Bo vs BAC

2011-12-05T12:17:00.003-05:00

Hello to All -

First and foremost let me let you all know that Addison (as she likes to be referred to when she is published) is now down 3 teeth. This weekend we lost our first one on top and let me tell you, WOW, she has a gap up there. (She had a space between her teeth to start with and now loosing the tooth, WOW.) But do not get me wrong she is as beautiful as ever.

It is amazing to think Bo has been gone for 2 years now. One moment Addi and I feel like he is right there with us, or we put ourselves back in those moments of 2 years ago. Amazing how the mind and memories work. I think we are doing well. We keep our mantra one day at a time. Most days bring us exciting new changes, friends and experiences. Other days bring us new realizations (for both of us) Addi is definitely more aware of the experiences she is going to miss out on that she would have had with Bo. This holiday season I have had more questions of "Why does everyone else's family still have their Daddy?" I never have the answer for that other than your Daddy loves you very much and I like to think he is always with us. But never fear we are still taking on the holidays full force.

Sometimes I wonder why Bo passed away at this time of year? I do get many questions if this gets us down more because of the time of the year and I have decided something. Bo is obviously greatly missed by many people. But I think his death on December 5th might have been perfect timing for us to reflect and always remember what matters. We might just be starting to dread the Christmas hassle and shopping, but I like to think he is there to remind us we have people to shop for? or We have the funds to shop? Bo's death right now reminds me to tell those I love them. Bo loved nothing more than to call someone and say how much they meant to them. I honestly think he loved doing this to his buddies more, but some of you (who will not be named) would panic and freak out a little. Oh how is loved to mess with you, but never for one second think that he didn't mean it. He loved like no one I have ever met. I am blessed and lucky he loved me so.

Please remember to make this day count and pay it forward. Call those people you were meaning to call, laugh as much as possible, shed a few tears, but always, always Remember Our Bo.

All our Love

Christi and Addi

2011-11-01T09:05:00.001-04:00

Well I would be remiss to not acknowledge October 29th...That is the day that I interviewed with Bo and our story began. It is hard to believe 10 years have gone by. Addi and I had a great day hanging with some of Bo's best buddies, ET and Lee. We got some stuff done around the house and enjoyed a beautiful day together.

Love to All

Christi and Addi

2011-10-28T12:26:00.002-04:00

I am totally ruining our Christmas card this year...but here is my sweet Addi age at 6. A little bit Mom, a little bit Dad, 100% Addi.

Love to All

Christi and Addi

2011-10-13T09:09:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday to my Sweet, Smart and Beautiful Addison! There is not one thing I would change about the last 6 years or one thing that I would change about her. She is everything I wished for and so much more.

Just to catch up on the last month. We have been SO busy with school and activities. I try to find a way where I can pick her up and take her to most things (my contribution to being a good Mom) but needless to say this runs me all over the place. It might surprise you all that she is busy, some things you definitely get from nature in the nature vs nurture debate. She is all Bo is some ways and then other ways, the more subtle times I like to think like me. I had a conference with her teacher at school the other day and she said Addi talks about Bo all the time. She has created and remembered some of the best memories. Never sad, more of a proud, this is my Daddy type of thing. But also just as important they said she has the biggest heart. If there is one thing her Daddy had, it was the biggest heart. I couldn't be more proud. (I do hope she gets more my love for school - the learning aspect, but if she stays kind, I will be happy with that also)

Then on to October 11th...nothing like a night out to dinner with friends and your daughter decides it is time to pull her first tooth! That's right, she said it was ready and so was she and just yanked it! BY HERSELF, AT THE TABLE! We took most of it in stride cleaned up with little mess we made and went about eating our chicken fingers. Being the thinker that she is she saved her tooth for one night that way the morning the tooth fairy comes is her birthday....good one.

So we celebrated her Birthday, it is hard to believe she is 6, then again she talks like she is 6, she looks like 6 and thinks like 6...so I guess she is 6.

I will post pictures soon!

Love to All

Christi and Addi

2011-09-14T13:39:00.003-04:00

Better late than never! Pictures of Addi on her first day of School. Also a little recap about Addi and I ever wonderful year. So Labor Day Weekend is my birthday and it seems about right that Addi would get sick the day before my birthday and yes this was the stomach flu again! So we spent the day (and the next) hanging out together, watching TV (and waiting for myself to get it, so far so good). If you remember Addi has had an eventful year of "big occasions". Birthday, broken arm, Halloween - stomach bug, New Year's - Stomach bug, Easter - broken arm...in between I have had the stomach bug (and food poisoning) A flooded house and had to redo the floors, a flooded basement, Class pet died on our watch...ugh I am sure there is more. So just when we were alright October 16th (when Addi broke her arm) what else can happen. Yep you guessed it, someone hit us in Bo's BMW and I kid you not the warning light came on in the Infiniti. I would ask what is left, but I am sure we are missing something. (To make the story even better, the person who hit me was a Chaplin. What does it mean when God literally has one of his "people" run into you...

But never fear, Addi and I are doing well. She is loving school and I am loving that. We are finishing up our planning for Touch a Truck on October 2, 2011 and enjoying the beginning of fall weather. We are laughing and loving life.

Love to All

Christi and Addi

2011-08-30T08:43:00.002-04:00

Well we did it. Our first half day of Kindergarten was yesterday. She marched right in there, proudly showed off her Cousin Morgan and never looked back. Her school is very smart and has the parents stay the first day so the kids don't have to worry about being dropped off and going. This also works because it doesn't allow for tears from really anyone. Seriously as a parent are you going to sit there and cry in front of everyone, especially when the kids are having so much fun. We are very lucky to have so much support also on our first day. We received so many phone calls, texts and emails. Some friends and family came to our house in the morning to take pictures on the front steps (Thanks Mr. Phil and Tracia). Grand-Daddy Berry, Aunt Caroline and Morgan walked with us into school helping keep Daddy's wish to walk Addi to Kindergarten. I think she felt the love and support. Addi also showed her friends her locket and a picture of her Daddy to all her friends. (I do have much sympathy for her teacher, she might have some explaining to do with other parents.) Then we came home to a ton of balloons from Grams and Papa since they are away on a trip. What a wonderful Day!

Today was our first day of drop off and our first full day. I am proud to say, she never even looked back. I tried to pause and freeze into my memory his little bouncy walk in with such a HUGE backpack on her back. For those wondering her outfit didn't miss a beat today along with showing off her new shoes. It all went so fast I wasn't able to take a picture "picture" this morning instead just one of those wonderful memories I hope my old brain can keep in place for me.

Someday I will try and get some pictures up again. But until then, thank you again for carrying us through this journey.

All our Love

Christi and my Kindergarten Girl - Addi or Addison as she prefers to be called now...at least at school.

2011-08-17T12:21:00.004-04:00

WOW! What in the world have Addi and I been doing? I guess loving the HOT summer here in North Carolina. We have not had as many visitors this year (FAMILY IN KANSAS) but maybe they are all waiting for the fall to see the leaves change. Hmmmm

With that said, Addi and I are doing well. We go back to the doctor next week to keep following up on her arm. I think things are going well, but I do feel better that with this bad of a break, they are watching her closely on the healing process. She has been swimming all summer with many sleepovers and many playdates. She has become a big sister to our neighbor Reece and I only say that because they fight like sisters. Oh our poor nanny. There is a timeout chair needed. Which is funny, because what is the first thing they want to do when they get out of time out, play with each other! They are so crazy.

As many of you have followed our journey you know one of Bo's goals while battling cancer was to walk Addi to Kindergarten. I am (like most parents) excited for her that this day has come. Her first day of school is August 29th. She is so excited, excited that I get to stay all day with her (her schools way of making the first day less intimidating) and excited for friends, new backpacks, new everything! But oh how we are going to miss Bo. I have some quotes up from the Blog that our dear Friend Anna made for Bo when he was having a down day to remind him about things he said, well I taped it up in my office. Yesterday Addi was at work with me and saw it. She asked me to read it to her and I explained to her (without to many tears) her Daddy's goals/wishes and then we talked about why he isn't able to be here. She is so smart and sweet and knows that Bo would have done anything to be here, but darn that cancer. She did appreciate and we had much discussion on a quote where he said he wanted to "Kick cancer's Butt." Such a bad word Daddy.

So as we prepare for the day. We went out last night and bought a locket to put a picture of Daddy in so he will go with us to her first day of school. She also suckered me into our birthstones to hang like charms with the locket. Ironically it is in a heart shape, which we both very much love.

So expect some pictures in a couple of weeks and maybe send some prayers that the 29th will be filled with much love, excitement and loving thoughts.

Love to All
Christi and Addi

2011-06-19T21:49:00.000-04:00

Hello to All and Happy Father's Day - Thank you to everyone that reached out to Addi and I during this holiday and as we miss Bo all the time, I am grateful for the men in my life that help to fill the void. I do have to say all these men come in different shape, size, forms and relationships and (most of the time) I thank God for them. Addi and have tried to take the attitude that we are grateful for the time and stories that we have of her Daddy. We cherish the moments with him. So this year we visited Grandfather Mountain, "Daddy's Special Spot." Unfortunately the weather was not working with us and it rained most of the time, so no hiking. What is about the same as hiking, shopping! Anyone that truly knew Bo, knows this is what he would have done for her as well. I did find Addi at one point praying in the back seat for the rain to stop, but I guess we needed that more than to go outside. We did get to eat a wonderful lunch in Boone with Grams, Papa, Aunt Tracia and Aunt Caroline, Daniel Boone Inn. Her Daddy would have been proud. Then I drove her around and tried to remember all the "glory day" stories from Appalachian. We even drove past the "Blue House." If anyone "can" share those stories Addi would love to hear them. She wants to know all about the "parties" you all had. "Mommy were they for birthday and graduations." I will let all you Sigma Nus tell her about them...I wasn't there so I don't know. All and all we had a good day.
Love to All
Christi and Addi

2011-06-14T10:24:00.003-04:00

Hello to All - I hope everyone is enjoying the summer and not melting away. Addi is doing well, her arm, I think, is getting stronger and better. I feel much more optimistic that she will make a full recovery in time. Her fingers are all now moving with the nerve damage, we are just waiting on one knuckle to start to bend. Yeah! With that being said, I am still limiting her activities to mostly swimming. We signed up for the swim team this year and we had our first swim meet on Saturday. Here are a few pictures of the girl in action!

Take care and love to All

Christi and Mermaid Addi

2011-06-05T21:30:00.000-04:00

Hello to All -
It is crazy to think that Bo has now been gone for a year and a half. Today we took and kept it quiet at home. This actually happened by Addi's choice. I gave her many options of things to do and she just wanted a Mommy Addi day at home. So while she played I tackled cleaning the toy room. That is one room that I spent 5 hours in sorting through stuff and walked away not feeling like I got anything accomplished. UGH! But it was a fun day of ponies, Littlest Pet Shop, Strawberry Shortcake and Polly Pockets. Now that I say I that I realize why I felt like nothing got done. Oh well, the time is priceless.
With that being said a true sweet story….tonight I was taking the trash out and noticed the fire flies out. I run inside to get Addi, who is suppose to be heading for bed and make her run outside without telling her what we are going to do. As soon as she gets outside her eyes light up and we start chasing. Which by the way being a farm girl we never had outside lights on our house or yard lights. I kept getting blinded by the yard lights or catching them from the corner of my eye, getting side tracked. We catch one and out of her mouth goes, “Now Mommy we must make a wish (why didn’t I think of that as a kid for when you catch a firefly. We just let ours go, anyway)” “I wish for Daddy, Mommy, The Buddies and Me, Great-Great Grandpa, Brazi (neighbor’s dog). I just wish no one had to die.” That was our wish for everyone we caught…sweet little girl. It was hilarious though running through our yard, the neighbors yard and down the street to chase them. You now know what we will be doing at dusk. I sure hope no one wants to sleep, because our squeals are loud!
Love to All
Christi and Addi

2011-05-05T16:44:00.002-04:00

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Addi decided that last month every day was April Fools, (actually anytime I caught her in a fib she would quickly say April Fools, thinking that would get her out of trouble) So I decide that we would celebrate everyday this month. So far we have Uno de Mayo, Dos de Mayo, Tres de Mayo and Cuatro de Mayo! Going to be one long month for our house, but with the luck we have been having we could use a little more partying!
Addi is doing better with her cast. She is in less pain. Off the pain meds completely and sleeping a little better. But really who could sleep with 5 extra pounds on their arm. We are about halfway done and that is saying a lot with my busy little girl. We still have no finger movement with the nerve damage, but the doctors mentioned this will take months to fully recover, so we will have a while before we get any movement, maybe by week 6. UGH!
Thank you all for the concern and great words of encouragement. We are hanging in there and we have great plans for this Mother's Day Weekend. Happy Mother's Day out there to best of the best (I have one of them) to the most recent Mom's (Kelly and Jess) and to the everyday Moms (all of you that put up with us!). I know this day is suppose to be about Mom's, but I would be remiss if I didn't say how lucky I am to be a Mom first and to be Addi's Mom, God sure did bless me.
Love to All
Christi and Addi

2011-04-25T13:43:00.002-04:00

Hello to all - So it is about time for another Addi update and I know the masses are not going to believe this one. We had a wonderful Spring Break last week (I know it is late for you in the Midwest, but in NC they tie it with Easter) anyway, Addi got some play dates, we went to Carowinds (like World of Fun) enjoyed some beautiful whether and got ready for Easter. A nice brunch with the family and an Easter Egg hunt for all, I will have to post pictures so of the amazing dress Grams and Papa bought for Addi for Easter. Saturday was especially beautiful, we actually played in the lake a little and had a BBQ with friends, it is after the BBQ things went ugly.
What would be your first guess? If you said Addi fell you would be right. If you said she broke her left arm again, you would get 2 points! Dear God help me, she fell off a neighbors playground obviously tried to break her fall and did so by breaking her arm. This time way more serious. She snapped it backwards and did some pretty good damage. When we got to the hospital she went in for emergency surgery because the could not feel a pulse on her left arm by hand and she was having tingling in her finger. She had 3 pins put in and an "open cast" on her arm. After the arm was put back in the place, they could feel her pulse by hand and the next morning even stronger. She does have some nerve damage in her hand to her thumb and pointer finder. But they feel confident over time (months) she will get that back. I hate to ask for prayers because you all have given us so much, but I ask again for Addi to have a full recovery. We spent the next day at the hospital Sunday and got home last night.
She is back in full force and we follow up tomorrow and will hopefully get a full cast on and literally be armed and dangerous. I was wondering how I was going to handle yesterday, for those that know Bo and I from long ago, it was our anniversary. Addi's injury quickly put everything in perspective and I had Bo echoing in my ears. We are focusing the people we have here and now and will not be sad or dwell on things we cannot change. Bo is always with us, I just wish he could keep a closer eye on his daughter ;). In his defense I am sure he is saying the same thing to me.
I am attaching below this a picture of the break don't scroll down if you have a weak stomach.
Love to All
Christi and One-Arm Addi again

2011-04-24T13:55:00.000-04:00

2011-03-31T15:50:00.003-04:00

Hello to All - I just realized I really haven't put many pictures of Addi out lately. My baby isn't really a baby any more...just a few pictures taken a school.

