Sunday, December 06, 2009

Hello to All - Just a quick note to say Thank You for all your kind words, love and support. I am humbled by every one's generosity. Bo would not like all the fuss, but he would love the good times and talking with everyone. Somehow, someday I will repay all of you for helping Addi and I through this.
A long time ago Bo and I stopped trying to figure out why this happened and just tried to live our lives. Now that this day has come, I try to make sense of it. I have tried to understand, probably never will. I have decided that Bo was such an incredible person (I might be biased) and touched some many lives, that taking him from us is a challenge for us to live to his standards. If all of us that knew him can be half as nice, compassionate, generous, loyal, etc. then this world will turn on it axes. So during this holiday season I hope all will do one act of kindness to one in need. Pay it forward in Bo's honor. Do it for Bo. He would want nothing more and expect nothing less.
Thank You again for your words, it helps to carry through each day, each moment.
Love to All
Christi and Addi

29 comments:

Anonymous said...

You are an amazing woman Christi!
Bo is smiling down on you and Addi from above with such enormous pride!
We love you so much!
The Baileys

Anonymous said...

We love you both so much.

Jenn in CA

Anonymous said...

Christi,

You are such an amazing person and I can't imagine what you have been through. I don't know you (or Bo) very well but I have followed Bo's story through this blog and through my good friend, Lena Graham, for the last 3 1/2 years. Thanks to you and Bo for sharing your journey with all of us and reminding us how special life is. Bo fought a very hard fight with grace and made us all very proud to have known him.

I wish you and Addi all the best as you continue through life without the love of your life and Addi's dad. You have such strength and poise and it shows in each post that you make.

I am here to help in any way that I can. Know that you, Addi, your family and friends are all in my thoughts and prayers. Just remember Bo is your angel and will always be looking down on you and Addi.

Take care! Love, Laney Robinson

Anonymous said...

Christi,

I am still stunned with the news of Bo's passing. I still remember meeting the energetic Bo for the first time at Duke when he was being evaluated for his transplant. I was recuperating from mine and was offering information, and I think Hope for what was to come with his transplant. I wanted him to see that there was still hope and that he could have a miracle too. He probably didn't realize it then, but he was helping me by letting me share my story and helping me to see that God had a plan for me ( even in the midst of my own suffering ) to lift others up in a seemingly hopeless time . We spoke on the phone several times while he was waiting and even when you all were on your way to get the transplant. I remember telling him to eat up because it would be a while before he would be enjoying solid food again ! I want you to know that you are such a great example of a loving and faithful wife and you have been so courageous standing by him in sickness and in health. There is no greater gift and he was so lucky to have you. Constant faith and abiding love is what you gave to Bo and what a great testimony for Addi and for all those watching you through this. I hope our paths cross again and I know that you will continue to inspire others . You will remain in my thought and constant prayers.
Elizabeth McLean

Anonymous said...

Christi<

I have never met you but my heart goes out to you. Robin Moorman (a sorority sister of mine) posted a prayer for you and your family on FB. I wanted to reach out to you. My husband (age 32) of 8 years was diagnosed on Jan. 2, 2006 with stage 4 colorectal cancer and sadly passed away on June 23rd of this year. We have a daughter as well and she just turned a year old this Novemeber. The wound is still so fresh with me as well, but if you ever need anyone to talk to please feel free to email me or call me. We can get through this difficult, an unfair time in our lives together.

I will be thinking of you in the following days and I find so much strength everyday from our little girl Sloane. Hold tight to your little one and we have to keep fighting through everyday like our husbands fought the horrible disease!!!

Please feel free to contact me day or night.

Jenny Puckett
704-576-1834
jpuck29@earthlink.net

Anonymous said...

If I could reach thru this computer and hug your neck right now I would. YOU are incredible too, and Bo was so lucky to have you by his side!

Neal Karn

Anonymous said...

