happy birthday

I know I haven't posted anything on here in a really long time, I just couldn't thing of something to say that I either haven't already written on here, talked to you parents about, or just said out loud when I knew you were listening. But I'm just going to wing it because I just had the strong feeling to start writting on here. (I hope you don't mind)So im stuck out here in the middle of the California desert for a month with no phone or really any ties to the real world except for this laptop with slow internet and government blocks on every website from facebook to espn.com, but thankfully this and the Race for Hope websites both work which is probably keeping me from going crazy. Another part of the down time is I have a lot of time to think out here, and as usual anytime I think to myself for more than 10 minutes my thoughts always have a way of coming back to you. I've come to realize you really kept me grounded and stopped me from doing a lot of pretty dumb things. I think it was because I never wanted to disappoint you. And in light of all the dumb things I have been doing the past months I realize I really owe you a lot for keeping my life together back in a time where I easily could have made really big mistakes, and I also see I still need that in my life. Thats one of the things I love the most about you, Christa, no matter how bad of a day you where having or how bad things looked you never hesitated to help me or anyone else out. That's why we all know you're looking after all of us. We need more people like you. I was talking to a new sergeant in my unit and somehow in the conversation you came up. I told him pretty much every story I could think about you which took forever and made it longer with me pausing every few minutes to keep myself together, but despite those few pauses where I almost broke into tears the rest of the time I was smiling and talking about you made me probably the happiest I've been in months. I still think about you all the time and I still get depressed and even angry that you're gone and I feel like I could have been there for you a lot more, but now I'm able to look back and smile when I think about you too. It's crazy to think how much time has past since the last time I saw you, the last time I hugged you goodbye outside of CiCi's Pizza. The image of you walking away for the last time still sticks out in my head. The Race for Hope is in a month and a half away and I can't wait to see everyone that you inspired and loves you. I haven't seen your parents in such a long time and I can't wait to see them. I can't believe you've been gone almost two and a half years. It still feels like yesterday but at the same time feels like forever. I love you, Christa, and still miss you so much.
Jon Cecilio

still thinking of you and I still miss you

You should have been there

Krista, it’s hard to believe you’ve been gone for two years because your loss still weighs heavily upon me. On June 18, I attended the South County Secondary School commencement and my tears were not shed for my child’s accomplishments. Instead, my tears flowed during the ceremony as you were being remembered in speeches given by your peers. You should have been there and your family should have been there, because just like your 2010 classmates, you had hopes, dreams, and goals.

Susan Hamon

Spending a moment with you

Dear Kathie, Steve, Jason, and Jeff,

I hesitated posting something here, but I am thinking if you are anything like me, this weekend I can only imagine you will visit this site several times, wanting some form of assurance that Krista lives on in the hearts of your family and friends, and that she is remembered. (Of course we know that she does, whether people post here or not, but it is still nice to see things in print!) It probably seems like yesterday since you saw her last, and at the same time, forever.

I hadn't seen the post of "Dad and Dit" before--what a treasure! And there's a picture of Kathie and Krista I missed, too--the one on the right underneath the team picture--they look like sisters! I love reading what Krista's friends and family have shared, and am glad to see that there are some regulars that come back and post. They may not realize how important that is to you, and I hope that they continue.

I like to think that Jenny and Krista have somehow met up together. An interesting question to ponder: Did their spirits help us to connect here on earth, or was it the opposite?

Keeping you all close to my heart,
Janet B.

Today is Your Birthday

So, today is your birthday
The day we celebrate your beginnings in this life
A bundle of joy loved by so many family and friends



And though we cannot see you,
we feel you near each day……
A fearless wave crashing upon the coastal rocks
The gentle breeze that caresses our face
A snowflake in the winter sky
The smile of the crescent moon
A ray of sunshine warming up our day

You’re often in our thoughts and dreams
And forever in our aching hearts,
freed when we meet again

Happy Birthday Krista,
From a Friend

So I haven't been around for a while, my bad! Hope things are great up there, when are they not? The race is coming up this Sunday, I can't believe it's already been a year and a halfish since you decided to leave for Heaven! It still seems surreal to me and I still expect to see you with your bubbly personality. Can you believe your brother joined the Army!? I can't! I know you're watching over him, I know he's making you proud! So, it's finals week and I should be studying for an exam but I am thinking about everything but the exams I have. I'm sorry that I didn't try as hard to get close with you like I should have. I should have hung out with you more and stuff. We can catch up on all that when I meet you up there, right? I just wanted to say Hi! and that I miss you and hope Heaven is just as great as everyone says it's going to be. I'll see you when I see you, love<3.

