Chris here they will all have the same feeling. Most will be good times, fun times, exciting times, but there will ALWAYS be a small piece missing which would make it complete.

This blog was created several years ago and it's purpose was to keep all of the hundreds of people that loved Chris so much informed about what was happening in her life with her battle with breast cancer. At the same time that it provided information to you, it also was helpful to me by giving me a forum in which to let out some of the emotions (good and bad) that were flowing through me.

This past year was just horrible to put it bluntly. Next year will hopefully be better. At the same time though this past year was also a way for my family and I to get stronger and closer. From that standpoint I think I did well and that my family did well. We have a lot of work ahead of us but we'll face each challenge as it comes.

I put a survey up asking if you wanted to see me continue this blog. Final scoring was about 30 yes's to 1 no. The no wasn't mine! But, I agree with the no and it's my choice. :) So this will be my last post on this blog.

What I have decided to do is to create a NEW blog. This blog will be about the DeWitt Family and what is happening in our lives as we continue forward. Much like what the past 6 months or so have been in this blog. I wanted to separate the 2 as this blog is a tribute to Chris I would like to keep it that way. Please visit the new blog at:

http://www.charliedewitt.com

Be sure to bookmark it when you get there. Please send me some ideas of what you would like to see on the blog but for now it will be similar to this.

Chris lives on in each and every one of us. Especially within Tyler, Alex, Michael and I. Don't worry, there will still be PLENTY of mention of Chris in the new blog too, however it will be more geared towards the kids and I, and what we're up to. Very much like this blog has been in the last 9 months or so. I don't know how often I will update it, but I will do my best.

Well this is my FINAL post here and I would like to say one final thank you to each and every one of you who have viewed this blog. Most are friends, some are family, and some are unknowns. I urge you to go back and read some of the old posts as I just did. They can be entertaining for sure.

Please remember to keep Christine Annette DeWitt in your thoughts and in your prayers. She was a very special woman to all of us. She is missed so much by her parents, brothers, sisters, children, and of course by me. Her loss has left a huge impact on our home, the community, and office place, but it is up to all of us to take what we have learned from her and the values that she has set forth for us and to continue on in her honor and her memory. She will be remembered not only by this generation, but for future generations as well.

Thank you for all of the love and support that you've given me and my family the past few years and especially this most recent year. The pain of Chris's death remains and will for a long time, but with continued support we will work through the pain and continue forward as best as we can.

I'll see you at the other blog...

Love,
Charlie
http://www.charliedewitt.com

P.S. If you are a first time viewer of this blog and would like to start from the beginning click HERE and it will take you to September 2006.

It wasn't an anniversary to me.

2008-09-14T10:33:00.003-05:00

When I hear the word anniversary I think of the obvious. A date, usually 1 year apart, that you use to celebrate some event. Unfortunately, it is also used for events that are not celebrated but simply remembered. 9/11 will always be a date that we will remember forever. Chris's passing on that date will mean that we will never forget the date that is for sure.

The entire week leading up to Thursday was difficult. Thursday was the worst. Can't sugarcoat it. The pain that I felt last year on this same day when Chris passed away was just as bad this year. I don't know why, it just was.

I didn't set my alarm, and I went to bed around 2AM and very tired. I woke up early and rolled over to look at the clock. It was 6:20 am!!! Chris passed away right around 6:30am last year. I laid in bed for a little while and absorbed it all but could not help but recall the minutes from last year.

Tyler decided that he wanted to go to school. But Michael wanted to go to a mass in Damascus that was being said in her honor. Chris's parents were going so we decided to surprise them. We got there a little early and went to the church. I had not been inside that church in 20+ years, but when I walked in I remembered EVERYTHING about it and more importantly the exact place where Chris and I sat the 1st time she and I went there. It was a wonderful memory. We were young and sat 1/2 way back and held hands which I can remember vividly.

After mass, Chris's parents, Mike and I went to a small diner in Damascus (where Chris grew up) and had breakfast. After that Mike and I came home. He just sort of vegged out as did I for a little while. I received many emails and well wishes throughout the day. One which was very special was a visit around noon by a special friend, Aylesha. She worked in the Cancer Center in Frederick where Chris and I would go for her chemo treatments. Aylesha was a wonderful person and made Chris and I so comfortable during the most trying of times. She continues to work in the hospital oncology ward and went out her way on Thursday to visit me and bring me flowers because she knew that Chris liked them so much.

I went to the cemetery around 2:00. I've been there more times this year than I can count, but this time was a very difficult one. I took baggie with 2 pictures in it and placed it at the site. Other people had already been there but I was able to be there alone for the duration I was there. The weather was very nice.

Later in the evening Chris's parents were returning from the cemetery and called here. I told them to come by and we all went out to dinner. The restaurant located in downtown Frederick was the same one we all attended during the evening break at Chris's wake. We sat in the front window and watched people go by. Dinner was very good and we really enjoyed each other's company.

We came home and they stayed for a little while. I finally, got the boys to bed around 11 and collapsed myself very soon after.

A year of firsts comes to an end.

2008-09-10T21:52:00.002-05:00

Every day since Labor Day I have dealt with reliving each day as is occurred this time last year. I thought that I would be able ot put all the bad things behind me. I was wrong. Chris went into the hospital on Labor Day last year, came home 1 week later, and passed away at home the very next day. I've tried very hard to keep good thoughts inside of me, but this past week has been a constant reminder of things that I just can't seem to shake. For example, the night that my neighbor Ray brought the boys to the hospital and Chris and I had to tell them what was going to happen to her/us. I was up most of the evening the other night reliving each word that we spoke to them that night.

I've tried so hard this past year to take care of our family as best as I can. Running the family on my own is very difficult and at times I sit up way late at night and just pray to God and to Chris and ask for guidance. I know she is with me and the kids each day and throughout the year we have done remarkably well. Many wonderful things have happened to us and many wonderful events have been put in place to honor Chris for many, many years to come.

This year was a year of firsts. All special occasions (birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, etc) that we had to spend without having Chris there with us. Some were easier than others, but all of them were dealt with one day at a time. I am, and will always be, eternally grateful to all of my friends and neighbors that have been with me the last year. I could not have made it this far without you.

There are so many things about Chris that I miss so badly. So many that it would be impossible to list them all here. But the one thing that I miss the most is her being a mother. I've stepped up and had to do many things over the last year, cooking, cleaning, shopping, schoolwork, church, but the one thing that I CANNOT do is be a Mom.... I can't even begin to try. This has been the most difficult thing for me to deal with.

One year ago tonight I, along with family, sat with Chris and watched as God came down and took her from this earth to be with him. I know in my heart that she is there in a wonderful place and is waiting for me. Waiting for all of us...

I post this with tears in my eyes and pain in my heart. Tomorrow will come soon and we will deal with this final "first" in some way. The tears will dry, but the pain will still be there for a long time to come.

Labor Day Weekend...

2008-09-02T09:45:00.003-05:00

Where to start...

This weekend was the beginning of a time that I've been dreading for quite some time now. It was Labor Day 2007 that we had to take Chris to the hospital because she was feeling so ill. It was the 3rd last year. All of the horrible memories from that week are starting to come back.

The boys and I were not going to sit around and take it though! Saturday we left for the day and went to the Maryland Renaissance Festival over by Annapolis. We had a good time. We ate a lot of good food, steak on a stake, sausages, you name it! Chris and I went to this about 20 years ago when we didn't have children. This year was a fun time for Ty, Mike and I. We saw jousting and watched several of the comedy and juggling acts. It was nice to see the boys laughing, me too.

Sunday we went out for a pool party to our friends Danny and Brenda. Sort of an end of summer gathering. It is so hard to believe that summer is over! We got home late but had the dog with us so it didn't matter too much. She likes going and running with their 2 bigger dogs. OH yeah, I made some special beans for this event and I must say they came out pretty good. Everyone enjoyed them. I've been trying to better my cooking skills, what few I have.

Monday, we decided to take in the final Frederick Keys game of the season. The game was in the afternoon and it was a glorious day outside. They have a pizza giveaway each game to the fan(s) who scream the loudest in between innings. Well Michael won that hands down this time! So we had a large pizza for lunch. Michael also was able to run down 3, yes 3 foul balls at this game. He and Tyler are really good at this and every game that we go to someone comes home with a foul ball. After the game Michael also was given a bat from the dugout! Another one for the collection!

We saw Dave, (Keys General Manager), after the game and congratulated him on a successful season and looked forward to opening day next year! He's been very good to me and my family during the last year and we can't thank him enough.

Well 9/11 is right around the corner. I'll TRY to keep you updated on what's going on but as that day approaches my desire to do much of anything is pretty low. Thanks for checking in...

Lyco gets a new coach...

2008-08-29T12:02:00.001-05:00

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – Erica Brown has been named the head women’s lacrosse coach at Lycoming College, as announced by Scott Kennell, the College’s director of athletics. Brown played Division I lacrosse and served as a graduate assistant coach at Lock Haven from 2005-07.

“We’re pleased that Erica will be joining our staff,” said Kennell. “She has a great deal of experience having played and coached at high levels of the sport. We look forward to her continuing the excellence the women’s program has established here at Lycoming in recent years.”

Brown spent the last year working as a customer service specialist at Villanova University.

Prior to her employment at Villanova, she served two seasons as a graduate assistant coach at nearby Lock Haven University, working with the Division II Lady Eagles’ lacrosse program.

While at Lock Haven, she assisted the coaching staff with all areas of running the program, including recruiting, gameday preparation, conditioning, academic monitoring and fund-raising. The Lady Eagles posted a combined record of 33-6 in her two years on the staff, including a trip to the NCAA Final Four in 2007. That same year, Brown coached the Division II Midfielder of the Year, two first team All-Americans, two second team All-Americans and two All-NCAA Tournament players. In her two years at Lock Haven, she coached a total of seven All-Americans.

She played lacrosse at Wagner University. A standout goalkeeper, Brown still ranks second all-time in Wagner history in career minutes played, career saves and career goals against average. She also holds the record for minutes played in a season and ranks second in saves in a season. A co-captain of the team in her senior year, she was ranked on www.lax.com as one of the top-12 goalies in all of Division I.

Brown earned a bachelor’s degree in public policy and administration from Wagner in 2005 and is working toward a masters degree in liberal arts at Lock Haven. She is certified as a lacrosse referee by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) and U.S. Lacrosse.

Alex goes back to school

2008-08-24T20:35:00.007-05:00

PICTURES FOR THE WEEKEND!

Well Saturday Michael and I took Alex back to school to begin her Junior year. Yes only 2 years to go... It was certainly sad to see her go as it was really nice having her home for the summer. Now that she's gone it is just the boys and I again. Last year was a tough one for sure but we are hoping that the coming year brings us a little more patience with one another as we all try to do as best as we can in school, sports and our jobs!

While we were at the school we went over and took a first hand look at the memorial brick that was place in honor of Chris by the Lycoming lacrosse team last year. It was a wonderful sentiment and was just wonderful to see her name on there. In fact her brick is only about 75 yards away from Alex's dorm room (3rd floor AGAIN!). So she's being well looked after.

Michael and I said our goodbyes and then we went over to watch some of the Little League World Series. We caught the US championship game and it was really fun to watch. There were 24,000 people there and most were in the outfield with us! We got home later in the evening and then just crashed. Tyler went with his grandfather to help Joey work on his house that he recently bought and is fixing up.

Today, Sunday, the boys and I went out for a late breakfast and then we went over to the cemetery to do some gardening. There hasn't been much rain lately and the flowers are starting to take a beating. We cleaned everything up and made our way home.

There are less than 3 weeks until the 1 year anniversary of Chris's death. So many, many memories are going through my head each day that it is really starting to weigh very, very heavy. I only hope that I along with the help of the boys can get through this coming event...

An email from the American Cancer Society!

2008-08-18T16:16:00.003-05:00

It's so seldom that I'm at a loss for words.... You don't have to know me long to realize that I love to talk! But the Keys event on Friday night has limited my vocabulary. Adjectives that come immediately to mind are: AWESOME, AMAZING, INCREDIBLE....

What the Frederick Keys accomplished in partnership with Comstar and ACS is nothing short of INCREDIBLE. To raise the amount of money in a few short hours that they did...and so generously match it...is nothing short of AMAZING! And to open their venue to ACS to pay tribute to so many local cancer survivors as well as raise funds for local programs is AWESOME! We were able to reach survivors in our community that have never been a part of an event that brings with it so much hope and healing.

Thank you so much to each of you for being a part of this inaugural event. You are all AMAZING people with big hearts...and I am sincerely grateful for all that you do!

I'm already looking forward to doing this again next year!

Laurie

Laurie Frey
Community Manager
South Atlantic Division
American Cancer Society
1037 Haven Road
Hagerstown, MD 21742
888-866-0757 Office
301-733-0285 FAX
laurie.frey@cancer.org

What a wonderful tribute!

2008-08-17T20:50:00.009-05:00

PICTURES HERE FROM A FAN AT THE GAME!!!
Well it finally happened! Friday night went off perfectly. After getting rained out completely in July, the Inaugural Chris DeWitt Breast Cancer Awareness Night drew a really good crowd for the Keys game.

I spoke a few words of thanks before the game started along with a representative from the American Cancer Society. It turned out that the person invited to speak was Michael's vice principal from school ! He's a wonderful guy and has been so very helpful to us this past year.

After some words the kids all got to throw out a first pitch. All 3 of them threw perfect strikes! The game itself wasn't all that good. They lost 14-0!!! One of their best pitchers started the game and gave up 9 runs before getting the hook!

The evening was loaded with so, so many friends and family members. I only was able to sit down and watch a couple of 1/2 innings. My good friends Rich and Jill were able to attend as they were in town and this is THE reason that the previous date was rained out. Chris wanted them there.

During the game there were several events going on. First was a silent auction where all of the players pink hats, the actual bases and some pink bats were being auctioned off to the highest bidder.

There was also 3 raffles going on where fans could by tickets for a chance to win one of the actual used bases, one of the pink signed bats, and a pink hat signed by the entire team. All are very wonderful prizes!

Well when the drawing time came and they announced the winner of the pink bat I looked at my tickets and almost fainted!!! I won! Yes me. Hard to believe huh? Fate huh? Just wait...

When I went up to claim my prize I saw Tyler running towards me. He was excited and told me that we won! I said I know. He said NO.... we won the base! He had tickets as well and his was drawn as the winner of the signed base! Let's see, 5500 people times.... 5 tickets each... Roughly 20,000 + tickets. 3 drawn and 2 were ours. Fate? I think we had some help. Thanks honey!

The raffles and auction raised a good deal of money which the Frederick Keys organization is going to match! They will be making a very generous contribution to the Children's Trust Fund all in Chris's honor.

After the game the American Cancer Society went out and displayed all of the luminaries that were sold during the game. They placed them along the basepaths and lit them with candles. After I spoke, they turned off the lights and I was able to walk with Laurie Fry of the Cancer Society and I was able to see several that were lit for Chris. That moment and the joy of the entire evening finally took it's toll on me and I could not stop crying. I made it back to my section with friends and family while the fireworks display was going off. On the big screen in the outfield was a rolling display of many different things about the evening. The last photo you see here is a picture of Chris that was displayed for a great deal of the fireworks. It was a wonderful ending to the most wonderful evening and best honor that could have been given to Chris. I know she would have been very humbled as I was.

The next few weeks are going to be very difficult ones for me and I can already sense the stress and buildup toward 9/11. This is the time last year that Chris started feeling ill. We had just come back from Deep Creek and attended Danny's Crab Feast. Well yesterday we attended his 24th annual Feast. This was my 1st one without her. It wasn't the same by any means. The kids had fun and I too enjoyed seeing everyone and being there with them. But the void that is left in my life, family, and heart is just huge and is weighing pretty heavy at times...

Trip to Antietam Battlefield

2008-08-14T05:13:00.000-05:00

This is a busy weekend. My good friends Rich and Jill came into town on Wednesday evening to visit. They are here for the weekend to attend a crab feast and to go to the Keys game in honor of Chris.

Wednesday they came to the house and I showed them all the progress on the basement that we had made. Rich came down to visit me in May and helped pick out the colors with me.

Thursday morning Alex took their daughter Shannon shopping and I took Rich and Jill to the cemetery. Jill had not been there and wanted to visit. There is a lot of history in the cemetery and as you drive to visit Chris you go by a very long row of graves of soldiers that were burried there from local battles of the civil war. There are both
Confederate and Union soldiers there. The headstones are very old and many are faded away and several years ago new ones were erected directly behind them. The first picture here shows them lined up along the fence.

After going there, we picked up Shannon so Alex could go to work and then headed off to Antietam Battlefield. About a 35 minute drive. That was the site of the bloodiest 1 day (12 hours really) battle in civil war history. 23,000 soldiers died in that one day alone! It is a very special place to go and visit.