2011-03-23T10:02:00.003-04:00

Hello to All - Just a quick note to let you know staples are out and not a tear shed! She did amazing and while we were at the doctors office we also got a wart frozen. I know crazy that she has a wart already, but like father like daughter.
With that being said we are back to our routine. I one more time thought I would get a stomach bug or food poisoning, I am leaning towards food poisoning (scallops and shrimp...not good) But we are both 100% (for now)
Love to All
Christi and Addi

2011-03-14T12:39:00.003-04:00

Hello to All - Oh what wonderful weather we are having here in NC! It has been raining some, but the weekends lately are making up for that. I apologize for the delay in posting, we have been busy! But once again the weekend strikes and we must post for your entertainment.
First, a HUGE Thank you to everyone that supported Addi's Cure's event, "Beating the Odds." We raised over $10,000 and money is still coming in. We are so blessed to have the incredible support and legacy for Bo and our family through Addi's Cure. THANK YOU again!
As I mentioned before we have had beautiful weather on the weekends which is making for some great fun outdoors. Addi is a child that loves nature and exploring, but genetically the kids used all her luck getting Bo and I as parents. Once again we were back at Urgent Care/ER for and Addi Accident on the playground. I know seriously! My Mom keeps reminding me that I have taken Addi to the ER more than she took all 5 of us kids. Then again we were told to "rub a little dirt in it" and it will be okay :) Just kidding, Not really!
She was at the park on the corner, a place have played at since she could walk, mind you she walked at 8 months) and she swung between a monkey bar like contraption and on her way down, banged the back of her head. I truly must have been a nurse or doctor in a previous life, I grabbed the head and got the bleeding to stop pretty quickly, which is impressive with a head wound I might say so myself. Got her home to check it out (and grab the insurance card - I have learned to now grab the house keys, phone and insurance card anytime we go out) Decided a trip was need to the doctor and low and behold, she got 3 staples in the back of her head. First, Addi has the best tolerance for pain, she was amazing, Second - Urgent care got us in and out in 1 hour (they do keep her file on the counter there though I think) Third - She has a greatest friends that when we were done, we went right back to the park to show her friends she was alright. They all came running up to her (scared her a little) then Addi took off for the swings and 5 minutes later the same monkey bars. I guess when you fall of that horse you are suppose to get right back on, right?
Needless to say we went home before she got to sweaty playing, watched a movie, ate a snack and was same ol Addi. A little sore at bedtime when the numbing medicine wore off, but good. This morning she even let me know she could "touch the staples". I think Addi is more excited I cant really brush her hair for a couple days.
So the Johnson's are good. Buying stock in the medical world, but good. Thank you dear friends that were worried about us and helped us through another ordeal. But I am now realizing I might have a long 13 more years of this. I will probably still take her at 18, but then I should change it to say her "adult injuries" This whole 5 year old thing is getting tiresome.
Love to All
Christi and Addi - with 3 Staples in her head
PS - She makes everyone see the pictures, so watch out if you have a weak stomach!

2011-02-17T15:52:00.002-05:00

Hello to All - I hope everyone is doing well. I have decided in my mind that this blog is also a good way to remember the little moments in Addi's life. I am not good at keeping a journal and such, but this blog has documented some of our "funnier" moments. This week is no exception.
Addi and I are back in the house with the floors repaired and are going also to fixing some of the other "issues" our house has...i.e. a spot on the ceiling, paint touch ups and such. Things that are easier to do with the furniture out of the way. Addi likes the huge dance floor we have, now only if Mommy can remember that the neighbors can see in really well at night...Remember all I grew up in the country where we didn't worry about the neighbors looking in the windows (those people that got that close were burglars) Now that I live "in town" I should turn down the Carlton and Running Man...at least in front of the front windows.
Now that you all have a wonderful visual of us at night with out dancing shoes on here are some funnier moments had by Addi...
Yesterday Addi came into the office with me for a while, while I finished some things up. Our good friend Ms. Tyler gave Addi some of her truffles to "sell" in the office. (A little side note, Addi has been selling items the last couple times she has come into the office. Pictures she has colored, things she printed of the computers...she is her father's daughter and always selling it) Anyway yesterday it was chocolates. The funny part of this story is when people asked what she was going to use her money for: you can take this one of two ways, super sweet with a little embarrassing on the side. Here is her conversation:
"Addi what are you selling?"
"Chocolates."
"How much for one?"
"A Quarter"
"What are you going to spend that quarter on?"
"I am going to give it to my Mommy, so we can keep our house." Oh to see the co-workers faces.
I appreciate that we are a team and she does get that comment from me. Most of the time it is when she wants something and I tell her we don't need that toy and she always asks why. Well we should save our money. We have bills to pay. Most of the time she doesn't know what bills are and therefore I told her so we can keep our house. Oh how what you say comes back to bite you on the tush. We are good everyone, but thanks for buying the chocolates.
Another funny by Addi happened yesterday also. Grams bought her this beautiful Easter dress, but we needed to try it on to make sure we got the right size. Needless to say with the chocolates being sold, she really didn't want to try it on. It had to be done and well we tried it on at the office and had to go show Grams it fit. On our ways back from showing Grams someone nicely said, "Oh Addi you look pretty." Addi not wanting to wear the dress then proceeded to run away yelling, "I'm not pretty!" at the top of her lungs. Good thing her lungs work so well, everyone in the office and whoever was on the phone with a marketer got to hear Addi having an "Ugly" moment. Oh the teenage years are still to come. I do hope I remember this one and when she is teasing me when she gets older about how "uncool" I am I can then run around saying, "I'm not pretty."
A day in the life of Addi
Love to All
Christi and Addi

2011-02-11T10:15:00.002-05:00

Hello to All -
I hope everyone is slowly thawing out throughout the country, I guess the freeze has left no stone unturned. Things for Addi and I have stayed exciting. Since my last post (aka the hamster ordeal) I decided why not get the stomach bug again. Yipee! It is a good diet plan, but I would pass the next time around. Addi so far has avoided getting it for the third time, if you remember she missed Halloween and then again New Years Eve. I guess any random day isn't good enough for her. I have also been working on the home repairs. Right now that means I cannot walk on any hard wood floors and my house smells like stain and however you spell with clear shiny coat...poly-something. Makes for fun times, but really it has been a little fun. Addi and I have played Littlest Pet Shop, colored, ate out a lot and crashed our friends houses. Oh what to do next week when we have a house to live in...
I did receive a very nice email that others are still finding our blog. So for the few of you, I hope very few, that follow us for medical reasons, I thought the link below was interesting in what is being done for lung cancer.
http://www2.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/2011/02/new-treatment-now-available-for-lung-cancer-patients.html
I have reached out to the East Coast Doctors to see if there is anywhere close by that offers this treatment so you maybe wouldn't have to travel so far. Also for those of you supporting Addi's Cure remember our event is in 2 Weeks and we can put some of those dollars hard at work and see what other treatment options there are out there. Bo would not have qualified for the STARS treatment because he didn't have one tumor, but there are new drugs coming out that are extremely exciting for the "non-smokers" version, BAC cancer.
Stay healthy, I know we are
All our Love
Christi and Addi

2011-01-31T11:09:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to share some pictures from our last snow...This look of pure joy going down the hill so fast might be why we head to the emergency room so much!

Love to All,

Christi and Addi

PS - The new hamsters name is "Elephant"

2011-01-30T21:03:00.003-05:00

So much for 2011 being an easier year, no broken bones, yet...but the drama continues. So did I mention Addi gave herself a fat lip the other day, well today she just fell down and bruised her cheek. I can officially say she is legitimately "Hurt Man, Addi Johnson." But that is not the fun I am talking about...
So Addi's TK class has a class pet, yep, you can guess where this is heading. A sweet little hamster that has been around for 2 1/2 years...well what is a parent's worst nightmare when it is your turn to take care of the hamster. Yep you got it...Ginger didn't wake up Saturday morning. Seriously...seriously. You have to laugh a little out loud. The teacher's and everyone keeps saying of all classmates, Addi. Then again it was probably meant to be that it was Addi, but on Bo's birthday...ugh. We handled it for a lack of better words, "Gingerly" and slowing. Addi's teacher was fabulous and brought us another one today that she is letting Addi name. She is still bouncing a few ideas around, but her naming abilities definitely come from me. My number one stuffed dog was called "Puppy Dog." Lord only knows what she will decide on tomorrow morning.
Don't worry I woke up to a better Sunday...not (did I just date myself saying that) I found my extra "drink" refrigerator freezer opened during the night to have 2 gallons of ice cream fall out onto the floor and melt over night. Did you know ice cream is extremely sticky? I guess whoever is messing with me "up there" is trying to find a way to help me stick or start a diet...dear god. I am apprehensive, but excited to wake up tomorrow and see what will happen next. As long as Addi only ends up with bruises inflicted by falling - she did mention Clumsy as the hamster name...fitting.
Stay tuned and love to all
Christi and Addi

2011-01-28T10:10:00.002-05:00

Hello to All -
First Happy Birthday to my "little" younger brother Clint. It is hard to believe I used to take you shopping and with "my" own money hook you up with clothes...I didn't say I picked them all out, I just got them!
With that being said today is also my Bo's birthday. 39 today. It is hard to believe. I still remember when Bo turned 30. He was so freaked out. Men. It was the first of many dinners that we shared and I still to with the Graham family. Funny I still remember we had one of his favorite chicken cordon-blue.(However you spell that) I figure today we can treat this one of two ways, be sad and hurting or when I have a choice with laughter and excitement. Addi is so excited, sometimes it is much smarter and easier to celebrate the day Bo was born and the life and time we had together. Today we started the morning off with some Bo-Berry Biscuit from Bojangles. Later Addi and her friends made birthday cards that we will send to heaven via balloon while us adults raise a pint of Irish ale at Galway Hooker. (Bo always thought he was Irish, either way he loved everything Irish) If you are near Cornelius, please join us, we would love some more laughter.
So today we laugh and appreciate the life we created together and with that being said the best part Addi. If she wants to celebrate then we celebrate. This is a day she gets to be treated like her Daddy would treat her, giving her anything she wanted...rotten, both of us are.
Love to All
Christi and Addi

2011-01-17T22:19:00.002-05:00

Hello to All - I hope everyone is enjoying the snow and the freezing cold weather we are experiencing in North Carolina...I guess I cannot brag about with weather here anymore that it is better than Kansas...ugh.
Well just a quick update, Addi is still prone to falling. Yesterday, after I returned from a work trip and was picking her up from a good friends house and while Addi was on the steps (suppose to be putting shoes on) she slipped on the steps. Yep you guessed it a fat lip for Addi, at least she didn't knock her teeth out and send us to the doctor again. Her lip has gone down a ton, but she does still have a line bruise on her cheek. I can only imagine the lifetime I am going to have visiting an emergency room. How does she keep hurting herself so innocently? Seriously, I know she is a busy little girl, but why does she have to be so accident prone. I am going to get grey hair with worrying about her. (Sigh)
For Lee, I guess we can call her Hurt Man Addi Johnson...
Love to All
Christi and "fat lipped" Addi
I cannot wait to go to school tomorrow. Each month we start of with something different...(Sigh)

2011-01-12T23:03:00.002-05:00

Hello to All - I hope everyone is enjoying the snow and well probably not the ice so much. In NC we have had school cancelled Mon-Wed and tomorrow is on a 2 hour delay, therefore cancelling preschool for Addi. She is enjoying going to work with Mommy way to much. I have to apologize to all my co-workers that help entertain her when she is there, she truly does love everyone there (and well tries to rotate who she bothers.)
With that being said, all is finally feeling better here. We both have a little cold, but nothing but a cough really. So let's hope 2010 is the year of boo-boos and sickness is over. But I did get the theme for 2011, home improvement. Addi and I spent some time in Kansas visiting my family and when we came home we got a wonderful surprise of a waterfall in our basement (did you hear the sarcasm). I didn't install a waterfall when we were gone. It turns out our refrigerator in the kitchen has had a leak for some time and created a hole in the floor. Then when we were gone the ice maker froze up or something and ran continuous dumping water through the hole, into the crawl space and down the walls. UGH! We have a wonderful neighbor that is helping me navigate through the insurance and home repairs, oh please let the water heater and roof hold out for a while...and the drama continues.
Love to All
Christi and Addi

2011-01-01T23:01:00.002-05:00

Hello to all and Happy New Year! Another year has come and gone, Addi and I have to much to be thankful for this year. We have and amazing family, friends, our health (we sort of had a bang at the end of the year) and hope. I guess the greatest of all is hope.
December flew by, we saw Santa many times, Addi entered a gingerbread house decorating cost for 5-7 year old and won! We saw our favorite little cousin Morgan baptized and attended many parties.
Christmas came and we were very blessed with wonderful presents, but more importantly good times. Addi did end the year in Addi style with the stomach flu at 10:30, throwing up one last time in 2010. I am done with the broken arm, flu, swallow penny, flu, head cold, flu...so done.
We are excited to see what 2011 brings. We are ready for many adventures, trips, family dinners and laughter...much, much laughter.
Thank you all for carrying us through this past year. If we can ever do anything for you all, please do not hesitate to ask. Let us be there for you, you like you are there for us.
Happy New Year!
Love to All
Christi and Addi
PS - She was feeling better by the evening and in full force! Just a bang of a year for 2010...

2010-12-05T14:29:00.003-05:00

Looking at just a few pictures, my how lucky we were to have you with us! Missing you everyday, but celebrating you the best we can today!