Christi you never cease to amaze me. Bo was a phenomenal individual and I look forward to the challenge of living up to his standards. We'll make him proud.It also amazes me that you are always thinking about everyone else. In my opinion, YOU are the one helping us through this. Your strength has kept us strong. I'll keep praying for Bo, you and beautiful little Addi.

Anonymous said...

Christi,

I am just sitting in shock! I'm guilty of blind optimism and hoping Bo was going to make it through everything he was going through. This is the first I've read of his passing. I am doing everything I can to try and make it to the service even if I have to drive. I've never had more respect for one man in every area of his life than I did Bo. He set such an incredible example of how a man should live his life. I pray that I am quarter of the man that he was. You are such an amazing woman and there will be thousand of people making sure Addi knows just how incredible of a man her daddy was. Again, I'm just in such shock, Bo was always there for me whenever I needed him. I hope that I can find a way to be there. All our love.

Jay and all of the Acker Family

cindyreed555@iowatelecom.net said...

Christi and Addi,

You touched my heart this morning. We promise to do as you request. In fact, we should all start today....paying it forward. You are so brave and strong and I admire your courage. We will also miss Bo very much...

One day at a time...

Bless you and Addi,

Cindy R

Anonymous said...

Beautifully said! I am looking forward to "paying it forward".
My Love,
MitchyB

Anonymous said...

Christi,
You are so right, the world would be such a better place if we all gave just a little extra. I will be sure to do my part in honor of Bo. Hope you and Addi are hanging in there today!
Warm Regards,
Anita R.

Anonymous said...

Christi -
Although we only met briefly a few years ago when I came FIG to meet with Bo, your strength, grace and courage will continue to inspire me everyday of my life.

May God bless you and surround you with love and peace.

Anonymous said...

My thoughts and prayers to you, Addi, and all the family. Bo was an inspiration in life, and will remain so now.

Jon Illig

Anonymous said...

Chisti,

We will pay it forward this holiday season, and we will pay it forward on the bike this year.

Bo meant more to me that I can express in words and I am truly sorry for your loss. It has been hard to be out here when I want to be out there, but I can’t help but think of the timing of his passing and the birth of my daughter. I will always remember those days when we would ride together and I will never forget the morning of October 21st , 2009.

Sincerely,

Jay Robinson

Catie Rubenstein said...

Christi,
It would be an honor to do anything for Bo, the way he would want it. (He certainly would be excited by all the people getting together right now, wouldn't he? It makes me smile to think how excited he'd be.)

I've been thinking a lot about Bo (obviously), and yesterday was struck by how most of us as human beings are doomed to live our lives somewhat misunderstood, no matter how well intentioned. People don't quite get our meaning, humor doesn't come through, or the best of intentions go awry. Bo is unique in so many, many ways, but one that really stands out to me is that I don't believe his message was ever for one moment misunderstood. Everyone who met him, just knew they had met a friend.
What a rare and wonderful gift.
Imagine if every person in the world were this easy to decipher-- you just knew they had your best interest at heart, and always wanted the best from you.

Bo since the moment I met him in 10th grade was always like a giant fluffy puppy (I mean that in the best way, of course-) -- just, even the hardest coldest person out there could not possibly meet him and not instantly feel pure, adoring love.

Addi, dear one- please always know that this love goes on. It can be harder to feel sometimes, but you will recognize it and feel it in your heart and know that you're never alone. Please hold on, and always know you are loved.

.. I think Bo is also one of those rare creatures whom everyone still values while they're right there. Never once have I ever heard anyone say a bad word about Bo. Even as a teenage boy!! I truly believe everyone who ever met him loved him on sight, and came away from the meeting a better person.
I will never hear "Go Heels" quite the same way... and every time I look up and see a Carolina-blue sky above, I will know Bo is there, and smiling down on both of you, Christi and Addi.

Sassy Engineer said...

Christi,

I have never met you, but I have been following your story for over a year now. I found your blog through Jerrold's. Also, I grew up in Kansas so I once I found out you grew up there too, I felt a Kansas connection :)

Anyway, I have often prayed for your family over the last year or so, and I will continue to pray for now as well. I can't even begin to imagine anything you are going through, but your strength and faith through it all has been a great inspiration for everyone.