After the driving tour we went into the Antietam National Cemetery where about 5,000 soldiers are burried.

Go for a ride?

2008-08-06T10:02:00.002-05:00

Gillian off to Med School

2008-08-06T09:54:00.006-05:00

My niece Gillian has left for Med School! She is attending the University of Pittsburgh. Her family had a little get together for her on Sunday and we were able to wish her well before she left. Chris and I talked a great deal about Gill and her desire to go to med school. It is wonderful news to see her make the jump!!!

While there Tyler and Alex were able to do some fishing. As you can see from the photos they have different fishing styles...

Awareness Night on the Minitron

2008-08-06T09:50:00.003-05:00

We went to the Keys baseball game last Thursday and while we were sitting there they ran a long promo for the entire inning on the mini-tron in the outfield.

Sorry for the blurry picture but Tyler was a little shaky holding his camera. It's a nice announcement about the upcoming baseball game on the 15th. I also heard from Chris's high school reunion class and a big number of them are planning on attending as well.

Kara moves on... Bummer.

2008-07-31T14:58:00.005-05:00

Yesterday morning I received a phone call from Kara Reber, Alex's coach at Lycoming. She had a long list of people she was calling and letting them know that she is moving on to another coaching opportunity here in MD. I was honored to here that I was first on her list! She has become a big part of our family the last 2 years and although it is hard to see her go I told her that I was very happy for her. It is a great opportunity for her to advance her career.

Saint Mary's press release is found here. Lyco's is as follows:

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – Lycoming College head women’s lacrosse coach Kara Reber announced her resignation on Wednesday to accept the head coaching job at St. Mary’s College of Maryland.

According to Scott Kennell, Lycoming’s athletic director, a national search has already begun to identify her replacement.

The Lady Warriors posted a record of 47-34 in Reber’s five years at the helm of the program, including back-to-back 14-4 seasons and trips to the MAC semi-finals in 2007 and 2008. The 2009 squad returns all but four players, who graduated in May.

Like I needed to be reminded!

2008-07-30T10:20:00.005-05:00

This email came to me this afternoon. I bought flowers for Chris on a regular basis, and continue to do so. In fact, just yesterday I bought a large bouquet for the kitchen. She deserved something every day...

Mount Olivet History

2008-07-29T09:28:00.001-05:00

This article was in the Frederick News Post last week. It is a story about Mount Olivet Cemetery where Chrissy is buried. I thought it was interesting history and something she would have liked...

Every morning, as the dawn's early light reaches the bronze statue of Francis Scott Key, Ronald Pearcey steps down from his porch and opens the iron gate to Frederick's 156 year-old Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Pearcey has lived and worked at the cemetery for nearly 43 years.

He oversees a great deal of American history, regularly meeting Civil War buffs, students and tourists, patiently answering questions about those enshrined. When he can find time, Pearcey still researches old diaries trying to identify the remains of hundreds of unknown Confederate soldiers brought from the battlefields of Gettysburg, Antietam, South Mountain and Monocacy.

The cemetery sits on 150 acres atop the city's highest pla-teau and holds the remains of more than 40,000 persons. But Mount Olivet also continues to function and serve area residents; in fact, two new mausoleums broke ground in April and 35 acres remain available for burials.

Not all the significant people, services or memorable events here are from the 19th century, either. There have been other historical footnotes, significant local stories, personal tragedies and even one recent small miracle born at Mount Olivet

"It keeps you pretty busy," said Pearcey, who started in 1966 after a lead from the county unemployment agency. He took over as superintendent in 1983 from Bob Kline, who himself worked at the cemetary for 48 years.

Pearcey isn't the only long-tenured employee. His staff of 18 includes office manager Austin Drury, who started in 1979. Jesse Shank, cemetery foreman since 1962, manages the actual grave-digging with Tyrone Hurley, who has been at the cemetery for 25 years. Hurley's sisters, Polly and Jeannie, have taken care of the flowers and shrubbery for more than two decades.

In a near-tragedy last month, Shank's son Jamie, who works on the grounds, severed his right arm in a wood-chipper accident. Incredibly, it was successfully re-attached and something close to a full recovery is expected.

"It's amazing," Pearcey said. "We did everything right and he had a great doctor. He's due back to work real soon. It's hard to believe anything good could come out of that, but I think something might if he shares his story."

In 1852, four downtown congregations, Evangelical Lutheran, All Saints Protestant Episcopal, Methodist Episcopal and the "English" Presbyterian Church raised $10,000 for the land then called "Barrack's Hill" -- because of the nearby Hessian barracks. A decade later, the bodies of 408 unknown Confederate soldiers were brought here from western Maryland and south central Pennsylvania. Other bodies, too, of men who died at the numerous Frederick hospitals.

Pearcey can recount their journey and how they came to Mount Olivet, as well as Francis Scott Key's saga. The lawyer, poet and author of The Star Spangled Banner was born in Frederick in 1779.

When Key, for example, died of pneumonia in 1843 at his daughter Elizabeth Howard's home in Baltimore, he was initially interred there in Old Saint Paul's Cemetery. In 1866, his body was relocated to Mount Olivet. In 1898, the huge monument where he and his wife lay was erected.

"He was born here and, supposedly, always had said he wanted to be buried in Frederick overlooking the mountains," Pearcey said.

Local patriot Barbara Fritchie is nearby. A friend of Key's, she was 96 when she famously waved a Union flag at Stonewall Jackson's Confederate troops in 1862, daring them to "Shoot, if you must, this old gray head, but spare your country's flag."

Thomas Johnson, Maryland's first governor, U.S. Supreme Court justice and delegate to the Continental Congress, and James Cooper, a Union general and senator from Pennsylvania, are buried at the cemetery, too.

On a different historical note, Mount Olivet was a strictly segregated "white only" cemetery until 1954, Pearcey said. "Written into the by-laws."

Pearcey explained that in the 1940s a white businessman and farm owner named R. Rush Lewis sued Mount Olivet, a community-owned non-profit, in order to have his children's beloved "colored" nanny, Bird Smith, buried at his family's site.

"People apparently had mixed-feelings about it at the time he brought the suit, but because it was in the bylaws it held up in court," Pearcey said. "She was buried on their farm."

Four decades later, in 1986, the farm was sold to a motel chain which asked if Mount Olivet could remove the casket.

Smith was brought to the cemetery and buried in a small service.

"Rush Lewis' daughter Elizabeth Peters was still alive and lived in a house downtown on Court Street," Pearcey said. "The day of the service, it was pouring rain and I called and asked her if she wanted to come. She was very elderly, 87 years old, but she said she wanted to. So, I went and picked her up and held a big umbrella over her the whole time.

"I think finally getting to see her buried where she was supposed to be buried brought her some peace."

The largest service that Pearcey could remember was in 1988 for a 16-year-old Brunswick High School baseball player named Richard Allen Maceron, who died of an illness. Pearcey believes it was leukemia.

"It was February and it was a sunny day, wasn't cold at all," he said. "Long after the service was over, people were coming, the procession backed up all the way to Brunswick. The truck stop across I-70 was filled with cars."

"I knew him from baseball, my son played baseball then and he was just a popular, well-liked kid," Pearcey said. "All the kids from the high school came, walking single-file by casket."

Pearcey's own sons, Jeremy and David, now 37 and 36, respectively, worked at the cemetery growing up, cutting the grass, trimming and weeding. Tragically, their mother, Kathy Pearcey, Ronald's first wife, died in 1995 from complications related to diabetes and rests at cemetery.

Shortly after Maceron's funeral, another baseball story began, albeit, a much happier one, directly across the street from Mount Olivet. The minor league Frederick Keys moved into the new Harry Grove Stadium.

Not coincendentally it turns out, the two dozen plots closest to the ballpark, space that had been sitting idle for years, sold immediately, Pearcey said. Longtime American Legion baseball coach Harold E. "Sonny" Blank, whose teams played on the previous field, is buried within a good throw of the ticket office. He even has a baseball diamond and batter on his tombstone -- designed by Pearcey.

"You know, they play the national anthem before every game and Francis Scott Key is buried less than a quarter mile from the stadium," Pearcey said. "And no other place can say that.

"The other thing, if you notice, is that his right hand on the top of the statute, which was built in 1898, points exactly to where the home plate sits. I think that's kind of interesting."

Ryan McPhee Golf Tournament

2008-07-28T15:00:00.003-05:00

Last weekend before traveling to NC for vacation I was able to attend a very special charity golf event. My good friends Rich and Jill in Rochester, NY lost their son to leukemia 2 years ago on June 29th. Last year they held the inaugural golf outting to raise money for Camp Good Days which is a camp to help kids and families that are going through the struggles of cancer treatments.

Last year I was unable to attend this event because Chris was in the hospital at that time. I sponsored a hole then. This year I sponsored a hole and was able to attend the event. I played with my friend Rich and even though the weather was iffy at best they still managed to raise over $5,000 for the camp! My hole sponsor banner is the picture above.

After the event I flew back home to Baltimore and then drove to NC to be with the kids down in NC (more on that later)....

Basement nearing completion.

2008-07-27T16:43:00.006-05:00

The basement is finally nearing completion. Tyler and I have worked really hard on the basement and it is now to the point where we need to put furniture in it! We just bought a sofa and loveseat with some accent tables today so that's done.

Next step is stools for the bar and a pub table. More pix to come once we get things hung on the wall!!!

We started this about 6 months ago. Tearing out everything in the basement. New bar, new lights, new tile, new carpet, new paint.... You get the idea. The TV and stereo cabinet are in and finally hung permanently. They're perfect.

Special announcement for Lyco Lax...

2008-07-26T15:52:00.004-05:00

This email was received this past week by the Lycoming Women's Lacrosse Team. Thanks to everyone who participated in the Pink Out. It helped make this happen, but the girls did a whole bunch more as well.

Hi Kara - On behalf of the Awards Committee for the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA), I would like to extend congratulations to you and your team for being selected as the 2008 Team Community Awareness Award Winner. There were many outstanding teams nominated for this award, so congratulations again on being selected.

The award will be presented to you at the Awards Banquet at the IWLCA Convention. A media release announcing the award will go out the week of the convention.

Again, Congrats!

Allison

Allison B. Valentino
Associate Head Lacrosse Coach
United States Naval Academy
151 Cooper Rd
Annapolis, MD 21402
410-293-5541
Fax: 410-293-5526
www.navysports.com

Still at the Beach

2008-07-25T08:28:00.002-05:00

We're still here.... The boys and I are at least. Alex went home on Thursday to work on Fri/Sat. It's been fun, but deep down inside it hurts not having Chris here. Every seashell I see I think of her. I went for a walk yesterday down the same beach we were at the last time we were here. I made it half way....

More later....

Off to the beach...

2008-07-18T21:41:00.002-05:00

Well I finally had a chance to meet Mr. Andy Buerger. This gentleman is the person responsible for creating the Climb for Hope program that raises fund for Dr. Emens research for a Stage IV vaccine to treat breast cancer patients.

He just came back from a very successful climb of Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa. He was an extraordinary man with a huge heart. He's been doing this for about 3 years now and the numbers in his group continues to climb.

He shared with me some personal data of which I will keep to myself, but in a nutshell the research that he raises money for is something that could benefit someone in his personal life as well. Best of luck to you and your loved ones Andy!

Tomorrow morning Alex and the boys are driving to the Outer Banks, NC for a week of vacation with our close friends across the street (Ray and Cheryl). I am flying to Rochester, NY to attend a special charity golf tournament in honor or Ryan McPhee. I'm coming back on Monday and then driving down on Monday to the beach. Should be a busy weekend. Once there a little R and R on the beach will be most welcome. Chris and I had been several times before with Ray and Cheryl to the beach to the same location. It will be hard not having her there with us but I'm sure she'll be watching over us.

While we were loading the car we came across a bucket of beach toys and in it were a bunch of shells that Chris had collected the last time that we were down there... that hurt a little.

Wash out...

2008-07-14T14:24:00.002-05:00

Everything, and I mean everything was in place and ready for Sunday night's special event at the Keys stadium. Several hundred cancer survivors were pre-registered and they were expecting a big crowd. The newspaper did their job, radio did theirs, American Cancer Society was ready to go!!

It rained. Big time and would not stop. Disappointing, but as Dave the GM put it, "it gives them more time to promote it to an even bigger event".

The Breast Cancer Awareness night in honor of Chris will now be held on FRIDAY AUG. 15th at 7:00 pm. Friday's are traditionally big nights. THis one will be huge as Fireworks are already on the schedule.

Thanks to everyone who came out last night. I'm hoping to see more on the 15th...

Climb for Hope Makes it home!!!

2008-07-09T22:08:00.003-05:00

This picture was sent to me by one of the climbers in the Climb for Hope group. I have never met Beth Dyer, but have had several correspondences with her before her climb. She bought one of the fundraiser t-shirts from the Lycoming Lacrosse team and took it to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro

The picture shows: front row (left-right) Molly O'Brien (PA at Annapolis Breast Cancer Center), Andy Buerger, Beth Dyer. In the back is Dr. Leisha Emens.
She is the wonderful physician that treated Chris with such dignity and respect while she was at Johns Hopkins.

The following text is from an email that Andy sent to me after Beth sent us both the picture. Andy is the creator and primary contact for the Climb for Hope program.

Thanks for sharing that picture. It's a great shot -- so glad you hauled that t-shirt all the way to Africa and then along our 65 mile journey to the 19,400 summit. It's a real tribute to Christine.

Charlie: As Beth pointed out, I took a minute before our mid-night departure to remind our climbers why we were there. Yes, we were there for our own reasons, but we were there for a greater reason as well --- to carry something with us -- a t-shirt or a memory of someone who couldn't make that climb. With that, I told the time I was climbing with Christine's memory in my heart. I was taking her memory to the top with them. (And every hour for 8 hours I thought about Christine and what good things are being done under her name.)

I told the 25 people in that tent that when it got dark and cold and we were tempted to turn back, ponder what challenges Christine went through and how important it was us to walk in her pain for a while. Besides we couldn't let down the hundreds of your supporters that were following us.

So, Charlie, every single person made it up to Africa's highest peak, miraculously. We fought debilitating blisters, stomach problems, dysentery, exhaustion, and terrible cold. I have to think that Chris gave us little tug every once in a while when we were struggling.

I'm proud to tell you that yes, we had 100% success, but I'm so much more proud to tell you that we carried Chris' memory (and thanks to Beth, her t-shirt) to the summit for you and your family. You were an inspiration to us all. Please also know, we raised over $200,000 to fight this terrible disease so other women won't have to go through what your courageous wife struggled with.

Christine DeWitt's name and memory will continue to be a blessing.

Alex Turns 20! (tomorrow)

2008-07-08T14:28:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow is Alex's 20th birthday. She is working at COMSTAR this summer as a teller, something Chris started out as 25 years ago!

They treated here like a little princess as you can see.

Its a little quiet around here this week. Alex has been at work and the boys are BOTH away at lacrosse camp together. The peace and quiet is nice but I don't really like it...

Upcoming Keys event in the newspaper!

2008-07-05T15:39:00.004-05:00

This article was run in the Frederick News Post today. Here is a link to the article online.

Keys, COMSTAR will host breast cancer event
Originally published July 05, 2008

By Gina Gallucci-White
News-Post Staff

Christine DeWitt could read an entire book in two to three days. She
loved to plant flowers in her garden and attend her three children's
lacrosse games.

These and many more memories bring a smile to her husband Charles DeWitt's face.

Christine DeWitt died Sept. 11, 2007, after a three-year battle with breast cancer.

"We are coping," Charles DeWitt said. "We are doing well."

To celebrate her life and the lives of others touched by the disease, the
Frederick Keys and COMSTAR Federal Credit Union will host the Inaugural
Christine DeWitt Memorial Breast Cancer Awareness Night on July 13 at
Harry Grove Stadium.

DeWitt worked for COMSTAR for more than 20 years and regularly did marketing business with the Keys.

"We wanted to do something to raise awareness, and honor her memory and her
family," said Keri Scrivani, Keys assistant general manager of
marketing.

After registering with the American Cancer Society of
Frederick County, survivors will receive two free tickets to the July
13 game, a T-shirt, tote bag and access to a survivor recognition
ceremony in the Keys courtyard.

The ACS and Frederick Memorial Hospital will pass out informational materials.

While the event is for breast cancer awareness, all cancer survivors are
welcome, said Laurie Frey, ACS Frederick County community manager.

The event is a good way for cancer survivors to come together with people who understand what they have gone through, she said.

"It's going to be a fun time," Frey said. "I'm very excited about this."

A silent auction will include commemorative pink bats, bases and hats.
All proceeds will go into a trust fund for DeWitt's children. The Keys
will match the funds raised by the auction.