I know I haven't posted anything on here in a very long time, Christa, but I make sure everytime that I do get on any computer this is the very first thing I check. I still think about you everyday, but lately I've just been having a really hard time and I've been missing you more and more even though you've been gone over 16 months it feels like its only been a week. I went off post today and spent over $50 on cds and movies most of which remind me of you not to mention the dozens of songs already on my laptop that remind me of you. I walked about a mile with my best friend here to get dinner tonight and the whole way we talked about you and it made me feel a little better, but I still miss you. I haven't been to church since Christmas Eve. I try to go, I plan on it every weekend but when the time comes to go I just have no motivation to go. I do try to pray every night and I feel like it helps a little bit. I graduate on the 3rd from my Army training here at Ft Gordon then I just have to get my wisdom teeth pulled and I can go to Ft Bragg. Hopefully, because I had some of the highest grades in my class, I might be able to go home for 2 weeks, or at least take leave for the Race for Hope (which by the way your team is almost at the $20,000 mark already!). I passed my PT Test that I was freaking out about but I got 1 or 2 more when I get to Ft Bragg. It looks like theres a very strong possiblity that im spending my 21st birthday in the Middle East, but I don't really mind that much. I'm not scared because I know everything happens for a reason and that you'll be there watching over me. I just wish things can go back to the way they used to be. I think thats why I've been missing you so much lately; I'm about to start a brand new chapter in my life and that I wish you could be here to share it with me. I just really wanted to say that I love you Christa and I still miss you more than you'll ever know
Jon Cecilio

Beautiful Words by Kenny Chesney

Sunny days seem to hurt the most

Wear the pain like a heavy coat

I feel you everywhere I go

I see your smile,

I see your face

I hear you laughing in the rain

Still can't believe you're gone

Chorus: It ain't fair you died too young

Like a story that had just begun

The death tore the pages all away

God knows how I miss you

All the hell that I've been through

Just knowing no one could take your love away

Sometimes I wonder who you'd be today

Would you see the world?

Would you chase your dreams?

Settle down with a family?

I wonder, what would you name your babies?

Some days the sky's so blue

I feel like I can talk to you

And I know it might sound crazy

My Hero

A beautiful young lady named Samantha Kusina sent me a letter and expressed her regret that she never got the chance to tell Krista that she "is my hero and always will be.' She shared an essay that whe wrote in one of her classes.

My heart dropped when I heard the frighteneing news. I was only twelve years old, and my friend Krista who was 13 had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. No one know or could tell she had been carrying such a deadly disease. We found out after her mom and brothers walked in her room early on 10/11/05 and found her on the floor having a seizure. It was so frighteneing at first and everything seemed hopeless, but everyone pushed the fear way and hoped for the best.

After her first surgery, she wnt home, and we all waited for the reults anxiously. It could turn out either good or bad. Suprisingly, the news was in between. They had successfully removed most of the tumor safely. After a while it grew back. My heart sank in my gut and I just wanted to vomit. Trying to cheer her up, my friend Erin and I put on our fakest smiles and dressed up in our wackiest outfits to make her happy. I think it helped out a little.

A year and a half later, the doctors once again went in for surgery. This time it could have been life-altering. The tumor was so close to the part of the brain that controls eyesight that it could cause her to go blind. My heart started racing as I thought of what may happen. I was terrified, but I kept repeating to myself, "Everything will be ok." That saying is what gave me hope and made me believe Krista would make it through the surgery safely.

The news spread by texts, calls, and e-mails; she had made it through the surgery without losing her eyesight. This time they removed most of is, but then they put her on chemo and radiation therapy. Things began to settle down and slowly went back to normal.