Thank you everyone for the support today. We are proud to call you all friends those from long ago, those new and those we are still waiting to meet. This day is much easier knowing that we are loved and Bo lives on through everyone of you.

Love to All

Christi and Addi

PS - Only Addi could get him to put his phone up, she brags about that to this day!

2010-12-04T15:30:00.003-05:00

More snow during the Parade today...Addi said, "Our Secret Mommy- Daddy is doing that so we know he is with us." Like said, living life to the fullest today...
Love to all
Christi and Addi

2010-12-04T10:26:00.002-05:00

Hello to All - Is it crazy that we wake up to snow on December 4th...I mean to you non-southerns you are thinking big deal, but around here, we rarely get that cold and to see flurries is crazy...unless you forget the whole weather thing, I believe that it is Bo's way of showing us he is still watching. I remember telling Addi last year that it was her Daddy's way to make sure she knew he will always be with us...then of course she took it literally and wanted it to snow everytime she talked to Daddy, (then we talked about precipitation and such at a 4 year old's level)
Addi and I greatly appreciate everyone's love and support. We approach today and tomorrow with mixed emotions. My realistic mind (that keeps the tears at bay) know that tomorrow isn't any different than any other day. Addi and I miss Bo everyday. Tomorrow is just the day we start counting our life as year 2 without him present on earth. Without hearing his laughter, his hugs and "Hey Buddy" for me "Hey Babe", oh how we hated that we gave each other that "pet" name. But I do believe the more you remember and talk about someone they never die. Addi and I talk about Bo still everyday. It is hard not too when she does so many crazy things like him. Her clumsy gene I could do without... December 5th will be the day to remember and be a little sad, today we live it up!
December 4th is my day that Bo gave me. Bo always promised me 24 more hours if I stopped crying when he was first diagnosed and I know December 4th is that day. Especially if you talked to the doctors a year ago. Oh how we had a great day. Many friends came to visit, we put up our tree, we laughed, he spent that precious time with Addi. December 4 is my 24 hours and Addi and I will not waste anytime with tears, we are packing it with fun. Santa, Parties and Parades here we come. We are choosing to honor Bo and will forever keep the 4th as our day to live it up. Our day where we stopped crying to cash in with our extra time together. So if you are remembering Bo and the Johnson family, extended and all, live it up today, love your family and remember life is precious.
Live it up and Remember
Love to All
Christi and Addi

2010-12-03T10:46:00.001-05:00

Just Dance...and Remember.

I keep telling you all she is just like her Daddy....

2010-11-30T10:33:00.006-05:00

Hello to All - Just a quick post to let you know that we survived Thanksgiving, but not without some war wounds, literally. Addi and I got to go back to the emergency room again Saturday night. She slipped off a chair (trying to get a bowl for ice cream) and banged her chin on the way down needing 5 stitches. I know, seriously, yes seriously. On the positive side things happen in 3 right? So we are doing right? On another note, I should have the award for Mother of the Year in the bag...please no other mothers need apply. Ugh
If I ever wondered who she was taking after accident prone wise...I know now, Bo. I never broke anything or needed stitches...a couple scratches and a stick to the head are my major scars.
Thank you all for the kind words this week. It will be a long week and it is hard to imagine it has been a year already without Bo. On one hand it feels like forever, then on another just yesterday. It wasn't lost on me that I took Addi to the same place, same day as I took Bo in for the final time...he was there with us I know, but I would rather not go back.
Love to All
Christi and Addi
PS - Her modeling career (haha) is still in full force, the stitches are under her chin where you can barely tell she has a band aid on them right now....
PSS - Whoever posted the quotes from Jimmy V, thank you. If ever two people spoke the same thing, it was Jimmy V and Bo...

2010-11-24T21:44:00.003-05:00

Hello to All - Well the holiday season is upon us and needless to say Addi and I approach this with mixed emotions. Most of the time we are wrapped up in the holiday spirit, I am and I do not hesitate this Thanksgiving when asked what I am grateful for, hands down, Addi. There is nothing more wonderful than her. I know I am biased, but God truly has always given the people to me that I need in my life. Addi is my everything. Now I know some people worry that I "too" involved with her. But I figure whatever it takes to keep moving and moving forward. So many times Bo and I pushed ourselves forward by telling each other that Addi deserves the best from us, so that is what we do. It doesn't hurt that on those days when I am missing Bo the most, I have bits and pieces of him in her. She emotes him like no other. Granted I might be looking for it, but she smiles his smile, she thinks she is funny like him, her laugh is his laugh and she "sells" it all day long.
Even tonight, when I was having a moment remembering last year and where we were, I was washing my face missing Bo and in walks Addi. Just in her underwear and winks at me as she goes into the bathroom, how do you not laugh out loud. Half Bo, half me, 100% Addi. She was teaching me how to do a front roll tonight...she said, Mom just picture yourself round and it is simple (now I think I heard that on some tv show) but coming from her and yes still just in her underwear, hilarious.
So this Thanksgiving I choose to think Bo would (probably be mad that we still miss him with every breath we take) but would want laughter, he would want craziness, he would want us to love on another. So it I don't say it enough Addi and I are Thankful for you all, those still reading, those still checking on us, those helping us keep Addi's Cure alive, those still praying, those still fighting cancer and those along with us choosing laughter with a few tears. As you watch the Jimmy V Classic coming up remember what Jimmy V said, "Never give up, Never Give up." (and as Bo finished, Go Heels!)
Love to All
Christi and Addi

2010-11-14T20:15:00.002-05:00

Hello to All - We are officially cast free! I have to tell you I have never been so proud of Addi. We went to the doctor on Friday and she was so brave. Getting the actual cast off didn't seem to be a big deal, she was so excited. Well that was until the took the cast off and the padding then saw 2 pins sticking out of her arm. That caused for a little tearing up and being afraid. I have to admit I was taken back also. I had convinced myself they were small like pencil lead, not! More like thin screws, ugh. I tried to hide my shock and focus on Addi. On top of seeing the screws it became clear why Addi complained that her cast hurt whenever she pumped it, she had soars where the screw hooks were bumping her arms...The doctor told us she couldn't do any more damage to her arm, he failed to mention that bumping the cast against her skin could cause sores.

So after the cast came off, we had to get x-rays before the screws could come out. She we wrapped the arm up, so Addi or myself couldn't see the pins. During the x-ray you could tell Addi was nervous, she didn't talk much and just wanted to hold my hand. The x-rays came back that things were healing great. The doctor was great and immediately talked to Addi and myself if she was a little nervous about getting the pins out. I was obviously talking to the doctor too much and in true "Bo" form Addi looked at the doctor when she asked, do you have any questions, "I just want the pins out." In other words, shut up Mom and let's get this over. I had to chuckle a little afterwards, flashes of her Dad.

Needless to say, those pins don't just slide out the doctor has to twist back and forth while pulling. You ask what was Addi doing, I could hear every other kids screaming down the hall, she just sat there focused while pin one came out and then pin two. Not one tear...I was in shock and I think the doctor was also. I mean this is the kid that looked on the verge when she saw the pins. The doctor asked her to go to the next room with her to show another little boy how to be brave also. She told Addi she was so impressed. I did ask Addi what was she thinking when the doctor took the pins out and she just told me, "I was trying to be brave Mommy." Oh world watch out for this little girl...

Needless to say, Mom took her to Build a Bear and we got Clarice the Reindeer and some ice cream before dinner. (Just like her Daddy would do...)

I finally have a couple pictures of the cast (thanks to Addi's teacher from school) I will refrain from posting the picture of the pins due to graphic nature. If you want to see them I can email them personally...haha

All our Love

Christi and Addi

2010-11-07T23:20:00.000-05:00

May you rest in Peace Uncle Mark - Heaven just got one amazing smile and man...
Love to All
Christi and Addi

2010-11-05T21:40:00.005-04:00

Hello to All - It is so hard to believe that 11 months ago today Bo left us. At times I think back and it feels like yesterday. The emotions are so raw and I worry that maybe I am not processing, but then I know that I am. The loss is just that real and painful, for both of us. Then there are days like today I wonder where and what in the world have we been doing for 11 months...that is a long time. I think of all the changes Addi did her first year and think wow that was a long time. For her 2 month until Christmas is forever, 11 months and we are managing without him. I do know that this holiday season will probably be harder than last, the last one I think we were in shock and well I was determined not to let Addi but the time of year in association with his loss. We would celebrate and we will laugh, no one (other than myself) enjoyed this time of year than Bo. Wow 11 months...
With that being said October was an incredible month for Addi's Cure. Touch a Truck, 2 Golf Tournaments and we supported Lungstrong a race for Lung Cancer. But Addi took Addi's Cure literally, as in she needs some curing...a swallowed penny, broken arm and stomach bug...oh yeah did I forget to mention that one. Addi got sick on Halloween with the stomach virus and couldn't go trick or treating. She cried whenever the doorbell rang, which I thought when the light was off you left a house along (teenagers). She did bounce right back and was raring to go Monday (too late to trick or treat) but enough time to take of me who thought why don't I get that too! I didn't bounce back quite so fast needless to say, good diet plan...but I think I would rather keep those extra 5 pounds.
Well November will be what it will be at least we get the cast off...and I do hope to post of picture of it...oops!
I did want to send a request out for some prayers, first for our friend Jerrold. A fellow lung cancer and transplant warrior. May he get the right doctors to help him with his bump in the road.
And now for my dear Uncle Mark. He was diagnosed with lung cancer a month ago yesterday and due to some results has realized his body is failing him in his battle and is going home to rest and find peace. Uncle Mark is a man that has overcome more than any one person should in their entire lives, but never and I mean never did I see him without a smile on his face. He, whether he liked it or not was my date to many and I mean many cousin weddings...Seriously I have a 100 cousins on my mom's side, but he was there for probably every one of them supporting us and I am ashamed that we were not more attentive to when he might have needed us. You always knew Mark would be at your wedding smiling, laughing and dancing throughout the evening. Shoot he was there for any family event. He shows us how to cherish a family and I can only hope the family in Kansas reiterates how much him being there meant to every one of us and it wasn't unnoticed. I am proud of the man his is and honored that he is my Uncle. I can only hope he understands that our bodies can only do what they can do. Our heart and spirit always will fight and carry on it is just those mortal bodies... As I mentioned he proved that he is the strongest physically, mentally and spiritually that any one person could be. I do know that my Bo will be there to greet him with a Carolina hug, but selfishly, I hope he will remind my Bo I love him, miss him, and thank him for our time together. I hope they both know that.
Take care and Love to All - Especially You my Uncle Mark
Christi and Addi
PS - Please pray for my family, this has all happened so quickly that processing always seems to follow a little later. Understanding why this is happening isn't something we always get to learn, but trusting and knowing there is something greater gives much comfort. This is probably good time to remember the serenity prayer...
PSS - Please also pray these doctor find a cure, a treatment, a something for lung cancer. Today a huge step was published that CT Scans do help detect lung cancer, now for insurance companies to cover this and determine who the deem appropriate for the screening...small step, but at least they are in the right direction...

2010-10-29T22:36:00.006-04:00

Hello to All! It is crazy to think that October is almost over, wow it flew by! Addi and I had a crazy time this month with Touch a Truck, a Compliance Meeting for me, Addi's birthday extravaganza, another Lungstrong 5k, A Memorial Golf Tournament for Bo in Hendersonville a visit from my parents from Kansas, then another Memorial Golf Tournament in Houston by some competitors (crazy as it sounds) throw in a penny swallowed and a broken arm we have been busy.
I have talked about Touch a Truck, Compliance Meeting and the Birthday (also the penny and arm) so now about the Hendersonville Golf Tournament. I cannot express how wonderful it is to hear such amazing stories about Bo's childhood. He spoke so fondly of growing up in Hendersonville. He was such the "Eddie Haskel" of the town. He loved basketball and that he was "an incredible shooting" machine...I am not quite sure of the ratio that went in to the shots taken...hmmm A huge thank you to Lee Bradley the best friend he found riding on his bike one day. There are money others as well that were extremely generous and i will personally post some names later. But also the wonderful "shot girls" that made Addi feel so welcome a special.
Addi and I then flew to Houston for the NAFA conference that Bo was so proud of this past week. Bo dreamed of open dialogue, companies working together and enough business for everyone with people doing the right thing. It is amazing how many "good" businesses and people there are out there. A huge thank you to Steve K., Carolyn L., Dennis B. and Eric T. Bo was honored to call you friends and more importantly play golf with you. Also thanks to Theresa M for hosting Addi and myself all day. Some people are just meant to be good friends. To all the men that made Addi there own, Thank You. Most days Addi and I carry through with smiles on our faces, but never has my daughter not want to leave a place because she felt so much love from some Daddies. Dominic, Eric, Kevin and Tashawna (Addi always through you in the mix), thank you for being so sweet to her. Bo loved his job and every time I attend these meetings I understand why. He loved doing the right thing helping people invest there money, but the people he worked and collaborated with make it icing on the cake. I do not know another business filled with such phenomenal, fun loving people. Simply put, How in the world does a 5 year old girl never want to leave a NAFA conference? I mean she is Bo's daughter, but I think the love and attention had a lot to do with it.
Sorry such a long post but I would be remiss if I didn't mention that 9 years ago today I walked into an interview that changed my life. Interviewing with Bo Johnson was over 3 hours long, a first date one would say, but a forever imprint in my heart. Thank you for not hiring me and choosing to love me instead. We were never perfect, but you loved me perfectly. Thank you for taking me on your ride with you, making the incredible friends I have now that carry me and our daughter though. They help us carry Addi's Cure into the future.
Love to All
Christi and Addi

2010-10-20T21:46:00.002-04:00

Hello to all - those of you following the Addi drama lately. She had her surgery Sunday, Monday we were both exhausted from a long night and took the day easy. Addi stayed on her pain meds pretty consistent and had a few visitors that seemed to perk her up. For some reason she was "afraid" to go back to school that someone would tease her. Her wonderful teacher Ms. Melissa stopped by to talk with her and bring her presents from her friends at school. She told her she would see her in 3 weeks...haha so like her father just setting the time line.
I talked her into "visiting" her friends at school on Tuesday and within 5 mins of walking in the door and seeing her classroom, she was ready to stay. Her friends were wonderful and one sweet little boy event announced, "we would never make fun of you Addi. We love you!" Sign him up for an extra Halloween candy. So I left went to work and picked her up like usual. When i was talking to the teacher about the day. I talked for 2 mins and she is on the second tree branch climbing to the top. I stopped that quickly, glad to see the break is making her more cautious.
Well today we had her 5 year check up. She is tall and skinny. The Morgan side for at least one thing so far. We did get an xray to make sure the penny came out. Thank God something went right, and it didn't show up on the xray. Except when we told Addi it came out and Mommy must have missed it in her pooh...she immediately started crying. (huh you say) "Mommy that was my favorite penny! I guess you can't win all the time. Don't worry I quickly showed her it somehow ended up in my purse and all it well in the world of Addi. Mommy might have a few gray hairs, but that makes me distinctive, right?
Love to All - in the world of Addi
Christi and Addi