With donations to the ACS, luminaria will be placed on the field after the game to create a
"Field of Memories," with each light representing a life.

"It's a very touching ceremony," Frey said.

Charles DeWitt and the couple's three children will be at the event. He said he
has been overwhelmed by the support shown to his family.

"It's very humbling," he said. "She would be very honored."

Mexican Vacation Update

2008-06-29T23:20:00.004-05:00

ALL OF OUR PICTURES CAN BE FOUND HERE....

This was a vacation that we were all looking forward to for the last several months, I on the other hand was looking forward to it and dreading it at the same time. A very bittersweet trip for sure. The only reason that I agreed to go was because we were going with a group of friends. There was 6 families and 23 total people going. There should have been 25 however, but 2 people were missing, Chris and our good friend Ryan. Ryan passed away 2 years ago from leukemia. His parents came all the way down from Rochester, NY to fly with us as a group. Our friend Danny put everything together for everyone and did a great job coordinating everything for us.

We left Thursday evening and stayed at a hotel near Dulles airport (near DC). We were able to leave the cars at the hotel and caught a shuttle to the airport for our 9Am flight on Friday. We landed around 12:30 in Cancun and by 2PM we were at our resort in Playa Del Carmen. It is about 45 minutes south of Cancun. Our resort was an all-inclusive and right on the ocean. It was directly across from the island of Cozumel and at night you could see the lights on the island many miles away. During the day you could see the cruise ships docked for the day.

The trip was sort of a "spring break" type trip. There were older kids (18 - 21) who would go out to some clubs in downtown with the resort staff. Alex was one of them. They had a great time and were able to look out for one another while away from the resort. Tyler was part of a younger highschool group. They were able to go to a resort across the street where there was a nightclub that allowed young teens to attend. They went there a few times and spent some late nights out "clubbing" for their 1st time. Michael was one of those kids where was too young to hang with the older kids. It's too bad but he and I buddied up and made the best of the week. It was not a problem at all and we both had a pretty good time.

On Monday we all boarded a couple of buses and went to a natural theme park called Xel-Ha. This was a wonderful area where water comes in from the ocean and flows into a beautiful lagoon/lake are. There are paths all around the water area with rope swings, cliff diving, tubing, and most importantly snorkeling! Michael and I spent 4 hours in the water snorkeling around the lagoon. We saw thousands of fish and some of them were pretty large, 3 to 4 feet! Tyler thought he'd be smart and try to touch one while it was feeding on something. Needless to say the cut on his finger proved to him that they have teeth and they are "sharp".

The rest of the week we spent at the beach and at the pool soaking up some much needed rest and relaxation. Each day we utilized the swim up bar and the all you can eat (and we did) buffet. The food was spectacular and we found ourselves making our own fish tacos with all the fixings from the buffet. Each day our room was made up and the maid would leave an animal on our bed made out of one of the towels along with real flowers. They were really cool and always fun to look at when we came back from a long day at the beach.

The trip home was uneventful. We got home late Thursday and found that Ramsey (our cat) was missing. He left the day before while our neighbor was watching the house. We got a call on Friday evening from someone who got our number from his collar. He's home now and will be staying in the house for awhile.

The weather was just perfect for a vacation. Hot and humid but no rain at all until the night before we left. Also the day we left it started pouring down rain about 1/2 hour before we boarded the bus to the airport. We felt a little bad for the poor people who were still there, wondering what the heck we would do if we were there and it was raining. We were busy every day with swimming, eating and relaxing!

I could not have done this vacation without the support from my many friends who were there with me. Chris and I were trying for 3 years to go to Mexico and we were never able to get away because of treatments. In hindsight we should have just gone, but we didn't. the kids had a good time and I did as well, but there was never a minute that I did not have her on my mind. Seeing families and couples walking on the resort brought a constant reminder to me that our wife/mom was no longer with us in body. She still is there in mind and soul. There were a couple of moments during the week that I thought that I wouldn't be able to make it. Again, it was my group of friends that helped me through it. One day at a time... even in Mexico.

Golf a year ago!

2008-06-29T23:18:00.003-05:00

Last year Chris attended her first and only golf outting. It was an outting put on by the local radio station which she did a great deal of business with through COMSTAR. I was lucky enough to be able to play in that outting and seeing her ride around in a cart is a memory that I will never forget.

This picture is of Chris and her "cart partner" Linda from the radio station. Linda and Chris were business associates, but more importantly were friends as well. Linda sent me this picture a while ago but now that golf season is in full swing (not for me) I thought I would get it posted for everyone to see and remember. It's been over a year since I've even considered picking up my clubs to play. Hopefully Tyler and I can get out soon. I bought him a new set of irons for getting all A's on his final report card.

Another Relay for Life honoring Chris

2008-06-29T23:16:00.003-05:00

A few years ago Chris did some work with her high school reunion committee. She met up with many of the people from highschool that she had not seen in 20+ years. One of those friends was Jenny.

Jenny recently walked in a Relay for Life walk-a-thon. She sent me a couple of pictures of the event. This is yet another wonderful friend who continues to remember Chris and what she meant to her. Thanks Jenny...

We're back...

2008-06-28T13:59:00.002-05:00

Made it back from vacation late Thursday evening. Pictures are posted here. I will write more soon. Off to a pig roast...

Headed for vacation...

2008-06-19T08:19:00.002-05:00

Tonight we leave for vacation. We are headed to Mexico with 5 other families. 23 in total.
We are headed to an all-inclusive resort in Playa del Carmen, south of Cancun.

Google Map

Resort Link

I'll be away for a little while so please be patient with me. I'll fill you in when I get back...

Frederick Keys Honor Chris

2008-06-17T11:08:00.004-05:00

The Frederick Keys, minor league team to the Orioles, in conjunction with COMSTAR are having a very special evening to honor Chris and other women affected by breast cancer. the date is July 13th at 6PM. This flyer has most of the details. The local radio stations will be running some advertisements and the Frederick News Post is planning an article about Chris and the event sometime in early July. Click on the flyer to see a more readable version.

The Keys have been and continue to be a big part of our lives. The boys and I went last week to watch a game on a very pleasant evening. Tyler was able to get a bat that was used in the game by the up and coming Matt Wieters. He is just a phenomenal player and was given a $6 Million signing bonus by the Orioles last year. Matt broke the bat during the game and Ty used his charm to get it from the dugout. He basically asked nicely. He then went to the clubhouse where Matt was signing autographs and was able to get the bat signed as well! He has it hanging in the basement on a bat rack that he made in school.

Letter from NIH FCU

2008-06-13T07:52:00.003-05:00

I received this letter from NIH Federal Credit Union yesterday. They were the credit union that received the inaugural Christine DeWitt Memorial Award for Excellence in Marketing. Click on the image to see a larger version.

3 years ago....

2008-06-11T12:13:00.002-05:00

This week is the annual MD/DC Credit Union League Convention. 3 years ago Chris attended and was honored with the very prestigious Judith A. Burgin Memorial Credit Union Professional of the Year Award.

I thought that it would be a good time ro post the information for those who did not see the article in the Frederick News Post.

Read about the award directly from the newspaper by clicking here.

Award winner excels while battling illness
Originally published October 04, 2005

By Gina Gallucci
News-Post Staff
CLARKSBURG -- Christine DeWitt had attended the Maryland Credit Union League's annual conference every year since she began working for the company 22 years ago.

This year, Ms. DeWitt, who is the vice president of operations for COMSTAR Federal Credit Union in Clarksburg, had decided not to attend. She had been diagnosed in September 2004 with breast cancer and was not sure if she wanted to make the trip to Ocean City for the conference in late June.

Her CEO, Lisa Whitaker, encouraged her to attend because she had nominated her for an award.

"She said, 'I think you need to go because you have won an award'," said Ms. DeWitt, who was honored with the 2005 Judith A. Burgin Memorial Credit Union Professional of the Year Award.

"It was very emotional and very gratifying," said Ms. DeWitt. It was an honor to be nominated by the CEO and given the award in front of colleagues.

The contenders were judged on their ability to achieve effective and efficient results in the areas of management and supervision; ability to motivate staff and volunteers and instill in credit union personnel a spirit of teamwork and cooperation; participation in credit union activities at the local, chapter, league and national levels; and professional training and educational achievements.

The award was created to honor, Judith A. Burgin, who was responsible for directing and managing the operations of all Tower Federal Credit Union branches. Ms. Burgin began her career at Tower in 1969 and worked until her death in 1983.

Ms. DeWitt was able to do her job while going through a 12-week round of chemotherapy.

"A lot has to do with technology," said Ms. DeWitt. "Fortunately, the credit union set up a computer at (her) home so I could check my e-mail. I also checked my voice mail. A number of the managers are independent and got the job done and kept everything running. ...I have not missed much work. I come into work as much as I can. Keeping a normal schedule has helped."

To boost her spirits during chemotherapy, co-workers took up a collection and hired a cleaning person to tidy up her house once a week and a chef to prepare meals for her and her family.

"It was a huge help," said Ms. DeWitt. "I did not have many side effects (due to treatment), but there were a lot of things I couldn't do."

Currently, Ms. DeWitt is undergoing radiation treatments and going in for regular check-ups.

"Its an ongoing process," said Ms. DeWitt. "I play it by ear. One test to another."

Ms. DeWitt lives in Frederick with her husband Charles and three children.

It is HOT!

2008-06-08T12:03:00.001-05:00

N'uff said.

Pictures from Award Ceremony

2008-06-02T09:39:00.005-05:00

A tribute from the MD/DC Credit Union League

2008-05-30T21:03:00.003-05:00

The MD/DC Credit Union League is an organization that supports the several hundred credit unions in the MD and DC region. They hold an annual convention each year in Ocean City. I've been to many of them with Chris and her COMSTAR family.

In 2005 Chris was awarded the Judith A. Burgin Professional of the Year Award. A very prestigious award that she was so deserving of and nominated for by her CEO Lisa. At that convention they would also hold a special awards breakfast for just the marketing awards. There are quite a few categories and each category is broken up by credit union size. That way tiny one's aren't competing with the huge ones. Each year Chris would represent COMSTAR and would win anywhere from 4 to 8 individual awards. Of all the jobs that she had she really enjoyed the marketing the most and it showed.

The 2008 convention is coming up but now the marketing awards are done at a separate luncheon in order that more people can attend. Wednesday I attended this year's luncheon with Alex, Lisa (COMSTAR) and Chris's Mom and Dad. At that luncheon the awards were given out as usual but this year the audience was in for a surprise. A new award has been created by the League and they have named the award in Chris's memory. The award is called

The Christine DeWitt Memorial Award for Excellence in Marketing, Best of Show

I was told about this a few weeks back and was very much looking forward to being there to present the award for the 1st time. After arriving MikeBeall (CEO of the League) let me know that he was going to ask me to say a few words. Never a problem for me. After hearing Chris's name and all of her accomplishments, we were introduced. I will have to admit that addressing the audience of Chris's peers was the most difficult thing that I have ever had to do. I was very choked up, but was able to say a few words.

I am so grateful to everyone involved in this award. This is the most thoughtful thing that could have been done to honor Chris. Her name will be on that award for every year from this year on. One day the winner will say "Who is Chris DeWitt"? Once they look it up they'll be just as amazed then as the current winners are now.

Excerpts of the Speech delivered by Michael Beall, CEO, Maryland & District of Columbia Credit Union Association, at the Trailblazer Awards luncheon, Wednesday, June 28, 2008.

“Because this award recognizes significant achievement, it deserves a name
that also represents success and recognizes results. In that spirit, one individual’s name was suggested and it was agreed upon immediately.

The individual whose name will become synonymous with the “Best of Show” special award is … Christine DeWitt.

Many of you had the pleasure of knowing and working with our deceased friend and colleague, Christine DeWitt. Christine was the vice President of Operations of COMSTAR FCU before her untimely passing. I’d like to give you a brief biography of this special person.

Chris settled into her first career job as a credit union teller She progressed to positions of increasing responsibility while raising three children. The last position Chris held was Vice President of Operations of COMSTAR Federal Credit Union. Some of Chris’ accomplishments included: leading her credit union’s operational efforts through two credit union mergers; directing aggressive branch expansion from 2 branches to 7 branches, and more than 10 ATM machines; serving on a number of Board Committees including Asset Liability Management; winning the 2004 CUNA Marketing & Business Development Council’s Diamond Award of Merit for radio advertising, a 2005 award for COMSTAR’s “Rooted in Service” campaign and MDDCCUA’s 2005 Judith A. Burgin Professional of the Year Award.

In July 2004, Chris was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent chemotherapy – while only missing less than 7 days of work. When Chris was too ill to travel to the office, she worked via e-mail and phone – all part of her typical work ethic and commitment to the credit union. Sadly, Chris succumbed to breast cancer and passed away on September 11, 2007.

Chris’ dedication and commitment to excellence exemplifies the qualities of the best. So it is only fitting that the new “Best of Show” award be honored with the name of Christine DeWitt.

The MDDCCUA’s special award will be called the Christine DeWitt Memorial Award for Excellence in Marketing, Best of Show.

And, now, I would like to introduce some of Chris’ family members who have joined the celebration today - Chris’ husband, Charlie DeWitt; her daughter, Alex DeWitt; and her parents, John and Pat Barr. I’d also like to welcome Lisa Whitaker, President/ CEO of COMSTAR FCU. Please join me in a round of applause to celebrate this special recognition of Christine DeWitt.

(It’s at this point that Charlie says a few words…)

And now with great pleasure, I would like to announce that the winner of the first Christine DeWitt Memorial Award for Excellence in Marketing, Best of Show is . . . NIH Federal Credit Union.”

MD/DC Credit Union League

2008-05-30T10:07:00.004-05:00

This posting came from the President of the MD/DC Credit Union League. I attended a special function there on Wednesday. Sorry... more to come on that soon!!!!

Mike’s Minute

by Michael V. Beall, CEO (Click hyperlink for Mike's bio)

Life and the Governmental Affairs Conference

Tributes to Don Beall and Chris DeWitt

CUNA held its annual Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) last week, and for the first time in decades it was NOT held at the Washington Hilton. Everything changes, and the conference made the move to the bigger, brighter DC convention center. It was fantastic, yet I found myself a little bit reflective of times past at the Hilton, and was taken back a bit into my own family memories of the old venue.

GAC was time that I got to come to several years’ worth of events with my Dad, Don Beall. Many of you knew my father and his work at NASA FCU until his death on June 4, 1991. 17 years ago – it hardly seems possible. He always made a big deal about the GAC and my reaction to it changed over the years.

As a younger boy, I found the trips to the Capitol and offices of members of Congress to be exciting. It whetted my first appetite for politics and the law. I always wanted to be a lawyer growing up, and these early trips to Congress focused me on this aspiration. As a teenager I rolled my eyes at my Dad’s enthusiasm for the battles of credit unions such as obtaining the ability to offer checking accounts. Later, in 1991, I had lunch with him at the Hilton the February before he died to deliver resumes that he could pass out to friends and colleagues – he wanted to be sure I GOT a job, and that it was in credit unions.

So, this year as I led a delegation of British CU representatives around GAC as part of our partnership, I listened as they talked about fighting the same CU fight to be able to offer checking accounts. The more things change the more they stay the same. And I couldn’t help but think about what it would be like to have had my Dad meet me for lunch at the GAC as a retiree and provide advice on all the latest legislative maneuvers to be contemplated for our CURIA bill.

On my return back to the office I received an e-mail from Charlie DeWitt, the husband of Chris DeWitt, formerly VP of Operations for COMSTAR FCU. Christine passed away after a fight against breast cancer on September 11, 2007. Charlie was providing me a link to the blog about Christine’s battle with cancer that has also turned into a blog on life after her passing.

Check out the blog at http://chris-dewitt-updates.blogspot.com/

I didn’t know Chris well. I actually came to know her when she was nominated for and won MDDCCUA’s Professional of the Year in 2005. She was a very determined lady in her fight, and well loved by her family and credit union friends. And, as often happens, I made the connection between what Charlie and his family are going through in their first year of loss. For me, its been lots of years since losing my Dad, but I still miss him, and still wish that he could be here to see where credit unions are fighting the good fight on lots of issues.

Seeing her pictures on the blogspot reminded me of the moment we were together onstage as she received her award. She was so very proud that day.

Each one of us has loved ones and friends in this credit union movement that have passed away. Today, take a minute and remember someone at your credit union that is no longer with us, and help the next member with the enthusiasm of the person you miss. I will be using that passion for our next MDDCCUA meetings with Senators Cardin and Mikulski to get them on the new Senate version of CURIA. I know my Dad would have been fighting away for the legislation if he were here.

Mike

Visit from a friend

2008-05-28T07:58:00.003-05:00

This past weekend my good friend Rich from Rochester, NY came down for the long weekend to spend with me. He gave up time with his own family to spend it with me and my family.