We always kept in touch but only by texsts and few calls every now and then. We became long distance friends, two people trying to battle the strength of time, but no matter what happened we managaged to stay friends.

Krista has taught me to always keep hope when everythibng may seem impossible. The worst things can happen to the kindest people, but everything happens for a reason and will only make us stronger in the end.

hi,

i have not written on here for a really long time, sorry!! i know things are great up there, it always is. so i ended my first semester of college and it was okay...i wish you were here so we could talk about it!!! Christmas is coming up, i hope your family likes my gifts! i just wanted to stop by and say hello and that i miss you!!!

i'll see you sooner or later!!

It's my favorite one too.

It's hard to know what to do with this day. It's been a year. Dad was your first word. So, whoever reads this if they dont already know, "Dit" was your second word when you tried to say "Krista" You practiced and got it real quickly, but "Dit" just stuck for you and me. It still does. Mom dug this picture out of your trunk and gave it to me about 6 months ago. Yes, it's my favorite too. Love always, Dad.

The Ultimate Impact

Krista, You had such an amazing impact on the lives of so many people. You reached to them and they reached back to you. You had such a zest for living and were always connecting with people. One of your connections was your Yankees/ RedSox debate. I believe that year your positive energy helped drive the RedSox to their win of the World Series. With your passing you made a convert of Mr. Coleman from a Yankees fan to a RedSox fan. For the 2009 season Mr. Coleman was proud to wear the RedSox hat and I want the world to see him in such a positive light. He frequently can be seen walking the halls of Riverside with his Boston cap proudly on his head.

It was 5 years ago today that you were first diagnosed with a brain tumor. Although you aren't physically with us, you are definetly in our hearts and on our minds every day. We love you so much.

Krista Thompson epitomizes pureness, from our days back at Gunston, up to her passing. She was a kind hearted, and at the same time, self spoken young lady. She was always for helping other people. I specifically remember my first day at Gunston elementary school. I hadn't spoken to anyone all day being the new kid. Mind you, I was also only in the 3rd grade. Krista, who was in the 4th grade, was in the same lunch period as I was. She saw me siting at a table by myself, and she got up from her table and went to go sit down right next to me. We chatted throughout the entire lunch peiod, and at the end I said to her, "maybe this school isn't going to be so bad after all. She just smiled and gave me a noogie, and then walked me to class. For the first time that day, I didn't feel left out. She had that effect on people. I also remember her on a couple of occasions eaching me to swim at Pohick Bay pool when i barely could. She was also the one who pushed me to join the Hayfield Swim and Dive team, which I am still on today. For the rest of my days, I will never meet someone as nice and as kindhearted as she was. When I first was informed of her passing, I cried until I couldnt cry anymore. Then I remembered her strength and I knew she wouldnt have wanted anyone crying over her. She would have wanted us to remember the good things about her, and also the way she helped so many people, including me. So as we near the one year anniversary of her passing, I ask that instead of crying, we all remember the good things about her and rejoice her life, not mourn it. Losing someone as amazing as she was will never get easy, and I cant even begin to imagine her family's heartache whatsoever. In the beginning of my post, I said that Krista Thompson epitomizes pureness. Some may wonder why I didn't say that she epitomized pureness. I don't look at her as being in the past, because I believe that she still lives on in all of us who remember her for who she was. And I can bet that in the heavens above, Krista Thompson is still looking down on us, sort of like a guardian angel. Krista, if you can see this, I really hope that you are flashing that beautiful smile of yours. We love you and we miss you. May you Forever Rest In Peace.