2010-10-18T18:48:00.002-04:00

Hello to all - Just when I wonder if I should keep typing due to lack of things to say, Addi takes it upon herself to keep me on my toes. We October 13th was Addi's 5th birthday! Both of us missed Bo dearly, but we did our best to celebrate. Mommy made it Addipoolza in Lake Norman. We had dinner with family and friends on Wed (her actual bday) then Friday some friends from her new school got together to play at Lazy 5. I think she would have her party there every year. She is slowly getting to know her new classmates and this party helped get to know the few even better.
Saturday morning we both got up and did Cornelius's Lungstrong Run in Bo's Honor. Needless to say I haven't been running much or pushing a stroller while doing it, so I didn't get the best time, but we did it. Addi got out and ran the last little bit with me and crossed the finish line together, hand-in-hand. There was another run in Boone where Bo was mentioned and his story told on Sunday. I hated that we couldn't make it, I heard it was a wonderful event at App.
Sunday had her party with her "old school" and a few new friends. We all went down for lunch in Charlotte at Brixx pizza then on to a play, Aladdin, at the Children's Theater. Well that was the plan. While waiting for the theater to open, Addi fell from some uneven blocks outside and she fell just right, where we had to leave HER BDAY PARTY to go back to the ER in Charlotte. Turns out she fractured right at her elbow. Surgery later that night to put 2 pins and a full arm cast on her. CMC hospital was wonderful and helped her celebrate her birthday with presents in all. I do have to admit it was hard enough not having Bo at the Party, but the ER with surgery, he was missed. At one point when Addi was on morphine, she told me that Bo was holding her hand, I believe her. Because first, I need to believe he was with us, second her hand (the broken one) was extended out like someone was holding it and third, she would never lie to me, right?
We did spend the night there, more so because it was so late when surgery and recovery was finished. We are home now resting, well trying to, trying to convince her no one at school will tease her and she needs to go back. Did I mention that we can now officially she gets the "I break my bones gene" from Bo. Dear lord help me through the next 10 years...
Love to All
Christi and 5 year old broken elbow Addi
Let's see how that name changes...

2010-10-13T21:43:00.003-04:00

Hello to All...
Well it is now 9:46 at night and Addi has finally caved into the fact that her 5th Birthday is over. Little does show know or realize her party is this weekend and the fun will continue...God help me. I think I am about to call it a night, but I did promise to fill in with the "excitement" of our lives. Let's see where to begin, we had Touch a Truck and the event was amazing, I am still working on the numbers and collecting items for silent auction, so hopefully I will have that at the end of the month. Then I had to go to a "compliance" meeting for work and Addi was able to stay with some good friends the Bailey's. She seemed to do well, hopefully her energy didn't tire them all out.
Oh I forgot to mention the fun of the emergency room. I have decided I do mind hospitals, I HATE emergency rooms. Well my darling daughter decided to "wash" a penny off, and you guessed it, in her mouth. Sounds funny until I realized it was stuck in her esophagus. She was crying that it hurt in her chest, so off to Urgent Care we went. Did I mention that we had friends over, so a crew of us went there. After 2 xrays we determined it was stuck and a trip to the ER was needed. The doctor did recommend trying some bread (we had already tried water and crackers) to get it to pass. Well the clock started ticking as well. I guess you can only have something stuck for a max of 3 hours we were already down to 2. By the time we got there Addi had stopped complaining about the pain and I was in hopes it had passed. Well another 3 hours later finally another xray to show the penny moving along. So for the next couple of days before Touch a Truck and my trip, you guessed it, I went through poop. I found nothing, so I am hoping next week when we go in for 5 year old shots, we can get another xray and have the "lucky" penny gone!
So that is where we stand. Doctor and dentist next week after a weekend of cake and sweets...should be interesting.
Love to All
Christi and her now 5 year old ADDI

2010-10-08T13:11:00.001-04:00

I know I need to update about life...but please read below about another way to support Lung Cancer...I will post next about how wonderful and successful Touch a Truck last weekend!

On Saturday, October 16, I will participate in the Lung Strong 15K/5K. This event is on behalf of LUNGevity Foundation's commitment to halve by 2020 the number of people who die of lung cancer. LUNGevity works with world-renowned lung cancer experts to identify and fund promising and innovative research into the early detection and treatment of lung cancer. LUNGevity promises to invest every contribution in the most effective, impactful way in order to improve lung cancer survival rates, ensure a higher quality of life for lung cancer patients, and provide a community for those affected by lung cancer.Here's how you can help:Donate: You can make a tax-deductible donation by clicking on the link at the bottom of this email. You may also send your donation to:
Lung Strong 15K/5Kc/o LUNGevity Foundation435 N. LaSalle StreetSuite 310Chicago, IL 60654
Register for the event: Go to www.lungevity.org/lungstrong and click on the blue "Register" button. You may register to walk as an individual or as a member of a team; you may also start your own team.Let's fund hope together. Thank you.Warm regards,
Your NameLUNGevity Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.
Click here to visit my personal page.If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:http://events.lungevity.org/site/TR?px=1065764&pg=personal&fr_id=2700&et=kyW64GbvnJN6IieghzPaug..&s_tafId=13621
Click here to view the team page for Addi's CureIf the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:http://events.lungevity.org/site/TR?team_id=19220&pg=team&fr_id=2700&et=lQJvSIxQ2oXtnV9HDzQnIA..&s_tafId=13621

Love to All
Christi and Addi

2010-10-01T17:52:00.003-04:00

Hello All - Oh I can't wait to tell you about my week and what my dear sweet daughter has done, but that must wait until Sunday! Because this weekend is all about LKN Touch a Truck! I am so excited and honored to carry on Bo's legacy and mission of educating and raising funds for Lung Cancer! I feel even more pressure to do this to show him and the world that we both meant it when we took this goal on to raise funds and awareness.
I am blessed to have incredible friends new and old to help me accomplish this mission. They give up part of themselves, their time and expertise to help me with this mission and especially this year I am so grateful. They are all pretty much keepers!
If you are out and about and want to join please come Sunday from 11-2 at KENTON PLACE this year. All the details in on www.lkntouchatruck.com We would love the support and I cannot tell you how much great stuff we have...bounce houses, pony ride, firetrucks (and yes that is plural) silent auction and so much more. Over 35 vehicles are coming with our heroes in tow (police officers, fire man, ambulance drivers, you name that hero and they are there)
Thanks again for all your support and love
Christi and Addi

2010-09-20T12:43:00.005-04:00

Hello to All - I know shocking that it isn't another month gone by, but I couldn't type today without remembering someone special in our lives that is missing. Bo's Papa, Addi's Great Papa, passed away a year ago today. Talk about a man that lived an incredible life. He was the epitome of what you call a man, papa, great papa, friend, hero. I can truly say he is who Bo wanted to be like in so many ways, except for the dancing part. Papa loved to dance and he was smooth on the dance floor. Bo loved to dance, smooth was another story, but I still loved him so, well both of them.
Bo shared many stories with me about Papa's childhood, Bo's childhood and the games he played. Papa never fell for them, "Rosie" was a sucker like us all and fell for Bo's tricks. It was a sad day, when at 93 Papa was diagnosed with colon cancer. Being the strong man that he proved to us by surviving his surgery and recovering, to have complications afterwards. I truly believe he proved he was strong and that he loved us all to fight to be with us, but he chose to be with beloved Rosie. From what Bo said, they had a marriage and a love worth going to. Bo always wanted to be like them in their banter, their unconditional love and respect and grandchildren. I am proud we had 2 out of the 3 and the "grandchildren" later. (Much later little Addi)
With all our love (to Papa and Rosie)
Christi and Addi
I can only imagine the trouble the two guys are getting into...I can see them now rocking a front porch somewhere.

2010-09-05T21:51:00.002-04:00

Hello to All! Again sorry for not posting for those of you out there...Addi and I took our last month of summer to have some family fun. We first headed to Charleston for some family fun! A huge thank you to Papa and Grams for providing us the opportunity to rest, relax and play for one week together. I cherish the ability to give Addi my undivided attention. Adjusting to our new life is a ever changing process. I never feel like am there enough for Addi, or work, or get anything done at home, friends thank God they understand and are still there for me. At the beach we swam, went crabbing, swam, found seashells, swam and did then ate way too much!
After the beach we have been back home getting ready for school. Addi has one more year of pre-school, TK and is so excited for her new classmates and learning from Ms Melissa and Ms. Stephanie. A little nervous and it hasn't sunk in she won't be seeing her dear friends that have been her rock last year. Hopefully we can still get together...she will forever miss Dixon...her husband. Too funny!
We are now onto Labor Day weekend. Yesterday was my birthday and obviously a huge part of me is still missing. Bo was always the one that told me to live (even before he was sick) He spoiled me rotten. Well I have some of the greatest people in my life that did that for me last night. I have typically taken to staying home on those "big" occasions of missing Bo. They were determined to not let that happen last night. Our small dinner out became a group bowling and keeping me out way past my bedtime! The day was beautiful and the night fun, it is hard not to think I get some spoiling from Bo even when he isn't here on earth with us. I cannot forget to mention that the night before Addi took me out to Chucky Cheese...and we got my ice cream cake from Dairy Queen.
Babe it has been the longest 9 months of my life. Addi and I carry on, try to laugh as much as possible. She is amazing and I am blessed to have her...one of these days I will get some more pictures up! She is my tan Coppertone baby!
Love to All
Christi and Addi
PS - A huge congrats to a life long friend Brendon that had his 2nd daughter yesterday. I am honored to share my day with the Allen's!

2010-08-05T17:45:00.002-04:00

Hello to All - What a hot summer...it does wonders for Addi's tan, but wow! I will post pictures soon of my Coppertone girl or as Grandpa calls her, Blondie! She has been swimming, going to camps, playing with Jessica and making a few visits to the office. It is hard to believe summer is almost over. School begins soon enough. I wasn't thinking when I was talking with my mom the other day, this weekend it tax free weekend in NC! Yes you heard it right, not taxes on clothes, school supplies and a lot of added stuff. (Ami this is the weekend you should visit!)
Another month has come and gone, 8 months since my Babe let me. Addi has started saying some of the craziest things...like,
"You know my Daddy was the Greatest."
"Why is that?"
"Because he gave me ice cream before dinner."
and
"I can tell your fortune, Mommy?"
"Really"
"Your fortune today is...You will buy me a toy!" More and more like her Daddy every day.
Love to All
Christi and Addi
PS - Happy Birthday Aunt Caroline
PSS - Happy Birthday "Older" Lady Erin - for a month and a day
PSSS - Happy Birthday Bonnie and Charlie - I think Bo loved you second best!

2010-07-25T22:04:00.003-04:00

Hello to All - I hope this hot summer it treating you well. It isn't doing much for my bragging rights about being cooler than Kansas. I always give my family a hard time why NC is where I call home now. The mountains, the ocean, the cooler weather...well 2 out of 3 isn't bad. I new one to add to the list is Addi's cute accent. She is so country and so her father. Some things I just cannot make up. Addi could sell ice to Eskimos. Hence why she is so rotten, she convinces me to do some of the craziest things. Just like her Daddy...today in Target $100 less she reminds me, "Well I am my father's daughter." Seriously is she four! I guess I have mumbled that one too many times under my breath.
Addi and I have been enjoying July. I have been at work too much and I think the change is stressing Addi out a little, so we spend the weekends here and we are getting into trouble and crashing friends houses when the house is too quite. It is amazing that we are 8 months out and I still find myself crying once a day. (Well maybe not once a day, but on days like today, it feels like once a day) Most of the time remembering something funny, but other times, just memories everywhere. Good things and I wouldn't change them for the world, but crazy memories.
A year ago today we were surprising my Mom and Dad with their anniversary and Great Papa was another year older. Oh life is precious and I am so blessed with my little girl and family and friends, but life is fleeting. We are already talking about shopping for school supplies, Addi will have one more year of pre-school and then kindergarten. I think I will be excited and proud of her if it hadn't been such a milestone Bo wanted to live to. With that I know he will be there next year with us, but will make the day a greater accomplishment for Addi, but leave a larger hole for us.
Now that you all think I am absolutely nuts tonight, I promise you we are good. Just having a night. And I wrote once that on those nights I would turn to those out there to vent to. Better an unknown voice than someone of the phone thinking that they need to run me to a psych ward. I hope everyone is well and we will see you all soon.
Love to All
Christi and Addi

2010-07-05T20:37:00.003-04:00

Hello to All - I have come to realize that I am camera dependant on other people. I have to much to wrap my mind around and get places for the life of me to remember a camera. So for anyone that took pictures last night, I would love a link to see!
With that being said, Addi and I had a good 4th of July. We didn't really have any plans and some friends called us in the morning to go boating, so boating did. Addi like to float on her back (life jacket on) and declare this is the life. I think the trend is spreading amongst her friends. From there we went to another friends house for a cook out and to watch the fireworks. Thanks Grahams, also for the sleepover last night. As Addi and I were laying on the back of the boat waiting for darkness to come we saw the first star come out. We typically wish on that one, but last night when I asked Addi what she was wishing for she simply told me that "her heart was telling her that was her Daddy." Gosh I hope so...
Needless to say Addi was so exhausted she didn't make it through the fireworks and she fell asleep (holding my beer - in my defense I was covering her ears because the "booms" were so loud.) So for those of you that took pictures, it was completely innocent.
We then slept over at the Grahams and got donuts, hit the pool today and started digging the house out of our mess that somehow I create over and over again. One of these days I will get a grasp on everything. Right now I am just enjoying time with Addi and figure little by little the rest will get done. Right?
I hope everyone had a safe 4th!
Love to All
Christi and Addi
PS - Hard to believe 7 months have come and gone...I realize that when you lose someone so significant in your life that the hole aches the same. Life happens to help you through, but the ache is always there.