He came down on Friday and we went to a Frederick Keys game. Saturday was a trip into Frederick and since he is somewhat of a civil war buff we visited the Monocacy Battlefield in Frederick. Good history there. That's the battle that prevenented the Confederates from attacking Washington, DC. Later Saturday our friends Danny and Brenda came out and we all went out to dinner at La Paz. This was one of Chris's favorite restaurants.

Sunday I took Rich and the kids out to historic Harper's Ferry, WV. Another very important place during the civil war. The aerial view above is from a very high cliff over looking the area. We are going up there next time!!! Here's some pictures of the day there. The weather was spectacular and we had a relaxing lunch overlooking the town.

Later that night Tyler made a bonfire in the backyard in his firepit under the trees. Rich and I just sat and chatted until late in the evening.

Monday, we took Rich to the airport and then went over to D&B's to sit around the pool and enjoy the rest of the beautiful weather.

This was probably one of the better weekends that I've personally had in awhile. Friends and relaxation were a big part of it.

Thanks Rich!

Today I'm off to a special event that I'll update tomorrow. Hint... It has to do with Chris.

Alex makes the conference honor roll.

2008-05-22T18:36:00.003-05:00

Alex received notification today that she was placed on the MAC Conference's Academic Honor Roll! She was very excited! This is obviously in addition to making the honor roll at her college as well.

ANNVILLE, Pa. – The Middle Atlantic States Collegiate Athletic Corporation spring Academic Honor Roll, which notes academic excellence by student-athletes, contains 270 honorees as announced by Executive Director Ken Andrews.

The Honor Roll comprises those student-athletes of sophomore class standing or higher who participated in a varsity-level sport and registered a cumulative grade point average of 3.20 (4.00 scale) or higher and completed the playing
season in good standing...

Click HERE to read the whole story. Alex's name is down on page 3 with Women's Lacrosse.

Confirmation and Camp Jamie

2008-05-19T08:35:00.004-05:00

The above picture was taken at the Chocolate Gala for the Wig Closet that we attended a couple weeks ago. It was taken by a profession photographer and it came out very well.

This was a very busy weekend. It started with Michael leaving for a special bereavement camp on Friday night. It’s offered through the Hospice and he was one of only about 25 or so children are selected. It is called Camp Jamie and has been in place for quite a few years. He was gone all weekend and I picked him up around 1 pm on Sunday. He was paired up with a "big buddy" who essentially was with him the whole weekend. I'll be having a followup conversation with his buddy some time this week. Michael came home with a lot of nice things, blanket, flower pot etc. and he indicated that he had a good time.

Friday night was Tyler's confirmation at St. John's. He started confirmation late last summer and Chris helped get him started. Our good friend Marianne had her baby on Monday so she could not continue to be his sponsor. Alex stood in for her and all was good. A bishop from Baltimore was there. Tyler was actually chosen to do one of the readings as well. It was nice.

Saturday was the annual community yard sale. Chris always took care of this. We had some things to get rid of and Tyler and I took care of it all as Mike was away and Alex was at work. We did sell our old furniture from the basement so that was a relief.

Sometimes I actually look forward to Mondays after such a busy weekend. Today was one of them!

Lycoming Memorial Brick

2008-05-16T11:52:00.004-05:00

The memorial brick that was purchased by the Lycoming Women's Lacrosse team is now installed on the steps of of the entrance to the quad. Since 1939 when the gate was installed, it is unlocked only 1 time a year and that is for graduation.

Chris's brick is installed on the 2nd step and will be there forever.

New arrival to the world...

2008-05-14T19:44:00.004-05:00

It is with great pleasure that I would like the announce the wonderful arrival of Nicholas Cameron Kreiner. He arrived in this world on Monday May 12'th at 4:30 AM. He weighs just under 7 lbs and is 20.5 inches long. Full head of hair too!

Proud parents are Andrew and Marianne Kreiner. Marianne worked for Chris at COMSTAR and has become a close frieind of mine.

Marianne told me that she was pregnant back in September when Chris was in the hospital, right before she passed away. I told Chris about her in the hospital and she was so very excited, even with all the drugs you could tell she was so pleased.

After Chris came home on September 10, Marianne came to our house that evening and when Chris saw her for the 1st time in a few weeks she called out "I know, I know... " I will forever remember that moment.

Welcome to the world Nick! Uncle Charlie can't wait to hold you!
http://babykreiner.blogspot.com/

Mother's Day

2008-05-11T20:32:00.008-05:00

For the last several weeks every day we would open the newspaper, hear on the radio, or see on TV something about Mother's Day. We all knew that it was coming and we all knew that it was going to be a very, very difficult day.

Well our expectations were spot on. I woke up early, of course, and got up. Every year we would always make breakfast in bed for Chris and sit around with her while she ate. The kids would run upstairs with presents in hand and give them to her. Always, she would be thrilled with the present no matter what it was. Not just to make the kids happy, but because she truly loved an appreciated each and every thing that she ever received.

We all got ourselves together and went to the 11am mass. Sitting in front of us was a woman and her husband and 3 very fidgety kids around the ages of 1,2 and maybe 3. They we very cute and really made the mass go by quickly even though it ran over. The mother apologized several times for the distractions, which all of us immediately assured her that it was perfectly fine! We didn't mind at all. During church the priest said a special blessing for all the mothers in attendance and they were all asked to stand up. It really sheds a different perspective on your life when something you truly love and cherish is no longer there for you.

After mass we walked over and had brunch at Beans and Bagels. Rich was there and we chatted for awhile. We then finished our food and headed to the car. In the car were all the supplies that we had gathered the day before for our Mother's Day present for Chrissy this year.

We drove to the cemetery and began to unload the car. We had mulch, topsoil, tools, and lots of flowers! We are allowed to have a 1 foot perimeter around the base of the headstone in which to plant flowers, which is what we did for Chris today.

Alex had not been to the cemetery in awhile and when she saw the marker she began to cry. The boys had been there before and were doing okay, but just being there on a day that is meant to be joyous and wonderful was a bit overwhelming.

We were there for about an hour and of course while we were there digging and planting it began to rain. Tears from above as I saw it. As you can see from the photos the area looks very nice and I'm sure that Chrissy would really have liked it.

We got home around 3 or so and each of us spent the next 5 hours in somewhat seclusion. Michael in the basement, Alex and Ty upstairs in their rooms and I in the family room. It rained the rest of the day and continues to do so now as I type. This day really took it's toll on my family. We've been busy with sports, work and school recently and it took a day like this to really remind us of what has happened to us.

I cannot tell you how hard it was for me to see my children at the grave site of their mother on mother's day. That's not something that ANY child should EVER have to endure. BUT we all know that my family is not alone and that being there to honor their mother on this day shows how strong my children have become in the past few years. They have endured a lifetime of pain and suffering in so little time.

Tomorrow is another day and Mother's Day will be behind us. We will begin to prepare for the next day and continue on from there.

To all those mothers and soon-to-be mothers (M!) we wish you all a very Happy Mother's Day!!!

Ty's Injury

2008-05-04T09:51:00.002-05:00

Last Saturday Tyler injured his thumb in his lacrosse game. After 5 days of complaining about it and playing in 1 other game during the week I finally made an appointment for him to see the Dr. Turns out his thumb was broken. We spent the better part of the day getting x-rays, consults, and finally a visit to the orthapedic. He ended up getting a cast put on it for 4 weeks. Poor little guy! He missed his lacrosse game on Friday night and will miss the final game, yes final, on Monday. The seasons are pretty much over now. Only Michael has games until early June then he is done too.

Today is Sunday and this year the annual Frederick Marathon changed their route and the course takes all the runners through our community. In fact they run right by the entrance to our street! We all got up early this morning and went down to the end of the street and set up camp to watch the runners go by. It was really great seeing how determined everyone was.

A guy in a van came up and gave us a box of orange slices, poptarts, and pretzel sticks to hand out. That was fun to be able to stand there and help out. Next year we may do the same thing ourselves. Not run, hand out things!

This weekend is the Avon Breast Cancer Walk. It is the 1st time in 4 years that I have not attended. It's rather bitter sweet as you may imagine but I know several people that are walking this year, my neighbor being one of them. Chris will be remembered for sure, but I couldn't get myself to go down there. It was always hard just being there with Chris, I can't imagine being there w/o her.

Instead, all the kids and I are attending a Tea and Desert fund raiser this afternoon. We bought tickets in which all the monies are going to the Wig Closet at the FMH Cancer Center in Frederick. This is where cancer patients can go and get loaner wigs and hats during chemo treatments. Chris was a recipient of several hats and the group is just wonderful. She never wore a wig or even considered it for that matter. She was a baseball cap wearer. Every day she wore a different one. And had many that matched outfits she wore for work. I still have them all.

That's it for now. Alex is home and we're together once again...

Alex coming home!

2008-05-01T13:44:00.001-05:00

Yesterday Alex's lacrosse team lost in the semi-finals (again) to FDU-Florham. It was the 3rd year in a row they lost by a very close score in the semi-finals.

She is coming home now as I type. It will certainly be a relief to have her home for awhile. The boys are excited to have her home as well.

Here's the writeup from the FDU site:

MADISON, NJ – The top-seeded College at Florham Devils used four goals apiece from senior midfielder Lindsey Specht (Jackson, NJ/Jackson) and junior midfielder Erin Reilly (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) to knock off fourth-seeded Lycoming, 15-13, in the MAC Tournament Semifinals.

With the win, the Devils improved to 15-2 while the Warriors dropped to 9-8. The Devils will advance to the MAC Tournament finals on Saturday afternoon against second-seeded Elizabethtown, a 15-9 winner over third-seeded Messiah.

The Devils scored five of the first seven goals of the game to grab a 5-2 lead with 16:34 left in the first half. Specht scored three goals for FDU. With the score 6-3 in favor of FDU, Lycoming scored four of the last five goals of the half to tie the game up at 7-7 heading into the intermission.

FDU started strong in the second half, ripping off three straight goals to grab a 10-7 lead. The teams then traded two goals apiece with the Devils holding a 12-9 lead with 15:25 left in the game. The Warriors then scored three of the next four goals to cut it to 13-12 with 8:13 to go. That’s when Reilly stepped up for FDU, scoring to put the Devils ahead by a score of 14-12 and assisting on a goal by junior attack Amanda Wayne (Bellport, NY/Bellport) that gave the Devils a 15-13 lead with 1:02 remaining. The Warriors had the ball with under a minute and a chance to cut the FDU lead to a goal but great defense by the Devils allowed them to secure the win.

Wayne finished with three goals while sophomore attack Linda Bohn (Vernon, NJ/Vernon Twp.) had two goals and an assist.

The Devils return to action on Saturday, May 3, 2008, at home against Elizabethtown in the MAC Tournament Finals beginning at 1 pm.

Lycoming Pink Out Donation

2008-04-25T17:56:00.001-05:00

This just in. The Lycoming Women's Lacrosse team raised just over $6,000 for all of their hard effort at the Pink Out game on April 12th. All proceeds from the game were donated to the Climb for Hope program.

Special thanks to Coach Kara Reber and the entire team!

Another Busy Weekend Ahead

2008-04-25T17:40:00.001-05:00

Well tomorrow is going to be an incredibly busy day. Alex is done with school as of yesterday (Thursday). Her lacrosse team is playing their last regular season game tomorrow. She also needs to move out of her dorm on Sunday as all the athletes are rounded up and placed in the same dorm for the remaining time on campus. I need to go up and gather up some of her bigger items to bring home. She can then get the remaining items in her car when she finally comes home. Their MAC conference tournament begins next Wednesday with a game vs. FDU Florham. A team they just lost to last weekend. A tough matchup BUT they should certainly give them a good game. If they win they play Friday next week. Win again and it's off to the NCAA tournament! We'll see.

Tyler has a game at 9am tomorrow. I'm planning on going to that to cheer them on. Michael has a game at 1:30 in Thrumont. Not too close to here. I sent out an email Thursday to a bunch of people telling them of my plans for the weekend and as usual everyone has stepped up to help out. Ty has a ride home and Michael a ride up and back from his game. This will give me plenty of time to get up to Lycoming to see Alex's game and get her stuff. The boys will be home by themselves until I get home later in the evening but they don't mind too much.

I've decided to start telling more people my itinerary on days when I won't be close to home. It's important for me to know that extra eyes will be out for the boys. It's also important for people to know where I am and where I am going just in case something should happen to me as well.

Tyler is nearing the completion of his confirmation classes and his confirmation will be on May 16'th. Unfortunately, that is the same weekend as the Camp Jamie camp through the Hospice of Frederick County so he can't go. Michael's application was accepted and he will be going. Camp Jamie is a wonderful place for young children to go and get help in coping with the loss of a loved one. He really needs the help and this will be perfect. He is also attending some special classes in his school with kids in similar situations. He said there are about 6 kids and that they talk about all sorts of things. He likes talking about it.

Wish Alex luck this weekend and I'll try and fill you all in next week...

Night Lights

2008-04-23T10:40:00.003-05:00

I thought I would show a map view of the cemetery and how close it is to the stadium where the Frederick Keys play their home games. Chris really enjoyed working with the Keys organization for their marketing and community involvement. It's only fitting that the night game lights shine on her!

A beautiful monument!

2008-04-20T14:51:00.001-05:00

Yesterday (Saturday) Tyler was with his grandfather fishing, and Michael and I were home together. He had a lacrosse game around noon. He and I talked about going by the cemetery after going out to breakfast and we were still on for that. He hasn't been there except 1 time and that was back in October. He was very well prepared.

When we entered the cemetery there were 2 huge firetrucks with a giant American flag hung between them in honor of one of their members that was being buried that morning. We drove under the flag and went back to to gravesite.

When we turned the final corner and started heading down the road I could see at a distance that the cemetery had installed the headstone that I had ordered. It was beautiful as you can see from the pictures.

We were there for awhile and I had my camera so I took a few pictures. While there a man in a skirt showed up. (PETER ELLIOTT The Bagpipe guy). He was the gentleman that played at Chris's funeral and was there to play for the firefighter. He introduced himself to us and we chatted for a while.

Before we left Michael left a baseball, and mini helmet that he got at opening day this year at the Frederick Keys Stadium. The ball was a foul-ball that landed at his feet while walking the concourse. Fate? You can see the stadium from Chris's gravesite so we all know she's watching every game!

The front of her headstone has her favorite flower on it, iris. The back is engraved with a saying that was her favorite. It was also a verse that she used for a caligraphy project that is haning in our dining room. That picture was also brought to the funeral home where many of you I'm sure saw. The angel, of course, is there to keep watch over her every day.

View Larger Map

A beautiful monument!

2008-04-20T10:35:00.006-05:00

Yesterday (Saturday) Tyler was with his grandfather fishing, and Michael and I were home together. He had a lacrosse game around noon. He and I talked about going by the cemetery after going out to breakfast and we were still on for that. He hasn't been there except 1 time and that was back in October. He was very well prepared.

When we entered the cemetery there were 2 huge firetrucks with a giant American flag hung between them in honor of one of their members that was being buried that morning. We drove under the flag and went back to to gravesite.

When we turned the final corner and started heading down the road I could see at a distance that the cemetery had installed the headstone that I had ordered. It was beautiful as you can see from the pictures.

We were there for awhile and I had my camera so I took a few pictures. While there a man in a skirt showed up. (Bagpipe guy). He was the gentleman that played at Chris's funeral and was there to play for the firefighter. He introduced himself to us and we chatted for a while.

Before we left Michael left a baseball, and mini helmet that he got at opening day this year at the Frederick Keys Stadium. The ball was a foul-ball that landed at his feet while walking the concourse. Fate? You can see the stadium from Chris's gravesite so we all know she's watching every game!

The front of her headstone has her favorite flower on it, iris. The back is engraved with a saying that was her favorite. It was also a verse that she used for a caligraphy project that is haning in our dining room. That picture was also brought to the funeral home where many of you I'm sure saw. The angel, of course, is there to keep watch over her every day.

View Larger Map

Charlie's update on the Pink Out!

2008-04-13T22:04:00.008-05:00

Saturday was the big day. The Pink-out lacrosse game. The results of which are in my previous post. The boys and I left around 8ish and got to the stadium around 11:30 or so. Some close friends were already there with the grill fired up! We got to see Alex for a few minutes before she went in to get dressed for the day.

Everyone had their pink t-shirts ons. It was incredible. Even the opposing team had pink warmup shirts on. Everyone was in pink. Watching everyone warm up was pretty fun as it was hard to tell who was who.

