My wife and I met on October 24th in 2007. We were both at a grand opening event for new bocce ball courts in Santa Cruz. I was there representing the City of Santa Cruz. She was there representing Santa Cruz Sister Cities. We were probably the only two people under the age of 50 at this event.
My wife went to the event with her friend Roxie, who was in charge of the relationship between Santa Cruz and on of our sister cities, Shingu, Japan. Roxie was twice our age, but she may have had twice as much energy.
Roxie passed away last week. Losing her hit my wife and I hard. Roxie was there from the very beginning of Melissa and Chris. If Roxie hadn't come into Melissa's life before that event, I might not be writing this today as Melissa's husband, and as dad to Cameron and Amelia.
After Melissa and I had kids, we saw Roxie way less frequently. But she always had an important role in our life together. And it made me realize every person I've ever met has led me to exactly where I am right now: typing this from my home in Santa Cruz, California as a married father of two amazing children.
Roxie was one of the many great, important people in my life. But everyone has been important in some way. The great ones, the not-so-great ones, and everyone in between have played a part in who I am.
So today I'm giving thanks to everyone I've ever met. Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for not being my friend. Thank you for putting me in an uncomfortable position. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for challenging me to be better. Thank you for being an important person in my life.
Make it a great day!
Coach Chris