2010-06-26T21:34:00.002-04:00

Hello to All! Sorry for the long delay and posting, but Addi and I have been on the move this month. After celebrating with Mr. and Mrs. Clint Morgan in Colorado, Addi and traveled to Kansas where I left her and was able to attend FIG's company trip to Banff. If felt like home to see so many of the agents that have helped support Bo and I through out journey and not just sickness, but also our dating, marriage and having Addi. So many of the agents we consider dear friends that we have desperately missed seeing and catching up with. I have had to much time to reflect on things and truly be appreciative on relationships, that I am greatly for being able to tell those that we love that we love them and meet new friends. I had an incredible time (although Addi was in Kansas with my family, I am not quite sure she missed me, but that is a good thing) One thing that is so true with FIG is the core of the company is the same from the home office to the agents, everyone wants to do what is right for each other. It is an amazing group of people to be part of. Being by Bo's side with the company had made an extremely deep impact upon me, not just caring about the people, but also knowing how much Bo loved everyone and how he loved his job. Never did he think he worked a day in his life. It was another time to miss him more, but also celebrate him and the legacy he leaves behind. I am so grateful for those that shared stories of him and also how he affected their lives. When someone passes you fear that they will be forgotten, because to you they are in every breath you take. So anyone still out there know that Addi and I love the stories, the laughter and even a few tears.
With that being said Addi on a side note told me she is afraid she is going to forget her Daddy. Oh how I wish she knew that I will never let that happen. But also, how in the world is a 4 year old already worried about that. I truly believe she is so wise beyond her years, an old soul. I guess that is why Bo and I surrounded ourselves with a village of people to never let her forget.
Back on track, Addi and then spent a little time with my family. Never enough time in Kansas. Rarely do I get to go back and just hang out, but we did for a couple days and it was bliss to see her run around on a farm never hesitating with the dirt, animals or people. Kansas is something in her heart and for that I am grateful.
From Kansas we flew to Atlanta...(I told you we were traveling) Addi was a flower girl again for "Cousin Merritt" as we call her. Merritt was an incredible bride and I am so excited for her and the adventure of marriage. She found a good one in Patrick. I don't know him well ,but he can get that many grown me to give a speech and pronounce their love for him, he must have done something right. This time Addi freaked a little more coming down the aisle, something liked she walked halfway and when she saw me, she ran into my arms. I loved it, it got a chuckle from the crowd, and it was making good teasing for later...hehe.
From there we headed home on Father's Day. Oh Father's Day...I think this one was certainly a heavy heart. Addi insisted on buying Bo a card to mail to heaven. She is so thoughtful, after traveling home with Aunt Tracia, Addi and I spent the day together. We came home, I paid bills in Bo's honor (the guy loved to do that, the only person I know that like to give money out) We then went to the pool had dinner and just hung out. It was good to be home. We have a stone angel for our yard that we got for Father's Day. I am in hopes this will be a special spot and something Addi can always have where ever she goes to talk with her Daddy. Addi totally got it, "she hopes that when she talks to that angel she will find her Daddy and it will be like talking to Daddy." Wise, so wise.
Well now we are home, we missed celebrating a dear friend, "Dan Rourke", life. He was a mentor to Bo that if you remember took me under his wing that passed January for a company meeting. Him and I spent a good deal of time talking and laughing. Dan was an incredible man that lead an incredible life with incredible family and friends. I hate that I couldn't be there, but I think the best thing for Addi and myself was to take a weekend at home. We are tired and want to just hang today.
I will write more often, because this one was WAY to long...sorry for that. And Sorry for the typos, to tired to proof read, I guess I should have done that first!
Love to all
Christi and Addi

2010-06-07T18:01:00.002-04:00

Hello to All - I hope everyone is enjoying their start of summer. We still have one more week of school for the little kids in NC, then summer fun. I got to spend last weekend with my family celebrating my little brother getting married. I guess little should probably switch to younger, he is like 6'2" and 28, but whatever it is all relative. He is grown and so handsome it is hard to believe. I still find it hard he lives in Colorado and can rent a car, but now well he is now married to an amazing wife, Brittany. We had the best time and it helped to pass the 6 month mark of missing Bo. Oh how we miss him. It is amazing how your heart still hurts...but it more bearable when those "big" dates have something wonderful to celebrate. A heartfelt thanks to the Turco's for thinking of me on one of the most important days of their families lives. I cannot express how thoughtful you were to include Bo in people to be remembered on their special day. The prayers and love help. It doesn't hurt to watch two people embark on one of the greatest days of their lives. You can't help to think about your own wedding day. I love my Bo, but "Bless his heart," he had a rough day thanks to going out after the rehearsal dinner. But I guess Eric had it a little worse, in your honor Eric I somehow gave myself a black eye. (Picking up a crayon off the floor and hitting my eye on the chair.
Clint and Brittany congrats and thank you again for helping me get through the day with celebrating a wonderful day with you all and your family
Love to All
Christi and Addi

2010-05-27T14:14:00.002-04:00

Hello to All -
I have a feeling this year will be a year of many firsts where I find myself looking back and realizing what we went through 4 years ago. Memorial Day weekend has also been the anniversary for everything. Bo had a biopsy done the Friday before the weekend (I should apologize to everyone that came to our party and was wondering what in the world was the matter with us.) Then we found out he had cancer on a Tuesday, on June 1st. It was then confirmed by Duke on June 6th, mind you it was 6-6-06 (Another day the world was suppose to end. For us it was the worst day of our lives so we decided it could only get better from there). Well today is also the day he received his second call (the It's a Go!) for his lung transplant. I have tried to forget about the first transplant because, well we all know how well that went. So then again on June 1st he was transplanted a second time and my Bo came back to me. I will always carry with me that he loved Addi and I so much he truly came back alive to be with us. Granted our time together afterwards was shorter than we wanted, I am grateful for it. We spent 5 months in the hospital together everyday grateful. Like a dummy I put today on my calendar, like I would ever forget...Crazy what life can throw at you in 4 years.
Thank you for everything to all our family and friends I hope your day is wonderful.
Love to All
Christi and Addi

2010-05-17T22:21:00.003-04:00

Hello to All - Sorry for the delay in the post, lately Addi and I have been loving the outdoors as much as possible. I feel sorry for our street we live on. Addi is determined to ride her bike, but she insists I go with her. Well as she gets better and better the faster she goes, Mommy can no longer walk, now I am running chasing her. She is yelling run faster Mommy and I am yelling stop yelling...you now have the visual.
Addi and I made it through and had a great Mother Daughter Mother's Day. A friend Leslie gave us the idea of planting together on Mother's Day. So we attempted to plant a garden, I use the word garden loosely. I let Addi pick the plants out, jalapenos, cilantro, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a few others. She was so excited Sunday morning that it was Mother's Day to give me my presents she made with the help of Jessica, a camp, and a card picked out. You would have thought it was Christmas, how could one be sad. There was a moment when she realized there is probably a Daddy's day, but I assured her we would do something special for Daddy.
Speaking of Daddy, a quick store to take how you want, but the other day Addi woke up (after sleeping in an extra hour) This typically make for an extra energy day, but Addi calmly walked into the room curled up on my lap and quietly said, "Daddy woke me up. He said Sweetie, its time to wake up." She seemed at peace, so either dreaming and reality, it gave her peace and I am grateful for those moments.
I also have big news, the book written by a friend Kim Reynold's, The Evening Oak, is available for pre-order now. Use this link and get yours today, the more ordered the sooner the better...Congrats to Kim
http://amzn.to/AlexCharles01
This is a great read for adults and young adults, so for any of you teachers out there let your students know!
Love to All
Christi and Addi

2010-05-04T08:05:00.003-04:00

Hello to All -
Nature verses Nurture...clearly it is a little of both. For those of you that know the story of Grandson's Day, well Addi just pulled a "Kids Day" on me. Long story short, Bo (as a kid) convinced his grandmother Rosemary that it was Grandson's day and she took him to the mall and bought him a present and everything. Well, yesterday I was trying to explain to Addi Mother's Day and she has it all planned out for me. (Don't anyone worry, she has it under control) Something about Taco Bell (which we never eat at) and doing something at the house. Anyway, then our conversation continues as such,
"Mom, what day is today."
"Monday, honey, why? (This is normally when we talk about when she can sleep in my bed)
"Mom, I think Monday's should be kids day. I will go to my room you go get me something special and then I will come down and be surprised.'
"Addi, I think everyday is kids day."
"No, we need something special for me." Long pause for me...
"Well, what will tomorrow be?" I tried to divert...
"Tuesday, The Buddies Day."
Needless to say, I did not fall for that one. But she did have Jessica convince we loved Taco Bell...poor Jessica
Love to All
Christi and Addi

2010-05-01T19:23:00.002-04:00

Hello to All -
Well Mother's Day came a weekend early for me. Addi and I had the best Mom and Daughter day today, we are both exhausted (Addi even at one time asked me to go home to take a nap, now that is unheard of for her!)
We were lazy this morning crawled in bed and watched cartoons, nothing like a little Max and Ruby to get the morning going. Then it was off to Davidson Day. The town of Davidson, on a smaller scale, reminds me so much of Lawrence. Small community supporting their college. We spent all morning and early afternoon riding rides, finding friends, crashing lunches (Thanks Shawn and Kristen) and getting our face painted. It is amazing that sometimes when you feel so far from home, you realize you really do have roots where you are. So many people love and care for Addi, it makes my heart swell. She loves everyone of her friends and very much like her Daddy runs up to everyone with open arms, never a stranger (Sorry Henry!)
Then off to get some necessary shopping (and a few things not on the list - PS this is where Addi got tired)
Now we are working on some projects, watching Tinkerbell and just snuggling. Gotta love a weekend with no real commitments!
Love to All
Christi
PS - Happy 30th to my little and ugh younger sister. Yes that makes me older than 30...I might be in denial...age in all relative, right?

2010-04-24T20:01:00.002-04:00

Hello to All -
Well 6 years ago today I married my prince, literally if you asked my Grandma. She figured I was destined when I told her I was living on Princeton Ave. She was always a wise woman. Well no snow today, but tornadoes are heading our way. Mind you I live in NC now, not Kansas. My how things have changed...A lot of people put the incredible expectation on their wedding day. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing more important than standing before God and promising to love someone forever, no matter what come your way. I am truly blessed to have been loved and to love someone up until then. So many people are not as lucky. I have also come to realize that like the movies (Ghost) for example Patrick Swazey says you get to take your love with you, well I don't know about that part, but here on earth you get to keep loving and I believe you are forever loved.
Back to the wedding day thing, for Bo and I, well, other than the "Standing before God"part it really was a formality. Bo knew before I did, God help me he was so impulsive, but it worked for him. He knew for early on we would be together forever. He was my decisiveness, I was his flexibility. He was my voice, I was he sounding board. He was my "spoil me rotten", I was our "we need to save a little more". He was simply, "My Great Love." He was so crazy, we met in late October and by Thanksgiving he was telling me we were getting married. If anyone knows me, knows I didn't even call my boyfriend for 2 years, he was forever the "Interviewer". How lucky were we....the best part, Addi.
I explained to her this morning why Mommy was a little sad and she quickly told me she had a present for me. She went to the alarm clock/CD player and played "Our Song" "Someone Like You", by Van Morrison. In 9 years that CD has sat in there and woke us up, I figure why change it. We danced to it at our wedding. After playing it, she looked at me with big eyes and asked, "Did that make you feel better," Of course it did. Loving her, Loving him and remember who loves us, helps us everyday.
I hope everyone gets to experience eternal love. Addi and I hope to love again, but we know already no one can love as much as Bo did. Thanks for always being my sounding/reading board.
All our love,
Christi and Addi
PS - A little shout out to ET for enduring a black eye from Bo the night before our wedding. Needless to say, things got a little out of hand after the rehearsal dinner!

2010-04-14T11:30:00.002-04:00

Just a quick side post for anyone interested in donating to this wonderful cause...They have been a huge support for myself and Addi during our transition of living life remembering Daddy. It is a safe place for her to feel "accepted and normal". Other kids here are missing their Daddy or Mommy also...
The Kindermourn 2010 Duck Race takes place this Sunday, April 18 2-5 at the National Whitewater Center. On top of supporting a wonderful cause, you will have an opportunity to win a multitude of prizes including $5,000 in cash! If you can attend there is no admission charge. There is a zip line for adults and big kids along with jump houses, face painting, music and entertainment for children. There event culminates with thousands upon thousands of ducks coming down the channel "racing" to the finish line which is always every one's favorite part.
Please support this terrific organization https://www.duckrace.com/Teams/tabid.1477/Default.aspx
Look for Addi's Cure
Love
Christi and Addi

2010-04-06T19:34:00.004-04:00

Hello to All - I wonder if the 5th will ever come and go and not take my breath away. With that being said, still missing you babe...everyday a little more. Funny how it is so much like loving someone, a little more everyday.
Easter was quiet. Surprisingly a hard holiday. Hard to Explain, joyous to All, but Hard. Saturday we had brunch with Grams and Papa and hunted for eggs at the Yacht Club. Addi snuck her way into some friends family photos, poor Grace was drug all over the place "posing" with Addi. Then Sunday we woke up to a bunny filled basket, church, Dunkin Donuts (Iced Carmel Latte for me!) and then Easter Egg hunting...which is by far Addi's third favorite thing to do aside from Christmas and her Birthday. We re-hid them over and over again. Thank you to the Beasley's for helping us take some pictures!
Addi and I took the day and night on by storm on the 5th. We are on spring break this week and I have some amazing friends helping me take care of Addi, while I work on getting up to speed a work. (My incredible co-worker Elizabeth is expecting May 11th...so the office I will come. I can't wait to hold her little girl)
Did I mention that we are in a heat wave of 90 degrees (I am not complaining), but in a dusting of pollen. And for those of you in the Midwest, I am not kidding when I say a dusting...it is like a light snow, almost gritty in your teeth. Ugh, but I guess things could always be worse, right.
Addi/Tonya is keeping me forever entertained. Last night to the amusement of my neighbors, Addi has been working on riding her bike and well that leaves me chasing her down the road. She is getting better and better, loves to go fast and laughs her head off when I have to run to catch up. I foresee a new workout routine for us...I will post a video soon of her and her riding escapades. I am greatly looking forward to the "big" crash that will eventually occur, God help us all.
Love to All
Christi and Addi
PS - Tonya would like the world to know that she is from China and they do not have Rack Rooms Shoe stores there...one store with just shoes...amazing (Where she comes up with these things, I will never know)
PSS - Congrats to Brett and Lindsey...they are expecting and the due date is October 13...Addi's B-day, but Lindsey is hoping for 10.10.10...pretty cool (easy for Bret to remember!) He is a LSU fan and needs all the help he can get! Haha

2010-03-30T23:04:00.002-04:00

Alright - Everyone needs to see a little bit of Tonya (possessed in this video)...but this is Tonya a little crazy, but in her defense she isn't normally this crazy...I love her and her laugh...
Love to All
Christi and Addi

2010-03-27T18:58:00.002-04:00

Hello to All! Yes, I have been quietly crying my tears about the Jayhawks, but I guess that is the nature of the beast, right? Addi and I enjoyed a week back in Kansas with the family. We had a great time, planned to much and wish we could of just sat around some more and rested, but I think that is why we come home right. Her and Cousin Ryan are truly two peas in a pod. They fell in love and out of love with each other over and over again, but at night never went to bed angry...the drama those girls will have. Also sorry to those I didn't meet up with, time just flew by...
Now we are back in NC celebrating another new Cousin, Morgan Mullan. She arrived last night and we already raced to the hospital to meet her and Addi was just in awe. Oh the things Addi wants to teach her. Congrats Caroline and Mike. I cannot help but think what mixed emotions Bo would have...he would (and always was) so proud of your both, but would have a hard time believing his little sister has a baby now.
For those of you also wondering, yes Tonya went to Kansas with us, she was invisible most of the time. When my family wasn't asking teasing her to come out. She did come right back as soon as we walked into the school doors. Tonya is from China, she didn't see the great wall, her mama never took her and she is very sad about this. Addi/Tonya is now obsessed with shrinking...she thinks she is getting smaller and Mommy is a giant. You really have to love and appreciate this age...
Love to All
Christi and Addi
oh yeah, new favorite word, booty followed up by bootilicous - I tried to tell her Beyonce beat her too that word...