Before the game started they announced the starting lineups and when Alex's name was called there was a huge cheer from the crowd! Before the national anthem they announced that this game was dedicated in memory of Chris and read a very well prepared statement about her and what the Climb for Hope Charity was all about. After that, they had a moment of silence in her honor. I cannot tell you how beautiful that was. It was just overwhelming. I had a very hard time keeping it together. The national anthem was played and sung by one of the Lyco students. Across the way I could see Alex was crying as was I and many others. She was being comforted by several of her teammates, I by my friends.

After the anthem is usually when the game begins. However, this time the entire Lycoming women's lacrosse team came running across the field to the side where the fans (me too) were all sitting. Kara (the head coach) came forward with Alex and presented me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a rolled up certificate. She told me that the team had made it possible for a commemorative brick to be placed on the commencement stairs just inside the main gate. It will read "In memory of Christine DeWitt". this gate is opened 1 time a year for commencement . Students march through the gate into the quad for graduation and that is it.

It was a beautiful honor. Alex was there still crying and she and I embraced. We were both so very emotional mainly due to the overwhelming love and support of our friends and teammates. Words cannot express the feelings.

After the game began I took the flowers over to my Mother-in-law and presented them to her. She too was overwhelmed. This has been a difficult time for mom and dad as you could only imagine. I was so glad that they were able to see such a wonderful tribute to their daughter and that she continues to live one within all of us, especially Alex.

The game was a great game. The weather was the most beautiful day we could have asked for. The day before had torrential rains. The day after sprinkles and cold. So someone had a hand in making Saturday the best. Thanks Chris.

As fans were leaving the stadium someone came up to me to say hello. It was Alex's high school lacrosse coach and his wife! They were at the entire game and wanted to let me know how impressed he was with Alex and her play, but also how impressed he was that the team that she was on was so caring and supportive. They are the ultimate definition of "team".

After the game there was a big tailgate for the team and fans. We all stayed for awhile and got a chance to meet other parents and friends. After a long afternoon we went back to the hotel and checked in. There were several close friends of mine that all stayed at the hotel. We all ate dinner together later in the eveing at the hotel restaurant. Alex, Jon (1-n), and Matty went back to campus after dinner where they did college stuff!!!! Matty said they were at the library all night. I seem to doubt that! A few of us went across the street to the Bullfrog brewery for a couple drinks and desert.

I went to bed and Tyler and Michael were already asleep. Of course, 1 in each of the 2 beds. That left me to pick the one with the most room and that was with Michael! I woke up at 4 becuase of the sunburn on my head and I think I was just overly tired. I did fall asleep for an hour before finally getting up to say goodbye to everyone.

Today we left Williamsport around 8:30 as Tyler had to get back for Confirmation Class. He went to that and Michael had a lacrosse game. I watched that and then had to hustle home and get his carpool together for religion class. When I went back to pick up the 5 kids at church I ran into and spoke with a neighbor that I had not seen in awhile. He said that he continues to read my blog and that he really enjoys keeping up with everything that I post. It really made me feel good about writing things on the blog. I know that I cannot keep this up forever but I will continue to do so as long as I can. Thanks for the vote of confidence John!

All the pictures that I took that day can be found here: http://picasaweb.google.com/cedewitt
If you went to the game and want to share some with others just send me a link.

Lycoming Press Release

2008-04-13T20:11:00.004-05:00

Lycoming women’s lacrosse beats Widener, celebrates seniors

4/12/08

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.—Lycoming’s women’s lacrosse team (8-5, 4-1) defeated conference opponent Widener (3-8, 1-3) by a score of 18-6 on Saturday. The afternoon contest was Senior Day for the Lady Warriors, who also wore pink jerseys to promote breast cancer awareness.

At halftime, the Lady Warriors recognized seniors Kristina Peacock (Webster, N.Y.), Lauren Raby (Walnutport, Pa.), Heather Suit (Annapolis, Md.) and Megan Wallenhorst (Rochester, N.Y.). These seniors represent head coach Kara Reber’s first recruiting class and boast numerous all-time Lycoming records, including most career points, goals, assists, saves and wins.

Wallenhorst, junior Sarah Wingerden (Macedon, N.Y) and sophomore Christi Karr (Lansdale, Pa.) scored three goals apiece for the game. Wingerden added an assist, while Suit recorded a goal and four assists. Sophomore Sammi Jo Bell (Maple Shade, N.J.) dished three assists and Peacock notched the win with 13 saves and five ground balls.

Lycoming burst out of the gate with six-straight goals in the game’s first ten minutes. Justine Titko (Wrightstown, N.J.) and Karr were both fed by Suit, then Karr scored on a Wingerden assist. Wingerden followed with two consecutive unassisted goals, followed by a Kelly Mack (New Egypt, N.J.) goal.

Widener scored its first goal at 20:30, which was quickly answered by an Ashley Collins (Westminster, Md.) score for the Lady Warriors. After another Lady Pride goal, Laura Carpenter (Lewes, Del.) and Wallenhorst found the net to put Lycoming up 9-2 at the end of the first half.

Widener opened the scoring in the second period, but the Lady Warriors reeled off three-straight goals, including two in a row by sophomore Amanda Baker (Media, Pa.). Both Baker goals were assisted by Bell, who then fed Carpenter at 15:34. Junior Crystal Cody (Rochester, N.Y.) scored, along with Wingerden, Wallenhorst, Suit and Karr to close out the game.

Lycoming fans filled the stands on a beautiful, sunny day, wearing pink t-shirts which were distributed by the Lady Warriors for the fight against breast cancer. Each player also listed a faculty or staff member for Faculty/Staff Recognition Day. The players and recognized faculty and staff gathered at midfield for a group picture during halftime.

Lycoming travels to Messiah on Tuesday, April 15 for its next conference match-up. The night game will begin at 7 p.m.

Directions to Lycoming Stadium

2008-04-08T19:43:00.002-05:00

Many of you are travelling up to see the Pink Out game this Saturday. Please note the the stadium is NOT on the campus of Lycoming College. It's a few blocks away.

The 1st map shown is the directions to the only street on Alex's campus just after you cross the river into Williamsport.

If you find directions to Lycoming College then this link will get you to the stadium from the main (only ) road for the campus which is College Place.

Basically, the entrance to the college will be on your right. Just past that is a Wendy's on your left. Turn Left at that intersection. The rest is on the map...

After the game if you are going to spend the night at the Genetti Hotel in downtown, then follow this link for directions from the field to the hotel.

For those of you coming from down South either by 81 or by 15N to Harrisburg I suggest this route around Harrisburg:

And for those coming from 83 by Baltimore this map around the north side of Harrisburg is suggested. If you have any questions don't hesitate to email me or call me...

Weekend

2008-04-06T19:53:00.003-05:00

Well here I sit in front of the TV resting! We had a busy weekend. Friday was so raining that the city closed the fields that we play lacrosse on so we didn't have any games on Saturday. Of course when we go up the sun was shining and it was a very nice day. It never fails.

We did some yard work and started planting flowers in all the flower boxes. Every year Chris would spend hours outside planting flowers and making our home look beautiful. We continue that tradition for her.

Friday, night we went to opening night at the Frederick Keys game. It was so hard for me to be there without her. She enjoyed going there so much. We saw a lot of people there including the Mayor of the City of Frederick. Michael was able to snag a foul ball. We plan on taking it over to Chris's gravesite and leaving it there for her. He wanted to do that. He hasn't been to the cemetery but only one time, but I sense that he is getting ready.

Saturday afternoon the boys and I went to our friend Marianne's house to help her husband Andrew put in some closet shelves in the soon to be, new baby's room. We spent a good part of the evening there and had pizza. She is expecting very soon. Check her out here. She has a blog for the baby progress.

Today, Michael had a lacrosse game in VA. We spent the afternoon down there and although the weather wasn't that great it didn't rain. Ty stayed at home and clened up some things around the house. We are nearing completion on our basement remodel. The bar is done and the TV is on the wall. The picture here shows you how the bar is looking... The main things are done!!! Now we need, flooring, paint, furniture. All things that I dread doing... I'm hoping to get the flooring done this week and picking out a color for the walls. Picking furniture is tough as there are not many places to go here in Frederick.

This weekend is Alex's special lacrosse game that we are all going to . It should be a nice time for all that are going. Keep your fingers crossed that the weather is nice.

Michael gets in the swing of things.

2008-04-02T11:19:00.006-05:00

Well after a long winter of practices and indoor games Michael's lacrosse team has finally started it's spring season.

It was a very sunny day last Saturday and a great way to begin. We have a team photographer that has taken some great pictures of all the kids and I put a couple of Michael here.

I went by the cemetery yesterday and noticed that they have dug the footing for the headstone that I ordered. Hopefully in a few weeks it will be installed reflect the honor that Chris deserves.

I'll keep you posted...

Lyco wins for the new baby!

2008-03-30T18:22:00.003-05:00

Lycoming women’s lacrosse beats Manhattanville
Wallenhorst breaks all-time points record

3/29/08

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.—Lycoming’s women’s lacrosse team (5-3, 2-0) defeated Middle Atlantic Conference opponent Manhattanville (3-4, 0-1) by a score of
21-6 on Saturday at Shangraw Athletic Complex. Senior Lady Warrior Megan Wallenhorst (Rochester, N.Y.) broke the school’s all-time scoring record with her 235th point on a goal at 27:45 in the first half.

Wallenhorst had three goals and an assist for the afternoon, while sophomore Christi Karr (Lansdale, Pa.) recorded four goals and an assist. Junior Sarah Wingerden (Macedon, N.Y.) scored three goals with two assists and Kelly Mack (New Egypt, N.J.) had three goals and one assist. Goalie Kristina Peacock (Webster, N.Y.) took the win with 16 saves and four ground balls in 55:43.

Wallenhorst’s record-breaking goal put Lycoming up 1-0. Manhattanville’s Cory Alcorn, who finished the game with five goals and an assist, scored 14 seconds later to tie the game. But consecutive goals by Justine Titko (Wrightstown, N.J.), Laura Carpenter (Lewes, Del.), Sammi Jo Bell (Maple Shade, N.J.) and Mack put the Lady Warriors ahead to stay. Manhattanville scored just once more in the first half and Lycoming went into halftime leading 12-2.

For the game, Titko and Carpenter had two goals, as did Crystal Cody (Rochester, N.Y.). Sophomore Michelle Murray (Media, Pa.) scored the final goal of the game off of an assist from Ashley Collins (Westminster, Md.) with nine seconds left on the clock.

Coming into the game, Wallenhorst was tied with former Lady Warrior Brenda MacPhail on Lycoming’s all-time points list. Wallenhorst, who broke the all-time goals record last season, scored the 200th goal of her career on March 21 against St. John Fisher.

The Lady Warriors travel to King’s College on Wednesday, April 2 for a 4 p.m. start. It will be their third conference game of the season.

Congratulations to Lycoming head coach Kara Reber and assistant coach Matthew Reber on the birth of their daughter Kylie Lynn.

Kara has her baby!

2008-03-28T08:37:00.004-05:00

Alex's lacrosse coach had her baby on Thursday morning. A beautiful baby girl. Details will follow, but here are some pictures. I'm sure that's she's glad it is here! There should never be any problems finding a baby sitter with 30+ girls involved with the team. Chris was so pleased to hear that Kara was expecting and I'm sure she would have been going to the very next game to see her!

CONGRATULATIONS TO KARA AND HER HUSBAND MATTHEW!

After Easter

2008-03-25T09:44:00.004-05:00

Well this was a very hectic weekend! Started on Friday, I flew to Buffalo, NY in the morning, drove over to Rochester and hooked up with my good friend Rich. We then went to watch Alex's lacrosse game against St. John Fisher. It was a bad game for Lyco as they lost quite bad. It was a non-conference game but it still hit them hard. It was great because I got to see Alex start the game too!

Afterwards Alex came with us back to Rich's and we spent some time there and eventually went out for some wings later that evening. We then met up with her coach and Alex road back to school that evening. I flew home Saturday afternoon and then Alex and Jon (one N) drove home for Easter.

We had some family come over to the house on Sunday. Michael really wanted to be home and have baskets and all that. The day was very sunny but cool. It was nice getting together. Alex and Jon drove back Monday morning and I got back to work.

Tyler and Mike have off again today... They've been busy around the house. In fact, Michael spend 5 hours doing laundry yesterday!

The pictures here are from the Lycoming Relay for Life program that was held last weekend. The lacrosse team had a table set up and there were luminaries set u around the indoor track. The placed on in honor of Chris.

Holy Thursday

2008-03-20T22:06:00.002-05:00

Last night was a horrible evening for me. Michael went to Deep Creek Lake with some friends and is skiing until Friday. Last night I had a lacrosse meeting and Tyler was at practice. During the meeting he called me and asked if he could spend the night with a friend and I said sure.

After my meeting it really hit me that when I got home no one was going to be there and it would be me all alone. This loneliness is really starting to creep into my life at times. Last night especially. I left my meeting and went to a restaurant for dinner. I finally got home and did some work on the pc and internet and eventually made it upstairs to bed. I laid there for quite awhile. It was really hard.

Tonight Ty was selected to have his feet washed as part of the Holy Thursday celebration at church. It is quite an honor to be one of 12 out of a huge congregation. Mass was nice and really makes you realize what Easter is all about.

Tomorrow I fly to Rochester NY to watch Alex play at St. John Fisher. I'm staying overnight with Rich and flying home Saturday.

I actually called Rich from the bar last night and talked to him for awhile. It helped.

Happy Easter to all...

Alex makes the writeup!

2008-03-17T10:31:00.010-05:00

Lady Warriors win first conference game at Arcadia

3/16/08

GLENSIDE, Pa.—Lycoming’s women’s lacrosse team (3-2) won its first Middle Atlantic Conference game of the season by defeating Arcadia University (1-1) by a score of 19-8 on Sunday.

Senior Megan Wallenhorst (Rochester, N.Y.) led all scorers with five goals, while adding five assists and 3 draw controls. Senior Heather Suit (Annapolis, Md.) notched six assists for the afternoon.

The Lady Warriors rushed to a 7-0 lead seven minutes into the game, including two goals each by junior Sarah Wingerden (Macedon, N.Y.) and sophomore Justine Titko (Wrightstown, N.J.). Arcadia found the net at 23:01, but Lycoming sophomore Megan McIntyre netted her second goal of the day just 15 seconds later. The Lady Warriors scored three more times before the half, including goals by sophomore Alex DeWitt (Frederick, Md.) and freshman Laura Carpenter (Lewes, Del.). At halftime the score was 11-2 in favor of Lycoming.

Arcadia opened the second-half scoring with two goals, but Wallenhorst scored three times in just under four minutes to put Lycoming up 14-5 at 19:02. Carpenter scored again and dished two assists down the stretch, while Titko scored back-to-back goals on assists from Carpenter and Wallenhorst.

Titko finished with four goals, while Carpenter had two goals and three assists. Lycoming goalie Brittany Bryan (Petersburg, N.J.) played the entire game between the pipes, recording the win with 13 saves.

The Lady Warriors host Susquehanna on Wednesday, March 19 at 4:30 at Shangraw Athletic Complex.

Tribute to Chris

2008-03-17T06:31:00.005-05:00

The Maryland & DC Credit Union Association paid a very nice tribute to Chris this morning. Mike Beall is the CEO and writes a weekly column for their newsletter entitled Mike's minute. Here is a link to the site: http://www.mdcul.org/minute.html

This comes a day after I drove up to Arcadia University on Sunday. The boys did not want to go to watch Alex play lacrosse again, but I did. And as a parent with a child in collegiate sports you do whatever you can to get there. So I left them at home with a long list of chores and drove the 3 hours over to North Philadelphia by myself.

Alex played quite a bit. She also plays defense and rarely has a chance to go past the restraining line. Yesterday another defender stole the ball near the goal, cleared it out to the side and Alex broke to the center of the field for another clearing pass. She got it and turned and started to run up field, and run, and run, and run.... She didn't stop. Went through a few defenders and shot and scored! The entire bench erupted in cheers. I was so excited to get a chance to witness her goal. I couldn't hold back the tears though because I know that Chris would have bee elated on the sideline. This goal was for her!!!

As you can see Alex wears pink shoelaces in her cleats in honor of her Mom. She's easy to pick out in the crowd of people that are fighting for the ball. This just goes to show you that if you can make it to a game, then you go. If I had missed this I would be so upset. Seeing it brought a ray of joy into my life.

More pictures can be found here on my Web Album.

Lyco wins on Saturday

2008-03-16T20:33:00.007-05:00

The boys and I packed up the car on Saturday and drove up to watch Alex's team play vs. Buff State. The weather was pleasant and after the win there was a nice tailgate party for the team. The men's team also played later in the day and we were able to stay and watch 1/2 that game. We left for home around 4:30 and back home by 7:00. A loooong day. It was great getting a chance to watch her play. It's not the same without Chris there though. She was always so proud of Alex's accomplishments.