I hope we can all continue to pay it forward for Bo. God Bless you all!

Ken and Mystina said...

Christi~
You are amazing! You are always thinking of others. You and Bo were definitely a good match for each other. He was also constantly thinking of others. It amazed me that Bo made sure that our daughter received a get well basket for her surgery in May 2008. But not only did he send one, after she had recuperated a little he sent her another one! While he was fighting himself, he took the time to brighten someone's day. We too hope to have the privilege of paying it forward in his honor!
We will never forget him or his generosity! We pray for you and Addi daily!

God Bless,
Mrs. Ken (That's what Bo called me)
Mystina Zummach

Unknown said...

May god bless you and your family...Bo was a great man and an inspiration too all and we will with honor pay it forward on his behalf!!!!!

Anonymous said...

five years ago today i started my friendship with Bo, when i walked through the doors for my first day of work at FIG. i am forever indebted to him for his encouragement and generosity, and i owe so much of my success and my confidence to him.

my heart aches, and i grieve with those he left behind, but i know his spirit lives on in Addi, and Christi i hope that gives you a sense of comfort and peace.
i am so thankful to have been a small part of your lives, because you have had such a great impact on mine.

and Christi, i hope that i can endure the ups and downs of life with half as much faith, grace and devotion as you have. i admire, love, and miss you very much.

love anna

Anonymous said...

Christi,
We are thinking of you in Kansas. We all thought Bo was just the greatest (and that is sayin something cause as you know there are a LOT of us:)
Peace for you and Addi,
Stacey Wittman Bures

Darlene.Schaefer said...

Christi,
You are a woman of courage, a woman of grace. I use your life and your way as a compass for my own. When I feel overwhelmed, and that I cannot deal, I remember you and how you can persevere amidst such profound struggles. I am so amazed that amidst your deep grief and loss, you can find the hope and intention in all of this. Bo was so very blessed to have you, his earthly angel, by his side. He was a great man, and he will always be remembered as such. And you know what they say about all great men? They have great women behind them.
Addi, I don't know you very well, but I have seen your spunk. With your beauty, your spirit, the love around you, not to mention the wonderful genes from your dear parents, I can only imagine the places you will go.
Thank you for sharing your story with me through newspaper interviews and this blog.
Love, prayers, and hope to you and all of your extended family.

Darlene Schaefer

Anonymous said...

Christi,
My family attended the First United Methodist Church in Hendersonville with Bo's family when we were growing up (I'm a year older). I hadn't seen Bo in years, but knew of his battle with lung cancer and kept him in my thoughts. I'll be thinking of you and Addi, wishing you peace during this season. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Lorrie Harris-Sagaribay

Anonymous said...

Christi & Addi,

We are so sorry for your loss and we are grieving with you too. We will miss Bo. He just had the best character and everyone enjoyed his presense. He had integrity and honesty in his words and actions that let you know that you were important to him. We need more people in this world like Bo! Christi, you have that same spirit and we cherish you. And Addi has a double portion with having such wonderful parents.

God bless you both and may He give you exactly what you need at the time it is needed. HE is faithful!

With Much Love & Prayer,
Donna & Mike O'Neal

Anonymous said...

Christi,

Bo and I were fraternity brothers and he was a great person. I enjoyed being around him, b/c he was always smiling. I got a chance to visit him when he was at Duke and catch up. I am glad to have been a small part of his life and he is in the Lord's hands now. He will always be watching over you and Addi. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Trace Ferrell

KelseyMoore said...

Christi,
I have been following your life through this blog for over a year. We are good friends of The Hams. My prayers have been with you and your family for months now & espicially in the last few days. Although this is not the ending that anyone wanted for you and your family, Bo is healthy and happy now with our Heavenly Father. I will continue to pray for you and Addi as you adjust to life without Bo. I admire the strength and courage that you have shown through your blog posts.
Kelsey & Ben Moore

Anonymous said...