2010-03-12T14:18:00.004-05:00

Hello to All - Thank you for all the kinds emails and posts that Addi might just be creative and not odd...with that being said. If you could only have been a fly on the wall at McDonalds the other morning. She was trying to explain to a friend she just met why she was Tonya and that we left Addi at home in bed resting. He was very concerned that she was sick and her mommy was at McDonalds leaving her home alone. I am only waiting on the call from children's services...
I am finalizing the numbers for Addi's Cure, "Beating the Odds," I hope to get that total by the end of the day. Also if anyone is in the Hendersonville area May 1st - 2nd at Crooked Creek a golf tournament for Addi's Cure. Calcutta and steak dinner Saturday night at the Hendersonville Elks Lodge. Please contact Lee Bradley - 828-290-3354.
Also a reminder those of you that shop online, please link up to IGive.com and choose Addi's Cure or any non-profit, so many stores give a percentage back. It is an easy way to raise money.
http://iGive.com/html/refer.cfm?causeid=38872&utm_source=membercheckletter&utm_medium=email

Love to All
Christi and Addi/Tonya

2010-03-10T20:00:00.003-05:00

Alright, when do you worry? Just kidding...Addi has entered her imaginative stage (I think we have been there for a while, but she is getting more creative) She is now officially Tonya....I know, who is Tonya, why Tonya, and are you serious. Please do not refer to her as Addi because either a.) she will just flat out ignore you (Jessica our sitter had this happen to her) or b) she will correct you with the proper eye roll. (My name is Tonyaaaaaa)
The story goes as such, Addi is sick for 3 days, sleeping in her bed. All by herself and we are so proud of her. Tonya is now playing with Mommy. Tonya's family didn't want her anymore, so now she is with us. They were friends before, got split up, and now are friends again. Sisters actually...and the story keeps going on and on...Only I have the child that becomes the imaginary friend instead of just having one...
Love to All
Christi and Tonya

2010-03-05T16:14:00.001-05:00

Hello to All - I can hardly believe yesterday had been 3 months without Bo. Oh how are hearts miss him. Even the stuff that drove us crazy. Lately there seems to be more reminders of him everywhere. Our Addi's Cure event, I went to get my life insurance license, and Addi has been missing him a little more lately. She is sweet, I just hope that I do not screw her up too much. Thanks girls for helping me get through my Friday night and 3 months without Bo.
With that being said, Addi and I (with Pam) had an adventure today watching our friend Kay ride her horse in an North Carolina Rodeo. I believe the proper term is "Roping". She was amazing and all her friends were so sweet to Addi. Addi definately has some of her Papa Cow in her, she loves animals. All she wanted to do was get in the saddle and go faster. She was sad that she wasn't competing...god help me I might need someone to buy her a horse! She loved everything about it, from getting dirty in the dirt, to riding, eating nachos and chasing cowboys to tickle them (that will stop at age 6, don't you worry) Thank you again Kay for inviting us, we had a great time.
Off to bed
Love to All
Christi and Addi

2010-03-02T18:51:00.002-05:00

Hello to All! Sorry for the delay in posting...We had another fabulous Addi's Cure event, Beating the Odds with a wonderful turn out. I am always how fun to can be to play Vegas style without really losing the money. We at least I think it is fun. One of these days I will tune my skills to venture to Vegas on my own and truly gamble. With that being said, I am still working on the totals, but hope to post soon. Thank you again for everyone that turned out and for loving Addi. She had a wonderful time running around and even trying to play some games, we at least roulette and craps. I think I am still recovering from the good time, or it could be that I am just lacking because I am sitting to get another license for work. Thank God Kay is putting up with me and all the talking I do a break and in the car. I do realize for some reason I am talking an ungodly amount. Sorry!
I did have to say Addi and I received the greatest present in the mail! Thank you to my wonderful friends in Kansas. I haven't been able to go home for a while, but they still remember me. We got some things and now I have to run to the grocery store so Addi and I can cook in "her" Cookbook. Thank you for being so thoughtful. Hopefully when Addi and I go to Kansas we can meet up with some of you, if not all. I am not quite sure some of the smaller ones are ready to Addi. She is a force of energy.
Well that is all for now. Wish me (and Kay) good luck on our test! We (I) might need it!
Love to All
Christi and Addi

2010-02-23T20:23:00.004-05:00

Hello to All! I hope everyone is doing well. First I want to say we are so excited for this weekends, Beating the Odds event. Unfortunately we have not sold as many tickets as we would liked to by now, but hopefully everyone knows they can get them at the door. This will probably be our last year doing this event, so I hope we can get a great turnout to celebrate Bo's life and legacy of Addi's Cure. The dress is casual and the dealers are wonderful, so please come on out!
Now that that is taken care of, a couple of funny Addi stories...
I caught Addi very interested in her nose the other day,
"Addi what is the matter with your nose. (Other than you finger up it)."
"Mommy I have Itchy-nose-itis"
Huh? And another...
"Mommy, I have a song in my head and the only way to get it out is to turn on Wow, Wow, Wubzy." Selling like her Daddy all the time, (and not buying it either...like her Daddy)
Addi's favorite dance right now is "Shake you Booty" with the dancing with it...lovely
Sometimes you can't make these things up...
Love to All
Christi and The Comedian Addison (She changed her name, because her Mother (huh) calls her that (Just when she is in trouble or I need to get her attention)

2010-02-16T12:44:00.002-05:00

Hello to All - So I might have started something with Addi and the snow. If you remember it snowed right around Christmas and Addi and I decided that Daddy "wanted Addi and I to have a white (great) Christmas". Well guess what it snowed again right on time for Bo's Birthday. So again Addi felt like Daddy was right there with her. Remember I live in North Carolina where the weather is suppose to be nice and maybe snow once at 32 degrees, guess what SNOW for Valentines! Sorry everyone in NC if Bo has anything to do with this years winter. Addi loves it, snow ball fights are her favorite! So we survived Valentines together with a little snow.

We did have a Great Uncle on Bo's side pass away, Uncle Jim. The Johnson family is always in our prayers. His wife Lib has always reminded me of my incredible Grandma. Not just because the are both incredible, sweet, but when they hold your hands there is always a little squeeze. I can only hope to give that feeling off when I am older.

Enjoy the pictures and love to All

Christi and Addi

PS - If is snows on our Anniversary in April, I will have a serious talk with someone...

2010-02-11T17:13:00.007-05:00

I thought you all would enjoy the laugh I did today. After I asked, "What in the world..." Addi's response, "I got spots." Really...

The observant people might notice two different outfits, yes she did it twice...

2010-02-05T20:55:00.005-05:00

Please see the previous post for explanation of my "posing" daughter...seriously she has lost it! She loves those rain boots, good thing right now with all the rain. Another is a pictures of the card she "sent to heaven" for Daddy. Also one of my secret favorites of my "heart"...

2010-02-05T20:30:00.004-05:00

Can you believe that is has been two months...some days it feels like already, other days are not so quick to pass. Addi and I are so lucky to have the friends and support that we do, it makes each and everyday a little easier. Well, so does keeping busy. So that is what we are doing. Now if we could only get the weather to work with us...it appears to be that way all the was across the US (so I shouldn't complain.)

I am a little at a loss for words tonight, so maybe after a game of checkers with Addi and a good night sleep (not quite sure I can remember what that is...) I will have a little more to share.

Love to All

Christi and Addi

As I promised pictures from Bo's birthday, the card Addi "sent to heaven", Addi eating snow, and a favorite of Bo and Addi sleeping...and Addi posing in her rain boots

2010-02-03T14:09:00.006-05:00

Just a quick post and hopefully soon I will get some pics up from Bo's birthday!

Please mark your calendars, you can email me or info@addiscure.org for tickets....we are also still looking for silent auction items! Thanks

Love to All

Christi and Addi

2010-01-28T00:05:00.003-05:00

Hello to All - Well I cannot sleep tonight. Today is Bo's birthday...count on him to make us push through a hard time of the year. Christmas, his Birthday, Valentines, our Anniversary...then we will be smooth sailing until October. Seriously...
With that being said I remember when Bo and I first started dating, we met in October and then that January he turned 30. For some reason that freaked him out. So on top of all the other issues I had with his impulsiveness, southerness and everything else I ended up falling for he was overwhelmed with the age of 30. It was funny and cute to see him stress over something so silly. It makes me smile right now.
So in Bo's honor I ask you to first perform one random act of kindness. Get someones coffee at Starbucks, help a mother push her shopping cart out of the grocery store when she is busy chasing her kids, leave a generous tip at lunch or dinner, do it for Bo (it is something he did and would do again). Second, Bo always believed that he was "Irish", so if in the Lake Norman area tomorrow after work (5:45) we will all be raising a pint at Galway Hooker. If you are not in the area, then find the first pub or Guinness and drink one for Bo. Third - Tell Your family you love them. Fourth - Wish my wonderful little brother, Clint, Happy Birthday - he shares it with my great guy.
Love to All and Happy Birthday Babe, We all Love You
Christi and Addi
PS - Addi came up with a great idea to send Daddy a balloon to heaven. So tomorrow outside Galway Hooker, Addi and some of her friends will be making notes to tie to balloons to send to heaven. Sometimes she is just a genius, she gets it from her mother. I guess all those times she lost a balloon to the sky and I told her, "Addi you are just sharing your balloon with God. Maybe he needs some in heaven (Never seemed to calm her down after losing it though) She was a least paying attention.

2010-01-26T20:00:00.003-05:00

Hello to All - I hope you all enjoyed that wonderful win last night against Missouri...I sure did. Addi "negotiated" with me to stay up and watch the Jayhawks last night (part of the time, it was 9:00 here) to help cheer them on...she is selling it already.
Well, I did my first trip without her last weekend. She did remarkably well, thank you Phil, Lena and the 3 P's for having her. I attended one of Bo's favorite work meetings with a company he worked with. Bo and I haven't been able to attend the last couple years because of his health concerns, the transplant concerns and such, but he was so excited to go this year because we could drive. We all know he loved work more than one probably should. I probably shouldn't say he worked, because he never felt like it was work when you love something that much. Crazy I know...we should all be so lucky to find something like that to do. But more importantly I think he enjoyed the friends he made. He truly enjoyed talking with everyone, he used to make me study to program so there would be no hesitation to name someone off hand, little did he remember, probably 90 percent of the people there have stayed at house. Bo was always a big proponent to bringing everyone into the office, new agents just learning or even the "competition" (even though he never felt like competition, he always figured there was enough business to go around) Don't get me wrong, he wanted everyone to know the way FIG did things and how great they could help the business, but if you had a good fit and hesitated to leave, then stay put there are good people in the business.
This past weekend proved that. I cannot count on my hands the number of hugs I received, words of encouragement, how many people said they still read the blog (this would be a good time to remind about my sarcastic sense of humor and remind myself to not be so candid - I do hope I get to meet everyone that reads this) So many made a point to give donations to honor our cause and remind me of great stories of when they met Bo or crazy things he did. This meeting was incredible also because of the company that put it on. Talk about taking one of world largest businesses and making our family feel so important and making our cause feel so worthy. Thank you! I cannot express how much everyones support makes that days easier and the fight stronger. I am excited to go to Duke (crazy I know) to give them the check for this past year. Every one's generosity is overwhelming...
With that being said, please mark your calendars for February 27th for "Beating the Odds" another casino night at Raceworld USA in Cornelius. Tickets are $50 and you can either get them from me, friends or email info@addiscure.org... I would love to throw a great party for all and celebrate Bo's legacy.
Thanks again for the wonderful weekend
Christi and Addi

2010-01-17T18:07:00.002-05:00

Hello to All - Well I made it 4 1/2 years without an ear infection...my run is over. With that being said, I had no clue or symptom. I still panic a little when she has something because of the bubble we tried to live in with Bo, so not to get him sick. But all is well, Addi is running along just fine. She actually spent the day shopping with some girl friends all day and I think she truly enjoyed it as much as we did. Picking out shoes to go with and making Ms. Leslie try and everything...Thanks ladies we had a great time. No nap afterwards, but we are finally slowing down.
Nothing to exciting to report. We are excited for all our upcoming events and hopefully a trip to Kansas soon for my little brother's wedding shower weekend, well his fiances. Much to do and celebrate. Wonderful things to keep us busy.
Love to All
Christi and Addi

2010-01-12T15:22:00.002-05:00

Hello to All -
Like Father Like Daughter - Today I brought Addi into work with me and set her up in "Daddy's office to watch a movie while I "accomplished" a few things. I think it did the office good to see her in his office laughing and having a good time. With that being said there are many people and many times Bo would call them into his office to ask, "Will you go get me a Dt. Mountain Dew." So guess what happened today, "Mommy, will you go get me some water," It was one of those moments that brought tears to my eyes. She has no clue what she did, nor did she really care, I mean the movie was on. But, "when she grows up, that will be her office." Watch out world!
Love to All
Christi and Addi
PS - I was proud of the water choice, she is the Dt. Mountain Dew police!