Lady Warriors defeat Buffalo State, even record

3/15/08

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.—Lycoming’s women’s lacrosse team (2-2) defeated Buffalo State (1-1) by a score of 18-13 on Saturday at Shangraw Athletic Complex. It was the first home win of the season for the Lady Warriors.

Senior Megan Wallenhorst (Rochester, N.Y.) and junior Kelly Mack (New Egypt, N.J.) scored four goals each for Lycoming, while junior Sarah Wingerden (Macedon, N.Y.) had three goals. Wallenhorst, Wingerden and sophomore Megan McIntyre (Baltimore, Md.) notched two assists apiece to share the team lead.

Buffalo State started the scoring less than five minutes into the game, but two quick goals by Lycoming’s Heather Suit (Annapolis, Md.) and Wingerden made the score 2-1 in favor of the blue and gold. The Lady Bengals answered, but consecutive scores by McIntyre put the Lady Warriors up for good, 5-4, with 16 minutes remaining in the first half.

Mack increased Lycoming’s lead with a strong move and a goal at 15:31, but Buffalo State scored less than three minutes later to keep it within one at 6-5. Then the Lady Warriors went on a run, scoring five consecutive times. Wingerden converted off of a Wallenhorst pass and Wallenhorst herself scored twice in a row, on assists from McIntyre and Wingerden. Mack scored with just under eight minutes left in the half and Wallenhorst converted a free-position shot to make the score 11-5 with 6:43 to go in the first.

After a brief drought, Buffalo State’s Shantel Ackley made a successful free-position shot which was quickly answered by Lycoming’s Christi Karr (Lansdale, Pa.) at 1:42. Lady Bengal Katie Henderson scored on another free-position opportunity, but Wallenhorst found the net just 18 seconds later. Ackley then hit Buffalo State’s third-straight free-position goal to make the difference 13-8 Lady Warriors at halftime.

Justine Titko (Wrightstown, N.J.) and Mack made free-position goals early in the second half, while Sammi Jo Bell (Maple Shade, N.J.) scored off of a McIntyre assist to re-establish Lycoming’s biggest lead of the game at 16-10. Mack again showed athletic determination, shaking a defender and bearing down on the goalie before finding the net at 8:41. Wallenhorst scored with 2:35 remaining to make the final tally 18-13.

The Lady Warriors travel to Arcadia for their first conference contest tomorrow at 1 p.m.

Hoping to go see Alex

2008-03-14T18:22:00.002-05:00

We are hoping to go and see Alex play this weekend. She's home on Saturday and away near Philly on Sunday.

Lady Warriors edge Eastern for first win of season

3/12/08

ST. DAVID'S. Pa.—Lycoming’s women’s lacrosse team (1-2) edged Eastern University (0-1) on Wednesday by a score of 11-10. It was the first win of the season for the Lady Warriors.

Senior Megan Wallenhorst (Rochester, N.Y.) led Lycoming with three goals and an assist. Junior Sarah Wingerden (Macedon, N.Y.) scored two goals, while senior Heather Suit (Annapolis, Md.) had a goal and an assist.

The game was Eastern’s first of the season and their first since the graduation of All-American Kate Hoy. Nonetheless, the Lady Eagles were the pre-season pick to win the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference, much like the Lady Warriors were the favorites to win the Middle Atlantic Conference.

Midway through the first half, the score was knotted 3-3 until Eastern found the net at 6:06. However, Lycoming reeled off six-straight goals into the second half, including two by Wallenhorst, to secure a 9-4 lead with 25 minutes left. The Lady Eagles scored twice before Wallenhorst hit her third of the day to make it 10-6.

Eastern went on a run, scoring four-straight in an 11 minute span to tie the game 10-10 with 11:37 left on the clock. The teams held each other at bay in the later stages of the game, with Lady Warrior goalie Kristina Peacock (Webster, N.Y.) notching 10 saves on a busy afternoon. Then Lycoming sophomore Christi Karr (Lansdale, Pa.) netted the deciding goal off of a Wallenhorst pass at 6:43 to give the blue and gold the lead for keeps.

Eastern's Erin Reimel had three goals on the day, while Jessie Basch and Grace Griffith had two goals and two assists apiece.

The Lady Warriors host Buffalo State on Saturday, March 15 at 12:30 p.m. at Shangraw Athletic Complex. The game will by followed by a Lycoming men’s lacrosse contest at 3:30 p.m.

Six Months....

2008-03-11T11:11:00.003-05:00

I've never been one to "celebrate" 1/2 year anniversaries or birthdays, but today is a bit different. Six months ago today in the early morning hours Chris left us for a better place. I miss her dearly and the pain of losing her has continued to grow inside of me each day. Thanks to the love and support of friends and family we have been able to continue on with our lives in this house, but the void left in us is present every day...

We miss you sweetheart and want you to know that Alex is doing well, Tyler and Michael are making progress, and I'm doing the best I can with what you taught me! Time will tell but for now we take each day as it comes.

We love you.

A lacrosse present for Chris

2008-03-09T21:47:00.004-05:00

Went by the cemetery today and was thrilled to see that someone had gone by and left a present for her. A TJ Teddy Bear wearing a Go Patriots T-shirt was left there and around it's neck was a scarf made of Red White and Blue.

Well I know exactly who left this (Jan!) and it is a wonderful gesture. The scarf is actually a small piece from a larger scarf that Chris made for Jan back a few years ago when Alex was playing high school lacrosse.

I know a lot of you are still thinking about Chris as I know that I do! The 6-month anniversary of her passing is coming up in a few days. Not necessarily something you celebrate but certainly a day that you make sure to think of Chris and the impact that she made on your life, and the community...

Lyco loses 2nd in a row!!

2008-03-09T11:07:00.001-05:00

3/8/08

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.—Lycoming’s women’s lacrosse team (0-2) fell to Montclair State by a score of 15-13 on a cold, rainy afternoon Saturday at Shangraw Athletic Complex.

Sophomore Amanda Baker (Media, Pa.) led the Lady Warriors with three goals. Megan Wallenhorst (Rochester, N.Y.), Heather Suit (Annapolis, Md.) and Kelly Mack (New Egypt, N.J.) each scored two goals for Lycoming.

Montclair drew first blood, but back-to-back goals by Sarah Wingerden (Macedon, N.Y.) and Suit gave the Lady Warriors an early 2-1 lead. Montclair regained the advantage with two quick goals, but Wallenhorst tied the game off of a Wingerden assist at 17:52 in the first half.

Montclair reeled off four straight goals before Lycoming sophomore Megan McIntyre (Baltimore, Md.) scored to make the tally 7-3 with 11:53 left in the half. The Lady Red Hawks found the net two more times before Wallenhorst converted a free-position shot, starting four consecutive Lady Warriors goals which made the score 9-8 in favor of Montclair State at halftime.

Lycoming sophomore Christi Karr (Lansdale, Pa.) found the net off of a McIntyre feed to tie the game early in the second period. But four straight Lady Red Hawk goals put Montclair up for good.

The Lady Warriors never gave up, with Baker scoring at 12:16 and Mack converting twice in the final eight minutes. Sophomore Justine Titko (Wrightstown, N.J.) made it a one-point contest with 24 seconds remaining, but Montclair scored 11 seconds later to put the game on ice.

Lycoming travels to Eastern on Wednesday, March 12 for a 4:30 face-off.

Lacrosse takes over the household!

2008-03-06T07:42:00.002-05:00

Well now that March is here lacrosse has taken over the DeWitt household. Alex's team in college is doing well. They lost their season opener last night in double overtime. She played about half of the game and overall was pleased with her performance and the team's. Next game is Saturday and the boys and I are trying to go up to see her.

Michael plays lacrosse on 2 teams. The 1st is the Spires Lacrosse . He is in his 3rd year playing in this league. I'm the president of the club and have been pretty busy with registrations, uniforms, and regular team meetings. I like being able to see the club grow. This year we have close to 200 players! Up from 155 last year. His games are on Saturdays with practices on Mon/Wed. His 2'nd team is a select team called FastLax from the Frederick area. He practices on Sunday afternoons and is really enjoying this. It's more physical but the skill level is much higher and that helps him a lot. Games will be on Sunday after the season begins in April.

After a month of preseason practices and a week of tryouts Tyler found out yesterday that he was one of about 6 or 7 Freshman that made the JV Lacrosse team at his high school. He worked really hard to make the team and this was a great sense of accomplishment for him. Of course that means practice and/or games every day of the week!!!

So as you can see Spring will be a very busy time for me here. Sometimes I just can't be in 2 places at one time and many parents have helped out by bringing the boys to or from practice.

Me? I'm okay. Busy. Feeling a little better but in dire need of losing some weight. I guess I'll try and squeeze that in sometime...

See you...

Lycoming Loses Season Opener in Double OT

2008-03-06T07:41:00.001-05:00

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.—Lycoming’s women’s lacrosse team lost its season opener to Ursinus on Wednesday by a score of 15-14 in double overtime.

Lycoming was led by senior Megan Wallenhorst’s (Rochester, N.Y.) six goals, including four of the Lady Warriors’ final six goals. Sophomore Megan McIntyre (Baltimore, Md.) had three goals, while juniors Sarah Wingerden (Macedon, N.Y.) and Kelly Mack (New Egypt, N.J.) scored two goals apiece. Senior goalie Kristina Peacock (Webster, N.Y.) recorded an impressive 26 saves for the game, including 12 in each half of regulation.

For Ursinus, Elizabeth Cannon had six goals, while Lisa Clark had five. But Catie Cameron’s goal 2:49 into the “sudden death” second overtime period ended the back and forth battle.

The Lady Warriors started the game with two quick goals. McIntyre took the opening draw and scored unassisted just 18 seconds in, then Wallenhorst found the net 18 seconds later off of a feed from Heather Suit (Annapolis, Md.). Almost seven minutes later, Wingerden converted a free-position shot to put Lyco up 3-0.

But the Lady Bears did not give up, as Clark scored twice within a minute, then Cannon scored to tie the game before the halfway mark of the first period. Goals by Lycoming’s Amanda Baker (Media, Pa.) and McIntyre were both answered by Clark and, with 10 minutes left in the half, the score was locked at five.

Wallenhorst and Wingerden each scored to put Lyco up by two with less than six minutes remaining before halftime, but Cannon and Hannah Kuranz converted in the last 4 minutes to make the tally 7-7 at the break.

In the first seven minutes of the second half, Cannon scored twice and Clark scored, but Mack kept Lycoming close with a goal at 27:58. A Wallenhorst goal and another Ursinus goal set the score at 11-9 for nearly 10 minutes until Wallenhorst converted twice in the last two minutes of regulation to send the game into overtime.

Ursinus led 14-12 with 1:38 left in overtime and, shortly after, Lycoming got its fourth yellow card of the contest, forcing the Lady Warriors to play down a player for the remainder of the game. Head coach Kara Reber pulled her goalie and focused on offense. The plan worked, as McIntyre scored with 45 seconds remaining and Mack converted 16 seconds later to make it 14-14.

The eighth tie of the game set up a 3-minute “golden goal” second overtime. Still outnumbered, the Lady Warriors held off the Lady Bears for 2:49 before Cameron's game-winning goal found the net.

Lycoming’s next game is against Montclair on Saturday, March 8 at noon at Shangraw Athletic Complex.

Lyco ranked 1st in preseason poll!

2008-03-03T14:07:00.001-05:00

This came in on my birthday. A nice surprise! Their 1st game is Wednesday and the boys and I are hoping to go up and watch Saturday's game in Williamsport.

2/19/08

ANNVILLE, Pa.- Lycoming College has been selected as the favorite to win the 2008 MAC women’s lacrosse championship, according to a poll of conference head coaches.

Lycoming landed five first-place votes and 67 total points to earn the top spot in the preseason ranking. The Lady Warriors went 14-4 overall and 8-3 in the MAC last season for third place in the conference.

Lycoming defeated Scranton 25-13 in the first round of the conference tournament, setting a school post-season scoring record. The Lady Warriors then lost a tight 14-12 game in the semi-finals to the eventual MAC champions Drew University.

After graduating just one senior last year, Lycoming added six newcomers to a roster of seasoned stars. Returning first-team regional All-Americans Megan Wallenhorst (senior, attack, 66 goals, 14 assist) and Sarah Wingerden (junior, midfield, 43 goals, 13 assists) will lead the blue and gold attack. Solid depth and talented youth will be keys to the 2008 Lady Warriors’ success.

Elizabethtown (13-4) and Messiah (7-9) were the only other MAC squads to receive first-place votes. E-town was selected second in the coaches’ poll with 65 votes and three first-place votes, while Messiah received 56 points and one first-place vote. In 2007, Elizabethtown went a perfect 10-0 in the conference, before falling to FDU-Florham, 11-10 in overtime, in the conference tournament.

2008 MAC Women’s Lacrosse Preseason Poll

1. Lycoming 67 pts. (5)

2. Elizabethtown 65 pts. (3)

3. FDU-Florham 62 pts.

4. Messiah 56 pts. (1)

5. King’s 43 pts.

6. Widener 39 pts.

7. Manhattanville 28 pts.

8. Wilkes 25 pts.

9. Arcadia 20 pts.

Birthday Blues

2008-02-26T15:48:00.002-05:00

Well it's been about a week since I posted anything so I thought I'd bring everyone up to speed.

Last Tuesday was my birthday. It was not all that great. Another one of those firsts that come around that really stinks. Chris and I never made a big deal out events like birthdays but would always make sure the kids got out and did something. Her parents came over on my birthday and took the boys and I out to dinner at a Japanese steakhouse. We had a good time and dinner was very good.

Before that however I went to pay my respects to Father Wayne. It was and continues to be a huge loss for me and the entire community. I spoke with several people at the church and all told me that he continued to keep our family in his prayers and he asked about us frequently.

I've been busy with our local lacrosse program. www.spireslacrosse.org if you want to check out what I'm doing there. We have a big parent meeting tonight that I have to present at. Practice starts on Saturday for this club. Michael plays in that and on another team as well. He's been practicing on Sunday afternoons for that already. Tyler's high school team begins Saturday and he's been staying after for the preseason practices already.

Alex came home last Saturday and brought her friend / teammate. I took them to the airport on Saturday. Their team is in Clearwater Beach for spring break. They'll be back on Saturday and then off to school on Sunday.

I finally went to the Dr. yesterday. Been having a huge problem with my upper back. Stress related so she says. On muscle relaxers and ibuprofen. Hopefully that will help. I'm going to be going back for a physical and all that soon as well. I have to take care of myself so I've been told.

Ty and I have been busy working in the basement. We are remodelling the whole thing and have a little construction going on. It's a work in progress.

God has taken a wonderful man to be with Chris.

2008-02-17T23:28:00.005-05:00

This morning I found out that Father Wayne passed away yesterday. Father Wayne had been battling cancer for awhile now and was the priest that was so helpful to me and my family when Chris passed away. He was the one who performed the wonderful mass that we will all remember forever.

Just 3 weeks ago I saw him on the way out of the church after 11am mass. (See my Sunday, Jan. 20'th post)

He smiled and told me that he was praying for my family. He then gave me a very big and sincere embrace. One that I will remember for the rest of my lift. I've lost a new friend. But I know that he and Chris are now together and looking after us now.

Father Wayne Funk

Father Wayne G. Funk, 70, pastor of Saint John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, Frederick, died peacefully Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008 at the Frederick Memorial Hospital.

Born Jan. 6, 1938 in Baltimore, he was a son of Clara I. Lambert Funk, of Catonsville and the late Alfred H. Funk. Father Funk was ordained Dec. 19, 1962 at the Church of Christ the King, Rome, Italy and was first assigned to Saint Agnes Parish in Catonsville. He was later appointed to the faculty of the Pontifical North American Collegein Rome, where he served until returning to Baltimore as Associate Pastor of St. Matthew's Parish. He faithfully served the Parish until his appointment as director of clergy personnel for the Archdiocese of Baltimore. He later returned to Saint Matthew's Parish, where he served as pastor until he assumed the same position with St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, Frederick where he has served for many years.

He is survived by two brothers, Alfred H. Funk Jr. and wife, Seldra and John W. Funk and his faithful friend, Gloria Scherer, all of Baltimore; a nephew, Donald W. Funk and wife, Ann; greatnephew, Paul E. Funk and wife, Jennifer; and great-greatnephew, Samuel C. Funk.

His body will be prayerfully received at 5 p.m., Monday, Feb. 18, at St. John the Evangelist RomanCatholic Church, 118 E. Second St., Frederick, where friends may call until 9 p.m. and where a Wake Service will be offered at 7 p.m. by the Most Rev. W. Francis Malooly, Vicar of Western Maryland for the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

Friends and parishioners are also welcome to vist during a vigil from 1 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, February 19. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 20 from the church, with the Most Rev. Archbishop William D. Borders, as principal celebrant, with commendation by His Excellency Edwin F.O'Brien, Archbishop of the Baltimore Diocese.