Christi and Addi..

I'm an internet "friend". Although far from perfect, one of the great things about the internet is that the sphere of influence and connection widens exponentially. I found your blog long ago just by chance. And, have been cheering you all on since the beginning. I lost my beloved uncle/godfather to lung cancer about 8 years ago. I can't tell you how truly heartbroken I am that you and Bo have been separated.

However, watching your love, your battle, your friendship has been inspiring. You have taught me (and probably all of us) so much.

I so wish you weren't taking this part of the journey. I so wish the ending to this story had been different. I know you probably would have rather taught us nothing and just lived a long boring (and non-internet famous) life. I'm sorry.

Please know that Bo's name will be spoken in our extended family. He will not be forgotten by us. Nor will you or your family. You have made a deep impact on us. You have taught us about how to excel in the face of great adversity. You have reminded us about love and hope.

The quote that comes to mind is Helen Keller's:

What we once enjoyed and deeply loved, we can never lose. For all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.

Please know that your whole family is in our hearts and thoughts. My aunts are all Mercy nuns and I have asked them to please add you and Addi to their prayer list. Not that Bo hasn't already taken care of that, of course.

Peace in this holiday season.

Sarah J.
Chicago IL

Anonymous said...

You do not know me, but I saw a link to Bo's blog on Facebook. Needless to say, I spent some time reading the entries that were posted. He is such an inspiration to everyone. I know that you are in pain over his passing, but his spirit will live on. He is now an Angel flying high and watching over you and Addi. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.

Marquetta Adkins

Anonymous said...

Christi & Addi, while I've only met you through pictures and this blog, I've had the privilage and pleasure of meeting Bo through business. Personally and professionally, he's a role model most of us will work to emulate and yet fall short of matching. His story, his fight will forever live in our hearts, calling us to NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER QUIT.

Your's and Addi's strength - in prayer, love, faith and grace - also serves as a benchmark, one I have and will continue to draw inspiration from. May your faith, love and special memories bring you peace and comfort.

May God continue to bless you and watch over you.

NG

Anonymous said...

Christi,
I know there is nothing to touch the depths that you are feeling. I only pray that God will envelop you in His arms of love and give you and Addie some comfort, some moments of reprieve and that you will find Bo tonight and every night in your dreams...
JGH
I meant it when I said Thurs. night you can call anytime, for anything... it is 3am and I am still up.

I WILL RISE Chris Tomlin

There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say, It is well

Jesus has overcome
and the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise
When He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise, on eagle's wings
Before my God
fall on my knees,
and rise...
I will rise

There's a day that's drawing near
when this darkness breaks to light
and the shadows disappear
and my faith shall be my eyes

Jesus has overcome
and the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise
when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise, on eagle's wings
Before my God
fall on my knees,
and rise...
I will rise

And I hear the voice of many angels sing
Worthy is the Lamb!
And I hear the cry of every longing heart
You are worthy! You are worthy!
Worthy is the Lamb!

I will rise
when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise, on eagle's wings
Before my God
fall on my knees,
and rise...
I will rise....
I will rise....

ALIVE AGAIN by Matt Maher

I woke up in darkness
Surrounded by silence
Oh where, oh where have I gone?
I woke to reality Losing its grip on me

Oh where, where have I gone?
'Cause I can see the light
Before I see the sunrise
You called and You shouted

Broke through my deafness
Now I'm breathing in and breathing out
I'm alive again
You shattered my darkness

Washed away my blindness
Now I'm breathing in and breathing out

I'm alive again
Late have I loved You
You waited for me, I searched for You

What took me so long?
I was looking outside
As if Love would ever want to hide
I'm finding I was wrong

'Cause I feel the wind
Before it hits my skin
'Cause I want You,
Yes I want You I need You, and I'll do

Whatever I have to just to get through
'Cause I love You,
Yeah I love You

I can hear Greg singing these songs to me and I hope you can hear Bo singing them to you. In fact, I hope they are singing, side by side, right now in Heaven to us...