2010-01-10T19:55:00.002-05:00

Hello to all - Nothing really new to report here. We made it through our first "slow" weekend, Friday night was pretty pitiful, but then Saturday so great friends invited us over, so we kept ourselves busy.
Addi picked up the sniffles a little but what little there was, came and left. She nicely let me know, "Mommy you can worry about me." I think maybe I worry a little too much some times.
Hopefully soon we will do something fun and get some new pictures out there.
Take care
Love to All
Christi and Addi
PS - Thanks for leaving my Jayhawks alone, hopefully a lesson will be learned.

2010-01-07T08:51:00.003-05:00

Hello to all - Well we made it through yesterday. I was little surprise how hard it was yesterday, I thought it would be easier to get back to our routine, but in reality it made me realize the part of the day Bo played. I guess that is what I get for thinking. I missed seeing him at work, or home after I dropped Addi off from school, or getting him to ride with to pick her up. Don't worry I am that "looks like crazy lady talking to myself all day," but I like to keep him a part of everything and just keep talking right along. I can hear him in heaven saying "Goodness Christi, you do talk a lot." I just reply back with, "I am not saying every thought that passes through my head...take what you get." Funny how in NC some of you always thought Bo was the talker, I think we are in a good tie. Our daughter doesn't have a prayer...
What that being said, Addi had a great first day back at school. I think she was ready for normal and she got a new friend in class. I am proud to hear that she welcomed her right into class, just grabbed her hand and showed her around. Hopefully she gets that from both of us. Bo as a child found his best friend by knocking on doors until her found a little boy to play with. Isn't life crazy how one simple choice can change the rest of your life or someone else's life. Poor Lee will never be the same...
I did want to take the time now to say thank you too all you that take the time to send cards, I received one yesterday (It got a little lost in the mail) from Mrs. Sindelar's 1st grade class, what an amazing gesture and incredible donation. Sometimes the little signatures can have the biggest impact on ones heart. Bo would be so honored to have such little ones take the time to care about him and his family. Also thank you to those we may have only briefly crosses paths with, but you stop Addi and I to tell us you are thinking of us and praying for us. That means a lot and is incredible to know that there are many people we may not have met, hope to some day, but Bo touched with his life. Thank you
Love to All
Christi and Addi

2010-01-05T09:45:00.003-05:00

Hello to All - Crazy to think a month has gone by already. Crazier to think that Addi and I are just now starting our new normal. I think this month might be a little harder without the adrenaline of Bo's passing and the holidays to carry us through. Plus Bo's birthday at the end of the month will be a hard reminder, but I am sure we will find a way to do some good, everyone watch out. I guess one thing for certain is that time will keep moving, whether that is good or bad is for you to decide.
Addi starts back to school tomorrow, I know she is so excited to see her friends at preschool, bring on the playdates! With the weather being so cold, I guess I shouldn't complain we have Toy R Us at our house, everyday something new to play with...she is doing alright. It is crazy my 4 year old has so much wisdom. Everyday she still says she misses her Daddy, but also that she knows he will help make her dreams come true. We talk often and love to look at pictures. She is growing up too fast. On a funnier note, she has started with, "Mommy I have good news and bad news." "It probably doesn't help that I laugh at both...Neither have ever been bad, just a little distraught for a 4 year old. "Good news, I want to play with this toy, Bad news, I can't get it out of the box."
I guess bring on 2010, hard to write still I want to write 2009. Many thanks to everyone, (I am working on the rest of the thank you letters, so sorry for the delay)
Love to All
Christi and Addi
PS - Come on Heels! Bring on the Jayhawks

2009-12-31T18:08:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year
All our Love
Christi and Addi

2009-12-29T19:39:00.002-05:00

Good Evening - Addi and I are finally getting over our Christmas colds. Addi experienced her first sore throat and it was an experience for me. She refused to swallow and got herself so worked up that I had to call for back up from Grams. It is during these times when she hurts herself or doesn't feel well that she wants Bo the most. She always has and this has been a adjustment for her. We are working on it, just one day at a time. (Which is might say is a little ironic that she has always wanted Daddy, I like to think I am nurturing as well, kids...)
We are planning for a quiet New Years. Other than the first year Bo and I were dating, we have always kept them quiet. Not one for going out and partying it up, so we will keep it quiet. I have come to realize that I have a better time handling the big events it is the little moments that are harder. The times in the car when you have a moment to think, when I would call and chat with Bo, quiet moments of Addi watching TV, making dinner for 1 1/2 now... those moments. So when you see me driving down the road not quite looking like myself, just wave, I am okay, just having a moment.
If I don't get back on here, I hope you all have a wonderful, safe, happy and healthy New Years. It is with mixed emotions for tomorrow. I don't want to move on from 2009, but I sure don't want to stay here either. (Bo would never have wanted that) I guess there is one thing for certain, life will go on and time will keep moving forward. We will just try to grasp at those moments, make more memories and love one another.
Love to All
Christi and Addi
PS - Happy Birthday "Old Lady" Cyndi
PSS - One more Addi story, the other day we were listening to "O Come All Ye Faithful" and Addi says to me, "Mommy this is the song I think they sang to Daddy." Completely catching me off guard, but I hope she is right and when they called Bo home the angels sang him right to heaven...

2009-12-27T21:37:00.003-05:00

Just a quick note that is a little funny...Addi just had a epiphany.
"Mommy, I just thought of something...I am glad Daddy's in Heaven"
"Why is that Addi"
"Because when Daddy is in heaven, he can make my dreams come true." Arms thrown up into the air...I start to think I am so proud of her...then it comes
"Addi what do you wish for?" ....drum roll
"More Toys!"
And to think Christmas is here in 363 more days! At least she did mention something about giving her old toys away...
She does know her Daddy though and it will probably happen, somehow...
Love to All
Christi and Addi
PS - Happy Birthday Big Brother!

2009-12-25T13:43:00.003-05:00

Merry Christmas to All - We are having a good Christmas. Toys R US threw up in our house, with Polly Pockets and My Little Pony....Why is there so many little pieces? We are most certainly missing Bo, but are happy we have each other, wonderful memories and "He is always in our heart." We carry so much love for Bo and talk about him often that it always makes the memories a little more real and close to our hearts.
Thank you to everyone that has been checking in on us and for all the great posts on Facebook. It makes it easier to carry on when you can feel the love from everyone. Addi did pick up a cold yesterday and was a little out of sorts last night. She slept forever this morning, so we are enjoying the day together in our pjs. (After Grams, Papa, Tracia and Mr. Bob came over to watch Addi open presents and give Me my present of helping me get everything out of its box. THANK YOU FOR THAT!)
I did save one present Bo had picked out from Disney and had shipped back. The Disney Princess Castle, she has declared it her favorite present. Probably because of the size of the castle, all the princesses that came with it and well it was from her Daddy. A sweet moment to cherish our time together from this year.
Bo would want everyone to enjoy the day, share many laughs and embellish as many stories as possible reliving the "Good 'ol Days".
Love to All
Christi and Addi
PS - Did I tell you about the time...just kidding

2009-12-18T19:30:00.002-05:00

Well another week down. Addi and I have decided that we are going to stick around NC for the holidays and for a while afterwards. Addi has had such a crazy month and with the hype of Santa and Christmas, I think it is just best to get her stable here. I am unsure with some of her unrest and temperament if it is dealing with the loss of Bo, Christmas or her unstable past month, so here we are and here we stay. If you have plans we are here and we would love to see everyone, as much as possible.
Speaking of Addi, lately her big issue/question is that she knows her father so well. The question we deal with all the time is, "I know Daddy is asking God to let him come back to his daughter, because that would make her happy. And her Daddy would do anything to make her happy." (So Bo...) Tough one I know...so I explain to her the God needed Daddy to be an angel with him to help make us and a lot of other people happy. We will always have Daddy with us in our hearts and our fun stories/memories.
Now switch to today. We received some of the prettiest snow today. Which is a little early for this year. Addi was so in love with it and everything about it. We decided that her Daddy would do anything to make her the happiest girl in the world, hence the wonderful snow. Her Daddy can't be with us physically, but he went to work in heaven and gave her one of the greatest days. I promise we will not always be so sentimental (sappy), but today we needed it. We then proceeded to have hot chocolate, her cup has hearts all over it, and she showed me where each of our hearts were on the cup. "All our hearts were connected."
We are excited for Christmas (I need to get moving with the final things to get done and start wrapping.) I am sure the holidays will get harder the closer we get, but right now we are focused on enjoying the day and knowing that Daddy loved us so much. Having a 4 year old makes you push though and carry on. Bo and I decided a long time ago that she deserved the best from both of us, unfortunately that was harder on Bo back in the day. But he always rose to the occasion. Now it is my time...our time.
Love to All
Christi and Addi

2009-12-15T20:11:00.002-05:00

Hello to All - Well Addi and I made it through our first day "on our own". I put that in quotes because I know and she knows that we are well taken care of and looked after by everyone (in NC and far away) but with that being said, without family in the house and around. We are trying to find out "new normal". I wish I could say we did it gallantly, but to no avail. I think the weeks have caught up to us and tiredness did play a part, but there was a few tears, from both of us.
I think we both have a hard time accepting our new reality, but we know it our hearts Bo would want us to carry on. It is funny the things Addi says to me when she catches me in a sad moment (everything I say to her)
"Mommy I am still here."
"Mommy we are going to be alright."
"Mommy, Daddy is still in our hearts."
With that being said Addi did have the cutest (and heart wrenching) conversation after school on Monday, with herself and Daddy. She missed a birthday party on Saturday with the family in town, but Anna was sweet enough to give her a party favor, a small Christmas tree to decorate. Addi climbing into the car, this is our conversation
"Mommy, I can't wait to show Daddy how lucky I am."
I was thinking, oh no, again we are going to have to have the conversation that Daddy is in heaven. "Addi, how are you going to show Daddy your tree."
"Mommy, (with a little exasperation) Daddy is in my heart." Then she proceeded to lean the tree to her heart. "Daddy, Look how lucky I am."
Addi speaking for Bo, "Oh Sweetie, you are so lucky."
"Daddy, don't I have the best friends."
"Sweetie you are so special and I love you more than everyone, with Mommy."
I am trying not to let her see me cry, but I am just grateful this is how she remembers her Daddy talking to her and always calling her Sweetie.
Love to All
Christi and Addi
Praying for more rest and a day filled with love and happiness tomorrow.

2009-12-13T12:36:00.001-05:00

Just a quick (and late) thank you so whomever helped put Bo's name on the football during the Appalachian vs Montana game. What an incredible tribute. We did see it and loved it, he would be so honored and proud. We just wish the game would have turned out differently...
Love to All
Christi and Addi

2009-12-12T11:55:00.002-05:00

Hello - It is crazy and surreal to think that a week has already passed. I am not sure what the word would be to describe this week. So much sadness with Bo's passing, so much gratitude for the kindness of stories and love showing Addi and I support and a little denial that my Bo is gone. I still find it hard to believe that he won't walk through the door, change my channel to sports center, or holler from the bed room for Addi and I to come in and watch Wow Wow Wubzy with him.
Of course my focus right now is Addi. She is doing alright. May statements of missing Daddy. And many questions of why Daddy isn't here. One conversation we had,
"Mommy, why did Daddy die"
"Daddy, had cancer and it made him real sick to where his heart stopped working."
"Why, did God want Daddy in heaven?"
"God needed Daddy to be an angel with him. You know what I think Daddy would want us to do?"
"What Mommy?"
"I think Daddy would want us to be happy, and play and just love everyone."
"You know want else I think Daddy would want us to do?"
"What Addi?" (This could be a loaded question)
"I think Daddy would want us to make sure no one else gets cancer."

From your mouth Addi to God's ear.

Love to All
Christi and Addi

2009-12-09T22:01:00.002-05:00

Just a quick thank you for all the out pouring of love and support. What an amazing day cherishing the one I love, the one you love. Thank you to the friends that helped carry Bo, that helped throughout the cermoney and who spoke on his behalf. I couldn't ask for better men to help raise my daughter and keep the spirit of Bo alive. It will take all of us to raise her and live up to his spirit.
I do not think I can let go of this blog, yet. To many times we have had those rough days, and selfishly put the word out that the day was rough and you all came through with the words of encouragement. I might/know still need those days in the future. I promise not to bother too much, but many of you (even though we may have never met) feel like close friends.
Love to All
Christi and Addi

2009-12-09T09:31:00.002-05:00

Hello to All - Thank you all so much for visiting us last night. I know I loved Bo more than anything, but the kind words said just reassured how wonderful he was. I cannot take credit for finding him, as many of you know we met on a job interview (he was interviewer and I interviewee) so he asked me out, but I did say yes. (Who really could say no to Bo)
Again Thank You
Love to All
Christi and Addi - The Wild One last night
Also for those of you that can attend today, please join us for Bo's BBQ right after the service. There will be no graveside service today.