Interment will be in SaintJohn's Cemetery, Frederick.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are to be sent to St Matthews Parish, 5401 Loch Raven Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21239; to Cardinal Shenan School, 5407 Loch Raven Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21239; Saint John's Regional Catholic School, 8414 OpossumtownPike, Frederick, MD 21702; or to Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 112 E. Second St., Frederick, MD 21701.

Arrangements are by Keeney and Basford Funeral Home, 106 E. Church St., Frederick, and online condolences may be shared wih his family at www .keeneybasford .com.

Happy Valentine's Day?

2008-02-15T07:49:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was another one of those "first" days. You know, first _____ w/o Chris... Valentine's Day was always a bit special to us. I asked Chris to marry me on 2/14/85. Probably did it on that day so I'd never forget it. I had only known her since August 84 and we were married in October 85. Love at 1st sight? I guess so.

I went by the cemetery yesterday. I am finding it a bit easier to go there now. I find a bit peace when I'm there. I'm finalizing some things for her headstone and hopefully can get that ordered next week. That's my goal anyways.

My neighbor Sharon stopped by and gave me a box of truffles from Randy's place. He just opened it at the end of the year and yesterday was a big day. I bought the boys some candy and they received a few cards in the mail too. We sent a box to Alex with some goodies in it too. She sent us a card. It was addressed to the "DeWitt Men"...

The boys went to ski club last night and I spent the day at home working. Been pretty busy with that. I went to the high school hockey game last night and eventually went out to dinner with Ray and Cheryl (neighbors across the street) as their son was playing in the game. It was nice to be out on this day.

Alex comes home next Friday for spring break. She'll only be home until Saturday though as she is going to Tampa with her lacrosse team.

Blue Man Group

2008-02-12T21:13:00.000-05:00

Last weekend the boys and I went to a concert at the Patriot Center on the campus of George Mason University in Virginia. We saw the Blue Man Group. A Vegas icon for sure. I've always wanted to see them myself and this was an excellent chance.

We had great seats and the show was really entertaining. I took the picture you see with my phone and the youtube videos are some samples of what they do. Highly recommended especially for families.

I know a lot of you have been wondering "how we're doing"... The answer to that all depends on how you look at it I guess. Alex seems to be doing pretty well. College life is pretty good to her. Lacrosse is now in full swing and her practices keep her pretty busy. She comes home next Friday for 1 night and then flies to Florida for spring break with her team. They return the following Saturday and back to school on Sunday. Her 1st game is the following weekend. I am going to try so very hard to see as many as I can. Chris was so proud of Alex and proud to be her lacrosse mom. I too always had a rush when I saw her step out onto the collegiate field. I will do my best to continue that this year as well.

Last Friday Tyler skipped school and went to the PA Outdoorsman Show with his Uncle Ken and his grandfather. They were gone all day and he was exhausted. He really enjoyed it and had a good time getting out of the house. Lacrosse practice has started for him as well. It's been cold but he's working hard and looking forward to the season. He is doing well in school both socially and academically.

Michael is having a tough time in school. His grades have suffered considerably but we are working very hard to try and keep him focused and on track. It is so much work for me trying to keep on top of all that has to be done, not only with him but the entire household as well.

So that leaves me... I've been very busy with work recently. That's been good but very tiring. I had to go to Philadelphia for the day last week and I really was upset a little about leaving. I got home at 7:30 and the boys actually weren't home. Our friend Billie came and got them and took them to her house on the other side of town. They had a great time and it made me feel a lot better.

I find myself waking up in the middle of the night sometimes and not falling back to sleep. Even the dog looks at me like I'm crazy. I usually lay there and eventually just get up. I've been to a couple of grief counselor meetings. It's sort of good to be able to talk to someone about what's really going on inside, but I find it hard to get motivated to go.

The last few years I played in a pool league with my brothers-in-law Ken, and Joey and my father in law too. I quit going back in September and dropped in once or twice in the last 5 months. Well Ken called me and talked me in to coming back full time (or "more" time). I asked the boys and they didn't mind. It is really good to get out of the house and actually have some time for myself. I really miss the adult conversation that I always had when Chris was here. We all take things for granted and that was certainly one of things that I miss the most.

Tonight we went to the high school hockey game to watch our neighbor play . They won and play again Thursday. Afterwards, the boys and I went to Chris's favorite restaurant, La Paz, in downtown Frederick. We had a nice dinner and when we got our drinks we had a toast to our "Mom".

I really miss her.

Lycoming goes Pink

2008-02-08T14:24:00.001-05:00

http://www.lycoming.edu/athletics/07WBasketball/ThinkPink.htm

Lycoming College's Women's basketball team is also doing a special breast cancer fundraiser this Saturday. It's really nice to see how the college has stepped up and allowed teams to do this type of event!

Almost February

2008-01-31T11:21:00.001-05:00

Hi. Well tomorrow is February 1st and the year is starting to fly by. I won't sugar coat it. The grief that everyone talks about is truly starting to creep in. I miss Chris more and more every day. We all continue to move on, no matter how difficult it is.

We went to the Auto Show in Washington, DC last week. Spent the entire afternoon there. Afterwards, the boys and I walked to the ESPN Zone for dinner. After that we stayed a couple hours and played video games in the arcade. Bonding I guess!

We try to keep busy and have been doing a good job of that. We're starting to plan our summer. Alex will be away for 2 weeks in Australia and we're going to the beach and some other places too. Gotta get away. Alex started lacrosse practice last week and is looking forward to this season. A lot of people plan on going to the Pink fundraiser game in April.

Michel came by on Monday and brought us dinner which was very welcomed. I think the boys are getting tired of my cooking already! I guess it's time for some classes.

The boys are going to Ski Club tonight. That means they won't be home at all until 10:30 or so. I've started looking for things to do or places to go. These nights are the most difficult for me. I work from home and I'm alone all day. That''s not a problem at all. But in the evenings when it's quiet that is when things start to weigh on me. This is part of the process and I'm working through it. There's bad days and not so bad days. Maybe a sprinkling of good days too. Although those are hard to find.

Keep us in your thoughts and thanks for checking in with us!

Lycoming Lacrosse Plans “Pink Out” in April

2008-01-22T15:29:00.000-05:00

See it on the Lycoming website here.

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.—Lycoming’s women’s lacrosse team will be holding its inaugural Breast Cancer Awareness Lacrosse Game vs. Widener University at 1 p.m. at Robert L. Shangraw Athletic Complex on Saturday, April 12, 2008.

This game will be played in remembrance of Christine A. DeWitt, one of our players’ mothers who lost her life to breast cancer this past September. The lacrosse team is selling T-shirts in order to raise funds for Climb for Hope, a division of breast cancer research that Christine believed in very strongly.

To purchase a pink Lycoming Lacrosse T-shirt, please contact Kara Reber at reber@lycoming.edu or by phone at 570-321-4254. Shirts are $10 a piece, plus you may make an additional donation. Pre-sale orders are due by March 17, 2008. There will be additional shirts available at the game for sale.

The Lady Warriors would like everyone to wear their pink T-shirt to the April 12th game in order to “pink-out” the stadium. The goal is to raise over $3000.00 for Climb for Hope.

Climb for Hope was organized to raise and channel funds towards targeted and promising research in the fight against breast cancer. Its mission is to find a viable treatment for breast cancer by 2009. The goal for 2008 is to raise $300,000 that will go directly towards a vaccine being developed at Johns Hopkins University by Dr. Leisha Emens. This research will one day allow patients to successfully battle the disease using a specialized vaccine in conjunction with lower doses of chemotherapy. Not only does the vaccine address some of the most aggressive and lethal forms of Breast Cancer, but the research is expected to derive advances for many forms of cancer as well. Please visit www.climbforhope.com for more information.

Along with raising breast cancer awareness, Lycoming women’s lacrosse will celebrate Senior Day at the Widener game. Afterward, Lady Warrior lacrosse alumni will play an alumni game. April 12 will also be Faculty/Staff Recognition Day, as each current Lycoming player will recognize someone at the College for their positive influence and mentorship.

Please join Lady Warrior lacrosse for this event and help support a cause that affects many of our lives.

-----------------------------

I know a lot of you are planning on attending this game. If you would like to spend the night you can stay at the Fairfield Inn at the following:

Fairfield Inn and Suites
104 Maynard Street
Williamsport, Pennsylvania 17701 USA
Phone: 1-570-601-9200
Reference the "PinkRibbonLacrosse" group
Rate should be $71/night

OR you can stay here as well:

http://www.genettihotel.com/

Rooms are reserved for both Friday, 4/11 and Saturday, 4/12 under Lycoming College Women's Lacrosse.

2 Double beds $72.85
King $81.85
Queen Suite $90.85

Rooms are held until March 12, and there are 20 rooms blocked.

I think I am staying at the Genetti as it is in the middle of downtown across from the Bull Frog Brewery! Let me know when you make reservations so I'll know where to find you all.

If you can't make it and still wish to help, send Kara Reber and email and let her know.

Tubing!

2008-01-20T15:44:00.000-05:00

Last night I took all the kids to Liberty Mountain for some fun. We dropped Tyler and Michael off at the lift side and they went snowboarding. Alex, Jon, and I then went to the other side of the mountain and went tubing. It was pretty fun and wasn't too crowded. They have a moving platform to take you to the top which was kind of nice.

After a couple of hours we went back and met the boys over at the lodge and had dinner. After that we came home and played a game before I finally called it quits and went to bed.

This morning Alex, Jon and I went to church at St. John's. Well here's your sign!!! Father Funk was the priest this morning AND on top of that the entrance song was "Here I am Lord"!!! It's funny because I was talking to Chris's mother yesterday and we were just talking about Father Funk and wondering how he was doing. He started up chemotherapy a couple of months ago for a recurrence of cancer that he has been fighting for some time now. I spoke briefly with him on the way out of church and he and I gave each other a big hug! What a wonderful man he is.

Some New Pictures

2008-01-19T13:18:00.001-05:00

This past week I received a bunch of pictures that were taken of Chris over the last 5 or so years while working at COMSTAR. Some are of her at their annual holiday party that they used to have. It was always a good time and you can see by the photos that she enjoyed the dancing! Me too, I guess.

I've posted all of them in my Picassa album so you can get to them all by clicking here. I hope you enjoy them as much as I am.

End of school term

2008-01-18T15:57:00.000-05:00

Well it's been a little over a week since my last post. Not a whole lot is going on to tell you the truth. It's just the boys and I and they are in school and I'm working from home. It's sort of nice in a way to get back into a routine!

The routine is over though for now as their school term ended today. No school on Mon,Tues, or Wed next week either! Ty's done pretty well in school. Michael is doing okay but really needs to start focusing better. He just has a hard time in some of his classes.

Last Monday I went to the Hospices grief counseling drop in session. I've been feeling pretty crappy since Christmas and thought I would give it a try. I'm not sure if that is the best venue for me at this point as it is an open forum for people with varying types of grief. They have an 8-week session coming up in February that is only for grieving spouses and that may be a little better. They have a financial workshop coming up too which may be of some help. There are lots of resources available to me and I'm going to start looking into them. Also, Michael will start a session at school in March as well.

Alex and Jon (1-n) are coming home tonight for a couple days. It's the last time she can come home for the entire school year as lacrosse starts next week and that will take all her weekends. We're going to try and go skiing/sledding tomorrow depending on the weather. We got 5" or so of snow yesterday!

Oh yeah we had a guy come last week and install an invisible fence around our entire property. This will hopefully help keep the dog from wandering around in the neighbors yard. I can also leave her out and not worry about her anymore too. One less thing to have to worry about...

No problem there...

2008-01-09T22:41:00.000-05:00

Well once again something very odd/coincidental happened to me today that I just cannot explain. I hope that by telling you someone can shed some light on it for me.

This past weekend I posted a couple of ads on Craig's list to sell some items out of the basement. We're going to do some painting and remodeling down there and wanted to get rid of some items. One was a desk that we had set up for Chris for days that she would work from home. All the computers and such were given back awhile ago so we decided to sell it. Well someone came to the house this afternoon and bought it and took it away. No problem there.

I also had an ad for a treadmill that I was getting rid of and a nice guy named Mark from Frederick emailed me and said he was very interested. We communicated by phone today and he said he would come by tonight to look at it and take it if he liked it. No problem there. He called about 8pm and said he was running a little late. I was down in my office cleaning up a huge mess and hanging one of Chris's pictures that she had in her office at COMSTAR and the doorbell rang. It was Mark. No problem there.

I went upstairs and went to the door and Mark and a friend was standing there. I opened the door and we shook hands and said hello. As he started to come in the house I looked out into the driveway and saw the vehicle that he drove up in. PROBLEM HERE!!! You see the vehicle was a black paneled van with a small logo on the side that said..... Keeney and Bassford Funeral Home. Yup that's right.

After a quick chat with Mark, I find out that he works at the Funeral home and Mark along with the Funeral Director Rick were the ones who came to our house the day that Chris passed away. This was the SAME van used that day...

Mark was very, very nice and once again extended his sincerest condolences to us. We went downstairs and then brought the treadmill up to put in the van. It was very strange but I held it together pretty well. He was a nice kid. In fact I just looked at their website and his name is listed there with a little bio too. Check it out.

Afterwards I talked to the boys a little bit about it and we all chuckled a bit. I then called a special friend to talk about it. That helped a lot.

So, that's the story. I'm not sure why but it happened exactly this way for a reason. I'm still trying get my hands around things but these things really throw me for a loop.

G'night.

New Breast Cancer Site

2008-01-07T14:18:00.000-05:00

I just ran across a new site about breast cancer. Please take a moment to check it out.

Breast Cancer Research Program Director Nancy Davidson and Avon Foundation Breast Center Administrative Director Lillie Shockney discuss the latest in breast cancer on ABC News' On Call web site. Also read answers from Johns Hopkins experts to viewers' breast cancer questions.

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/OnCallPlus

Lyco Lax Schedule

2008-01-07T09:27:00.001-05:00

Alex went back to school yesterday and her classes begin today. Her lacrosse team has posted their 2008 schedule. I am hoping to continue on the tradition that Chris and I set last year of attending at least 1/2 or more of the games. It's not easy since the boys are both playing lacrosse too but I'm hoping that I can swing it. Here is the schedule for you to see:

2008 Lycoming Women's Lacrosse Schedule

March	5	Ursinus	Home	4:00pm
	8	Montclair	Home	3:00pm
	12	Eastern	Away	4:30pm
	15	Buffalo State College	Home	1:00pm
	16	Arcadia	Away	1:00pm
	19	Susquehanna	Home	4:30pm
	21	St. John Fisher	Away	1:00pm
	29	Manhattanville	Home	2:00pm

April	2	King's	Away	4:00pm
	5	William Smith	Away	11:00am
	6	Colorado College at William Smith	Away	11:00am
	10	Elizabethtown	Home	4:00pm
	12	Widener	Home	1:00pm
	15	Messiah	Away	7:00pm
	19	FDU-Florham	Away	3:00pm
	26	Wilkes	Home	3:00pm
	29	MAC-Playoffs	TBA	TBA

May	1	MAC-Semi-Finals	TBA	TBA
	3	MAC-Finals	TBA	TBA

I did map out the away games and there are some close ones as well. Here they are:

Eastern - Near Harrisburg, PA
Arcadia - North of Philadelphia
ST. John Fisher - Rochester, NY
Kings - Wilkes Barre, PA
William Smith - Geneva, NY
Messiah - South of Harrisburg, PA

That 's the update for now. Not much else is happening. Christmas, and New Year's are over. A very difficult time for me for sure. A lot harder than I had prepared for. The decorations are put away and we are trying to get into a routine now.

Take care...

A Climb for Hope Message

2008-01-02T22:39:00.000-05:00

For those who have not seen it, this was posted a couple of weeks back as a comment to one of my posts.

This is a wonderful site and a great tribute to Chris.

I'm so sorry for your loss. That's why I started Climb for Hope so families won't have to deal with the horror of losing a loved one to breast cancer.

We'll be sure to carry Chris's memory to the summits of Cotopaxi and Kilimanjaro in 2008. And, we'll work hard to raise money so Dr. Emens will find the next viable treatment for advanced breast cancer

Andrew Buerger
Founder
Climb for Hope
http://www.climbforhope.com/index.php/cfh/

Climb for Hope raises money primarily for the research of Dr. Emens at Johns Hopkins. Her clinical trial for stage IV breast cancer patients was the one that Chris worked so very hard to get into, only to be in it for just a month. She felt so very strongly about Dr. Emens and this project that I have made it a point than all my future cancer donations will go to them to help Dr. Emens speed up her research. I would ask everyone else to do the same if possible.

Andrew Buerger also sent me a personal email as well and explained a little more as to why he is so involved with the program. They just set out on an expedition yesterday to Ecuador and very soon they are off to Mount Kilamanjaro. Dr. Emens herself is going on that one! She went on the Ecuador trip last year at this time.

Made it through Christmas

2007-12-28T20:36:00.000-05:00

This picture was taken on Christmas Eve after we came home from church. As you can see Tyler is now quite the man in his new suit! Looks like a little businessman. Their smiles are a testament to the excitement that they had inside.

The last few days have been pretty tough. We finally got everything done for Christmas and went to church as we always do. It was not the same without Chris with us though. It just seemed as if our family was not complete. We came home and took care of bringing up the presents and hanging the stockings. The kids went to bed a little before midnight and I had a few things to do. After I finished around 12:30 or so I sat down and it finally all hit me. The 23-year routine that Chris and I had done each year had now come to an end. It took me awhile to compose myself and get upstairs to bed. It was the worst that I have felt since she passed away.

The next morning I had to wake the kids up around 8 AM. We opened presents and I started baking the 23 pound turkey! Alex got a special surprise in the driveway as you can see.

The whole family came and we had a very full house. About 30 people. We ate and exchanged gifts and played a gift exchange game. All day long all I could think of was how much Chris enjoyed doing all of these things and how hard it was to enjoy without her. We all had a good time and everyone left around 10pm.

This week Alex worked for a couple of days and will be leaving on Saturday to go visit her boyfriend in NJ. She actually has to leave to return to college on Sunday the 6'th so she doesn't have a lot of time left at home.

Tonight, Friday, Michael is going to a midnight rock-n-bowl night with the youth group from church. He's looking forward to it. I hope I don't fall asleep and forget to pick him up.

The day after Christmas I received an email from Jeannette Vagnozzi. I had posted a comment on her blog 2hands.blogspot.com about 4 months back and she had just gotten around to responding. I really do not remember how I came across her blog but I do remember reading through it. She sent me a very, very nice email and I will share a small part of it with you:

...Please let me first tell you how devastated I was to read of your loss. You have done a good job of letting strangers understand what an amazing woman your wife was. I have to say, Charlie, you are everything a woman could hope to have by her side. Your constant care, your ability (even if it doesn’t always feel like it) to carry on and care for your children in a way that Chris would have wanted are a testament to your strength and character. No one ever hopes or wishes to discover their inner strength by having it tested to such a degree, but the truth is that this is how we discover or uncover it.

Charlie, by telling your story and Chris’s story, you unknowingly have helped other men get through a similar situation. You have also allowed other women to truly understand how breast cancer impacts the whole family. This is so important. The more we talk about it, the more people understand that breast cancer must be stopped before one more person, one more family goes through this battle.

I now check in often to see how you are doing. Every May since my own diagnosis I participate in a Relay for Life and walk many laps (over the course of 24 hours!) in honor of people who have touched my life and cancer journey. It would be an honor to walk in memory of Chris this year...

It was just what I needed to read the morning after Christmas. It made me feel a whole bunch better. Now, on to New Years. Oh yeah, the following picture was taken by Tyler last Sunday when we were down in DC for the concert.

Weekend before Christmas.

2007-12-22T20:02:00.001-05:00

Well tonight we finally got a chance to use Tyler's new firepit that he built in our backyard. It's been there for a couple of weeks but it's either been too cold or too wet to use. We'll have our own little campground in the back yard this year!

Yesterday (friday) we all went to the movies together (Alex, Ty, Mike and I). We saw the premier of National Treasure. Cool movie.

Thursday we went out to dinner together after taking a bunch of things over to the thrift store that Chris's sister Jenny works at. We started taking a lot of things there knowing exactly where the money is going to benefit when an item is sold. Of course while there we had to shop! We picked up 2 suits for Tyler which I must say looked very nice on him.

The rest of this week we had dinners at home and just spent the evenings together. I went to the cemetery on Thursday and cleared up what was left over from Thanksgiving. There were a lot of graves that were decorated for the holidays. It was very nice. I put up the following wreath on Chris's grave for her. It is a wreath that was made for her by Jonnietta at the credit union a couple of years back. It has a small angel in the middle with the word "inspire" on it. She was certainly an inspiration to all of us.

The holidays are fast approaching and I am really torn. One side of me just wants it to get over with and I'm not really in the festive mood. Then on the other hand, I have 3 children that keep reminding me of the holiday and somewhat force me to get into the festive mood. Things are okay. It is really, really going to be tough to get up on Christmas morning without the love of my life next to me. I'm not looking forward to it but I'm sure the kids will help keep me sane.

A Christmas Note...

2007-12-20T17:03:00.001-05:00

Concert for Christmas...

2007-12-17T22:49:00.001-05:00

Alex finally made it home on Friday. She got a bunch of snow in central PA so she played it safe and came home during the day on Friday. An easy drive she said.

Saturday, she and I went out for coffee and breakfast. It was a nice morning and nice to sit and chat, even though I had to wake her up! College student you know… We did a little shopping after that and then came home. She and Tyler then went out in the afternoon and Mike and I went for groceries. We’re not too good at that on a regular basis. Alex came home and started looking through the bare refrigerator and cabinets and gave me a hard time!

Sunday was a very busy day. We got up and had to pack up all our belongings from our rooms as they are coming to carpet the upstairs on Monday (I think). After that we left to have lunch at a restaurant in Rockville, MD. This restaurant is owned by Scott Blaugrund. I coached his son’s baseball team a few years ago right after Chris was diagnosed. Last month he told me to come down for dinner so we decided to wait until Alex came home. Incredible food and great atmosphere. Check it out if you’re in the area it is called The Potomac Grill. Thanks so much to Scott and his family for lunch and getting our day off to a great start.

After that we drove down to Washington, DC. We went to the International Spy Museum which is located near the Verizon Center. We spent a couple of hours in there and had a fun time looking at all the exhibits and learning about espionage and covert actions! I think Michael has found a career as he really liked it.

We then walked over to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. What an incredible concert. Almost 3 hours long and worth every minute. Check out some of the pix and videos if you can. Since this was the boys 1^st concert they were amazed. It’s not quite a head-banging metal concert but pretty close. They played many wonderful Christmas songs and then kicked it up for an hour near the end. We didn’t get home until almost midnight!

One of Chris's wishes granted!

2007-12-12T19:31:00.001-05:00

It's been a very hectic weekend and few days already this week. For 2 years Chrissy and I planned on getting new floors put into the living room, foyer and dining room. They were carpeted and I wanted to just recarpet them. She had her mind up that she wanted hardwood floors put in. Over the summer we finally started looking around and getting some quotes. When she got sick everything went by the wayside.

Monday we followed through on her wishes and put a new floor in! It's beautiful just like she knew it would be. When we put all the stuff back in and started looking at it I couldn't help but start crying. Tears of joy of course knowing that she really wanted this and that it came out so nicely. We even talked about this while she was in the hospital. She was adamant that we continue with what we started and put new floors in AND new carpet in the upstairs. The carpet folks come on Monday morning to start their job! We have to spend the weekend getting all the rooms ready to move out all the furniture. Not an easy task.

Alex hopefully comes home tomorrow. The weather may not be to cooperative so it may become Friday. She has my Maxima so I'd prefer she wait if necessary! This Sunday is a special day for us. I bought us tickets to go and see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the Verizon Center in DC. I'm sure you've heard their music. It should be a great show. We're planning on going down early and do some shopping in town too.

The holidays are starting to come together. Both trees are up now and 1 is decorated. We put some decorations up but nothing too fancy. Outside no lights unfortunately. I just don't have the time or energy to get to it. We have a lot of shopping left to do as well so next week will be just as hectic as this one I'm sure...

God Bless.

A sign?

2007-12-07T11:40:00.001-05:00

Well today is Michael's birthday. He turns 12 today. We'll be doing something this evening for him I'm sure. Most likely dinner and a movie. He loves the local Japanese steakhouse so that will probably be it.

Now, sit down and get ready for this. This morning I was up getting ready and of course thinking of Chris. I just sort of said to myself "Honey just give me a sign that everything's okay". We all probably do that at some time or another but today being Michael's birthday it had a bit more meaning.

The boys left for school and I went into Frederick to have coffee and run a quick errand. Everything was going pretty well and I left the coffee shop around 8:45. In the morning I usually listen to the local AM radio channel. Chris did a lot of advertising work with them and I still hear her ads on the radio each morning for the credit union.

One of the things this station does is run snippets of people in the community saying something about the morning show. So I'm listening and cutting through town to get to the other side and my route took me right past the back entrance to the cemetery where Chris is buried. This is the same entrance that was used on the day of her funeral. As I pull up to the stop sign at that entrance I hear on the radio the following: "Hi this is Chris DeWitt of Frederick, MD and it's time to rise and shine with WMFD". Or something pretty close to that. It was a recording of Chris done sometime awhile back by Bob Miller the host. I was with her when it was recorded in fact.

Needless to say hearing the voice of my beautiful wife again was overwhelming and I completely lost it. I had to pull over. My hands were shaking and I just could not control my self. I needed someone to talk to so I called Marianne at COMSTAR and talked with her which was really helpful getting me back on the road!

Thanks for answering me Chris! I now know everything is okay.

It's been a long week...

2007-12-05T21:12:00.000-05:00

The title says it all. I went to my friend Jeff's funeral last weekend. It was really tough and almost made me relive the week that I had all over again. I was, however, very glad that I went. There were lots of people there that I knew and I was able to see Jeff's wife Kristen. She was unable to come to Chris's funeral as she was caring for Jeff at the time.

I got home Saturday and my friends Danny and Brenda and Karen and Glen came up for a few hours. We just sat around and chatted and had some Chinese food. It was great seeing them.

This Friday is Michael's 12'th birthday and another one of those 1'sts that will keep coming. We don't have any immediate plans just yet but may take him to his favorite restaurant for dinner.

Today I attended calling hours for a woman that I had never met. Barbara Case. She is the daughter of one of the board of directors at COMSTAR. She had been battling breast cancer for quite awhile and unfortunately she passed away this past Monday. Married 28 years, along with 4 children. A very similar situation as mine only they were about 6 years older. I went and saw Nick (board member) and his wife. I also had a chance to meet Barbara's husband. I gave him my number and told him to call me if he wanted to talk. I hope someone, someday can put a stop to this.Tonight I was on a cooking extravaganza! I don't know what I made but as you can see from the picture the boys enjoyed it. Noodles, chicken and whatever else I could find. I'm trying the best I can to keep them fed! They seem to be doing just fine!!

The holidays are fast approaching. We are trying to get some decorations up but it just doesn't seem to be happening as fast as we would like. Today we got about 6" of snow and it's been cold. It did put me in the holiday spirit and we dug out a few more things tonight.

Going to NJ

2007-11-30T08:06:00.000-05:00

Today I am leaving to attend my friend Jeff's funeral in NJ. Chris's parents are going to watch the boys tonight and probably take them shopping for Christmas presents while I'm out. That will be helpful.

Wednesday night after dinner Tyler came downstairs to my office after dinner and asked if we could decorate the Christmas tree. We put it up on Sunday and had not done anything to it. I was not looking forward to it but was glad to see that he and Michael wanted to. They did most of the work. The hardest part for me was hanging ornaments on the tree that Chris had just bought this past year or that I had bought for her. They we pretty and I'm sure she likes them. Here is one that I got for her:

Tyler in the Paper (Published Photojournalist)

2007-11-30T07:46:00.000-05:00

This picture appeared in the local Frederick News Post Newspaper on Thursday. It's a picture of Lake Linganore which is located only about 1/2 mile from our house. It's located on page B-6. The interesting part is that the picture was taken by TYLER and submitted by him to the paper! It was really cool to see it along with his name in the paper. Here's what it actually looked like in the paper:

Oh and Alex was also mentioned in the FNP last Sunday. Her college routinely keeps the local papers updated on what is happening with their students. Here's what was said.

The loss of a good friend.

2007-11-27T14:06:00.001-05:00

I received notice today that a good friend of mine, Jeff Waters, from NJ passed away yesterday from a brain tumor. He had been battling his tumor for almost 4 years! He was a very brave man and will be remembered always for his courage. Jeff will be missed dearly by his wife Kristen and all of his friends.

Jeff came to MD in August to our friend Danny's crab feast and while there he and Chris had a very long talk with one another. Chris never told me what they spoke about but I know that it was helpful to her and I'm sure to him as well.

I'll miss you Jeffy. God bless you and give Chrissy a hug for me.

Back home.

2007-11-26T08:22:00.000-05:00

We finally left Deep Creek on Saturday afternoon. We drove around a lot on Friday and Saturday looking at places that we've been to before. The weather was really weird. Normal for up there. It was 72 degrees when we went up on Wednesday, Thursday morning it rained then the front rolled through and the temps dropped 30+ degrees in couple hours!

Friday it snowed and the temps were in the high 20's. Pretty cool. We went by the Wisp ski resort and saw them making snow on the mountain. It was really cool seeing all of the snow machines running at one time! The kids got out and played in the snow! Some pics here.
I woke up early on Saturday morning and got a chance to watch the sun rise over the lake. It was pretty spectacular and on par with the sunrise on the bay I posted a few weeks back. I seem to have that knack of waking up early for some reason now.

We got home around 5pm on Saturday. Tyler went to the movies and Alex went to Chipoltle to get dinner for us. She had a bunch of things to do before going back to school.

Sunday Alex and I went out for coffee and then went out and bought a wreath for the front of the house and a huge poinsettia. Later we cleaned out the storage room and made our way to the Christmas decorations. While moving some boxes around I found a bag that contained some new ornaments. When I opened it I saw that it was ornaments that Chris had bought at Deep Creek in August when we were there. Let's just say it took me awhile to get myself together and get back upstairs. We did get the tree put up in the family room. No decorations yet but the tree is up. I don't know how we're going to make out during the holidays. I really, really don't. I do know that we have no way to prevent it from coming so we must do what we can to make it through. We will certainly have our entire family over for the holidays. That's what we've done for a long while and Chris would have it no other way this year too.

Thanks to everyone for looking out for us during the Thanksgiving week and for continually keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. We really need it! Take care and I'll try to keep you updated as the holiday moves in.

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-22T17:45:00.000-05:00

Well today has been a very, very tough day. We drove up to Deep Creek Lake yesterday afternoon. After checking into our room in the condo we went down for dinner to the all you can eat pasta bar in the hotel restaurant. It was the same place that we've visited the past few years and always enjoyed the meal.

This morning I woke up around 7 and decided to get up and go out for coffee. There is a really nice coffee shop just up the road from the hotel so I went there. After getting my coffee and newspaper I went over and sat down on a large leather chair in the corner. I sat and read for awhile and then sat and looked around for awhile at the signs that were for sale on the wall. After a few moments I looked at the wall behind me and just over my shoulder was a small sign the said it all. A very nice plaque that said "Time Began In a Garden", and had 2 very pretty purple iris flowers on it. Chris loved iris flowers and of course loved working in her garden. This was my sign that showed that we did the right thing coming up here and that she was indeed really with us. I, of course, bought the sign for our house and maybe one day we'll hang it in a house up here by the lake.

I went back and got the kids around 10. We went out and got them something to eat and then just drove around to look at the area. Places that we've enjoyed many times in the past with Chris.

At 3pm we had reservations for Thanksgiving dinner in the hotel restaurant. The food was great and we had a very nice table next to the windows overlooking the lake. Dinner was nice but will never be the same again without Chris. We miss her greatly.

No soup for you!

2007-11-19T08:03:00.001-05:00

Whenever we had leftover chicken or turkey Chris would always make homemade soup. Well this week someone made us an entire roasted chicken which the boys and I didn't eat all of.

I took advantage of the cold weather and football games on Sunday to try and make some soup. I looked for Chris's recipe but was unable to find it. I don't think she had one. So I just winged it!

All-in-all I think it came out pretty good. I asked Michael if it was as good as Mom's and he said no but it was pretty close. That made me feel good! I'll take pretty. I'll never be as good or better.

I got a call from my brother-in-law Ken yesterday around 3:45. He asked if he could come over to watch the Redskins-Cowboys football game with me. I was glad he did. It then became a bash as Chris's mom and dad were out and came by, along with her brother and his 2 girls, and Chris's sister Jenny came by too. It was great. They joked about inviting themselves over but I didn't care one bit. I enjoyed the company a lot.

Tyler and I went to Mass yesterday morning and one of the songs we sang was "Here I am Lord". It was one of Chris's favorite songs. We also sang this song at her service in the same church. I cried through the whole song. It was just beautiful, as was she. Here's a link to the song if you don't remember it: Here I am Lord
And the words as well:

I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin,
My hand will save.