2009-12-06T19:54:00.003-05:00

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

2009-12-05T18:16:00.005-05:00

As you can imagine today has been felt with many highs and lows. My quiet house, pictures that bring smiles, stories that bring laughter and heart ache that brings tears. I knew I could never prepare for this day, so I never tried. It would always be a thousand times worse, it is. But, we will never give up (Go Heels, that will forever follow that phrase with a little murmur from me) Addi is stronger than I could ever imagine and I will follow her example.
Arrangements have been made:

Visitation:
Tuesday - December 8th 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Raymer Funeral Home
16901 Old Statesville Road
Huntersville, NC 28078

Service:
Wednesday - December 9th - 11:00 am
St. Marks Catholic Church
14740 Stumptown Road
Huntersville, NC 28078

Receiving Visitors at the Yacht Club following the Service
18501 Harbor Light Blvd
Cornelius, NC 28031

Love to All
Christi and Addi

2009-12-05T03:27:00.001-05:00

It is with a heavy heart that I say, my love passed away this morning. May he rest, in peace.
Love to All
Us

2009-12-04T15:11:00.002-05:00

Just a short post, Bo is resting at home now surrounded by love.
I think for the first time I am at a loss for words.
We are not sure how much time we will have together in this next phase, selfishly I want another 3 1/2 years, but I do know better. I want no suffering, no pain. I want Bo to do this his way on his time. We will all ride this ride together, celebrate his life and journey.
I also want to thank everyone for his kind words. Not for just right now, but for me to share with Addi in the future. With your comments, letters mailed and pictures I hope to create a volume of books for her to have forever celebrating her Daddy. (I hope you get the hint, that if you have anything you would like to share about Bo, with Bo or pictures, I would love to have some) Everyone of you, people me have met and people we have not met, are special to us. We talked many times about this blog and how grateful we are to have it. Our toughest days were sustained many times because of words said on this website. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing our life with us and this journey.
Love to All
Christi, Bo and Addi
PS - I guess I did have enough to say after all - Always me

2009-12-02T23:14:00.003-05:00

Hello to All - You might guess from my delay that I do not want to type this post. I hope we can count on everyone to walk our new path with us, with love, respect and the dignity Bo deserves. Our wonderful friends and doctors came down to give us some analysis and help our decision process. With their input we have decided that Bo isn't able to continue any more treatments. At this time it might do more harm than good. So now we will start the next phase in our journey together. Bo will chose how to live his life to the fullest.
Tomorrow Bo will come home and we will have assistance in making him comfortable. I ask that you give us time to get him comfortable. I ask for time for us to adjust to our path of living life as Bo chooses. I know you all love him almost as much as I do, so we want you to come and celebrate our journey with us, but I am going to be selfish and cherish as much time as I can with him as well. I will post when we can have visitors, but please be aware that Bo cannot time your visit and he might be resting or only able to talk for 5 minutes.
I know the next question is time, how much time do we have...once again I have no answer to that. No magic crystal ball. We have now and that is more than some people will get. I think coming sooner rather than later is always best because we never know what the future will hold.
I want to thank everyone for their love and support. Our journey together is not done, I hope will never be done. I know Bo is as special to you as me.
Tonight we were watching the Jimmy V Classic and Dr. Crawford asked Bo if he remember what Jimmy V's famous saying was, Bo with his quick wit said, "Go Tarheels", hehehe, Actually is was "Never Give Up, Never Give Up," and that is what we will do.
Love to All
Christi, Bo and Addi

2009-12-02T16:14:00.002-05:00

Hello I just wanted to let everyone know the time frame will not be until late tonight. Dr. Crawford and Susan and traveling after work to come here to be with us. I can only imagine how many times refresh gets hit when you are waiting for news. (You all taught me during transplant) So I am learning.
Bo has been resting most of the day. We are trying medicine to get fluids off him, we just started those and it will probably take 24 hours to know if they are working.
I will post when I can tonight, I am just trying to figure out how to juggle Addi and the late not Dr. visit. I have been trying to be home for most breakfast and dinner meals, so tonight might be an exception.
Love to All
Christi, Bo and Addi
Don't hit refresh until later :)

2009-12-01T22:43:00.003-05:00

I apologize for just now posting, no computer and I have been spending as much time as possible with Bo and Addi. Today was a quiet day, we have a great doctor here that is more than willing to let Dr. Crawford call the shots. He is constantly in contact with them. With that being said Dr. Crawford and Susan are coming down tomorrow from Duke to put "eyes" on him and assess the situation from people that have seen him through his battle for 3 1/2 years. I also know that they probably understand that I cannot move through this process without differing to them some way. I value their input and help guidance from them will give us all confidence in decisions being made.
Bo has improved kidney function today, so our decision to keep hydrating him was a good one. He still has a long way to go to have normal function and everyday is a new day, but as we have learned before, stable is good. Bo has other complications as well right now, some minor and some not so minor that we will need to address also. One day at a time, one step at a time. As for now though the prayers for improved kidney function are working, now we also need to pray for reduction of fluid in his 3rd space. (Which, dumb downed for Christi means, swelling in his legs and abdomen) This is tricky because most meds they would use to relieve this are hard on your kidneys, so we wait and try to make Bo comfortable with pain meds until we can decide what to do.
Thank you all for your wonderful support and especially all the love to our entire family. I am extremely grateful to everyone and the kids helping to distract Addi so I can be here as much as possible. We can feel the love and support. I also know it is hard not to come and hug us all here, but thank you for respecting our need to handle Bo delicately right now with no visitors. He exhausts easy and if I know him, he would want everyone to come in and chat for a couple hours. Just know we tell him everyone is thinking about him and he knows he is loved, never doubt that.
I promise will do better keeping everyone informed, I just need to remember to keep a computer handy.
Love to All
Christi, Bo and Addi
PS - Sorry for all the typos, when my posts are long I have a hard time going back to correct my typing and grammar...

2009-11-30T08:50:00.000-05:00

Hello - Just a quick note. We are still in the hospital getting fluids. They doctors should make their rounds late this afternoon and maybe we will have an idea of what the next step it.
His kidneys have minimal output right now, but sometimes it takes 24 hours to see how things are progressing.
Please keep praying.
Love to All
Christi, Addi and Bo

2009-11-29T15:54:00.000-05:00

Hello to All - It it with an extremely heavy and worried heart that I type this to you all. I do understand this is going to be a shock to everyone, as me and the family as well, Bo's body has taken a dramatic turn in the last 48 hours. Addi and I returned early to Bo with him considerably, fatigued, confused and bloated. We spent the night with him to bring him to the emergency roon early this morning.
It appears that Bo's kidneys are struggling and potentially shutting down. This could be due to dehydration, so we are getting fluids now in hopes they will start working again. The next 24-48 hours are critical. Please if you have a moment to say a prayer, please pray Bo's kidneys get working better and that we can get him to chemo.
I am in constant communication with the Duke doctors and everything possible that could be done is being done.
I will try my best for myself or someone else to keep you updated.
Love to All
Christi, Addi and Bo
At this time all we ask for is prayers and as help is needed I promise we will ask for help. For now please no visitors, we are hoping rest and quiet will help.

2009-11-24T09:58:00.002-05:00

Hello to All - and Happy Thanksgiving!
I type this a little freaked out. Originally we had planned to visit my family in Kansas for the first time at Thanksgiving (Bo has to see the craziness of my Mother), but Bo really isn't feeling well enough to fly. He has developed a new, painful clot, in his leg which makes walking hard and well, painful. So he is insisting that Addi and I go on to Kansas. Don't get me wrong I am excited to see everyone in Kansas, I just fear that I will be so stressed out about Bo that it will be hard to enjoy myself. (As I keep talking to myself) I know that Bo is in wonderful hands and everyone with spare time will be checking in on him, I just don't want to leave him. I think this is the longest time in our 3 1/2 year battle I will not see him. Enough boo-hooing, I will have fun, try to rest, (botox these wrinkles out before I come home, right...)put on another 10 lbs compared to all the pasta and carbs I am making Bo and let Addi ride Papa Cow's, Cows and Horses.
Everyone have a wonderful Thanksgiving and if you are local to us, please check on Bo. We are hoping we can get up to Duke soon for chemo, we just need to fatten him up some more.
Love to All
Christi, Bo and Addi

2009-11-16T11:19:00.006-05:00

Hello to All - Just a quick update and hopefully a few entertaining pictures. We met with Bo's nurses twice last week and they were incredible. They are ready for a plan of attack to help Bo in any way he sees fit. Right now we are just struggling with getting Bo to "see fit". He has been able to keep his food down and the pain managed, now to get him out of bed, showered and eating consistently...Now is when I miss those "mean" ICU nurses and the physical therapy. Me fussing at him has become white noise. So anyone that would like to take on the challenge I am more than willing to make this a relay.

With that being said, Addi is still the medicine we all need. She had a couple birthday parties this weekend (and missed another and the Panthers game, go Panthers) But well worth it, you can see from the pictures attached.

Love to all and we hope to see you soon

Christi, Bo and Addi

2009-11-11T10:33:00.003-05:00

Hello to All - Just a quick update. We did make it up to Duke yesterday, barely. It was decided Bo wasn't feeling well enough to start any new chemo. So our plan for attack right now is to focus on his nausea and strength. They would like a local nurse to visit him at the house more frequently and to keep better tabs on him. Hopefully this will start soon, the sooner she comes the better we can adjust his meds or change them to help him feel better and actually keep some food in his system. Depending on how quickly we can handle this, then we go from there.
Many of you ask how you can help. Just be there for Bo. It is quite lonely feeling sick all the time. He cannot answer his phone all the time, but he does a great job responding back to emails. I know he would love to hear from everyone to help pass the time until he feels better. Also mark your calendars for February 27, 2010 for another year of Beating the Odds at Raceworld USA in Cornelius, NC. We are looking for silent auction items, sponsors and helpers to sell tickets!
Love to All
Christi, Bo and Addi

2009-11-09T16:20:00.002-05:00

Hello to All - Oh I so wished I could tell you all that Bo was doing better (since I did say no post means no news is good news, but this time we are stable) He still isn't eating very much and is extremely weak. We keep trying, so we try some more.
With that being said, we are heading up to Duke tomorrow. After all the tests ran when Bo was in the hospital they do feel like a change is necessary in Bo's treatment plan. There is a slight change in his liver with the cancer, no where near where it was in July when they discovered it, but enough to warrant a different chemo. We have all decided this might be the best anyway, since we are unsure of what is making Bo sick, maybe the Altima maybe not, but we will do whatever we can to make him feel better. I just pray and pray that Bo will find the strength to travel to Duke tomorrow so the doctor can help him feel better. When you are feeling bad I am sure that last thing you want to do is drive and get chemo...
Bo's doctors have been amazing again and checking on us and trying to make sure Bo knows they want to exhaust every option out there for him and try to discover what is causing him not to feel well, I pray we can do it soon. Chicken broth can only get you along for so long.
I will let you know if we travel tomorrow. Please make sure to tell your family how much you love them and say a quick prayer tonight for everyone's health and happiness. We will find a way through this, we are just riding the roller coaster.
Love to All
Christi, Bo and Addi

2009-11-03T09:42:00.004-05:00

No Duke today, Bo is resting and trying to feel better. J - I will check with doctors about his immune levels. They have been watching, but one more test cannot hurt right?

Here a some Halloween Pictures of our Alice and some friends trick or treating at the office...

2009-11-02T11:41:00.002-05:00

So Sorry this weekend has been a blur and well, the blog got left in the dust. Bo got the okay to come home from the hospital on Friday. So if you were on I-85, that was me leaving you in the dust...I did set cruise control and tried to stay only 6 over....hehehe
With that being said, Bo's MRI Brain scan came back the same...he still has those 2 previous spots and they remain unchanged, so that is good news. Bad news is we still do not know what the problem is. They released Bo with him feeling a little better, but not himself. (I think he decided he had enough and wanted to try and make trick or treating.)
He is home, still in bed not feeling well, but eating a little and getting more fluids in him. I think the plan right now is to go back up tomorrow, hopefully, talk with Dr. Crawford and keep trying to figure out what might be the problem. I have contacted Dr. Palmer already and he had some tests ran while Bo was in the hospital and Bo's transplant meds appear to be fine, so hopefully they are not causing the problem, but maybe. He is willing to try anything, tweak a little, and see if that will help.
Thanks for the prayers and I will get pictures of Addi up soon, aka Alice in Wonderland and let you know when the next appointment will be and what we will do from there.
Thanks for all the love, support and patience.
Love to all
Christi, Bo - in bed not feeling well and Addi, bouncing all the walls with candy - we limit to one a day, but I think she stashed some somewhere in the house because her energy is 10 fold - that or I am getting older (never) Or maybe because Christmas is everywhere!

2009-10-28T21:33:00.002-04:00

Hello to All - Today was fairly uneventful. More fluids, more tests and tonight they took Bo for a Brain MRI. Bo spent most of the day with his sister Caroline and trying to keep the doctors and nurses from coming in so he can get some rest. They want to run their tests, figure out what the problem is and kick him out, he just wants to feel better without being poked 500 times...to meet in the middle, is that possible?
We will get some results hopefully tomorrow and maybe find a solution. Please keep praying that Bo will find a way to keep some food in his stomach and that nothing new or old shows up on the Brain MRI.
Love to All
Christi, Bo and Addi
See I told you it isn't good when we post frequently...

2009-10-27T21:04:00.002-04:00

Hello again - so quickly I know. Well today didn't go as uneventful as we wanted. Bo was admitted into the hospital today to hopefully just treat dehydration and nausea. They immediately hooked him up to an IV at the clinics and then moved him to the hospital. They are only expecting him to be there for a couple days. They just really want to help him get over this hump of not feeling good.
With that being said, they couldn't get an IV in him yesterday to run the CT with contrast, they just performed a CT. From what they can tell, they do not feel that the cancer has changed. Once they pump him up with fluids, they will try to run the test again with contrast and make sure. They are also going to run a Brain MRI and check the infamous "spots" on his brain.
We all are hoping and pushing towards that Bo just picked up with flu and hasn't been able to overcome it on his own. So let's keep praying for that and not anything any more exciting. I guess it is all in perspective when you are praying for a flu bug...
Love to All
Christi, Bo and Addi

2009-10-26T11:16:00.003-04:00

Hello to All - Christi here - Bo and I made a pack that we would update once a week, even if we have nothing to say, which for anyone that knows us, having nothing to say really never happens.
Today we head up to Duke for the infamous scans. (We meet with Dr. Crawford first thing tomorrow morning for the results - BIG Prayers tonight please) With that being said, I am nervous. Bo has been under the weather for a week now. He hasn't been able to keep anything down and that makes me nervous, because with cancer, losing weight is never a good option. It is possible, Bo got one of the many types of "flu" going around, but it is hard not to "go there" whenever he is feeling bad. So I am heading off the doctors and sending an email up ahead of time to let them know we are having stomach issues and we are not leaving until we find out what to do. Or at least get some medicine to help for the time being. So I worry, I am beginning to get more wrinkles than I can count!
Addi and I have been doing well staying away from the flu. The poor girl had her 4 year old check up last week and that made her out of sorts, but she is better and ready to trick or treat. I promise pictures of that soon.
Love to all and we should update later this week with the results.
Christi, Bo and Addi