~Ibrahim Konare~

hi!

happy birthday darling~

i just wrote on your fb after 239048 years

i still prefer this website. so jmu is fun and i wish i could tell you about all my experiences and what not. but i'll just tell you when i see you later. man, i'm sure you and your mom would help me out with that brother of yours!!! haha i'm wearing the team krista shirt right now. ugh, i miss youuuuu and i will forever and always think that you'll come down the stairs and be grossed out by me and your brother hahaha

i've been kinda messing things up with God lately...i def. need to refocus and i want to. i can't wait to see you, and you and i can both kick it with God. i have a test Thursday, i don't know how that's going to go..ugh.. but yeah, i wanted to say happy birthday. i love you and miss you but i'll see you when i see you! love ya girlyyyy<3

hey girl,

so i started college last week and i'm beginning to love it! sorry i haven't wrote for a while. anyway, hope things with God are good..i'm sure it is..i don't think it could ever be not good. i miss you a lot and hopefully i'll be able to start something here in order to raise awareness and money for the race for hope. just been thinking about you lately, i have a friend who looks like you when she smiles, her name is Caroline. anyway, i just wanted to say hello~~~ let you know that i miss you and love you! i'll see ya when i see ya with a coke slurpee

much love<3

So I'm sitting here on the computer in the dark with less than thirteen hours until I have to report to Basic Training, and the only thing I can do is think about you, Christa. For about the last hour I was looking at pictures you put on your myspace and listening to songs that remind me of you. I still can't believe you're not right down the street. One of the things that I'm thinking about is that I actually have to take off my wrist band that your mom gave me back in November(I've never taken it off). I'm just thinking about how you always tackled your problems with such a positive and powerful attitude. I don't just mean being sick; I mean grades, swim practices (both the frogs and when we swam with Coach Sue at the Rec Center), and just life in general. I had to say goodbye to your mom and Jeffery last Thursday and that was really hard to do. If these last ten months since you left yield a silver lining its that I met your family and really got to know how wonderful they all are. I Coached on the frogs this summer with Carolyn's mom and it was kind of strange to look across the pool to the lane that you and me use to swim in and see that none of the people that swam there with us were even on the team anymore, but the team still raised almost $1000 for a fundraiser in your name. Even though you are not physically here still you have a lot of people here that love you so much. I'm going to need you to help give me strength in these coming months at Basic Training. I love you so much and I still miss you and I will forever, Christa (and I'm always going to spell your name with a CH)
Jon Cecilio

hi,

so it's june now! i kinda hate summer because it gets so humid. i am sitting at home, even though i should be doing something and i am eating watermelons. your parents got me this really cute bracelet but it's kinda big on me and i'm always scared it's going to slip off. btw, your bed is super duper comfy, jason's bed can't even compare. i've been off track with the Big Man lately and i'm trying to get back on track, i hope He see's that! i just wanted to let you know that i miss you! the only thing that seperates you and me is my time here on earth!

i'll see ya when i see ya<333333333

hellooooooooooo,

so i'm still thinking about you and still thinking you'll come down those stairs, always have and always will. the race was amazing btw, kinda late on that but it was amazing there were so many people!!! AND i went to my first and last high school orchestra concert the other day and it was pretty good. there was an award given to david schmidt in honor of you, it was freaking beautiful. i am definitely struggling with God right now, tell Him to help me out some more! hahaha anyway..i miss youuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!!

i'll see ya when i see ya

Though I have never had the pleasure of meeting Krista...I have had the honor of spending time with Kathie and Steve Thompson.   There is no better way to keep the memory alive of Krista by all that you are doing.  I am in awe as a parent myself to watch the unselfish love you have not only for Krista but your entire family and the extended Brain Tumor family.  I met the Thompsons during our fight to help get AVASTIN approved by the FDA.  I lost my husband in March 2008 to this brutal disease...life is precious and am deeply touched by the loss of this beautiful young lady and the strength of her family.

Sincerely, Evonne Schott-Michigan

www.mikeschott.net

Sunday, May 3

Christa (yes I am the annoying older cousin who never stopped spelling your name with a Ch, even after Grandma changed her license plate to be "4JS-KSTK" intead of "4JS-KSTC"), today was my first Race for Hope and it will probably be a lifelong regret of mine that I never walked with Krista's Red Sox but I have to say it was a beautiful thing to see so many people running and walking in your memory. Because of the efforts of your family and your wonderful neighbors and friends, Team Krista was the second biggest team and raised over $27,000. I will never stop wishing you were still here, I will never stop wishing we'd gotten that last trip to Starbucks the day that you died, and I will be truly sorry that we can't share a brownie sundae from Bufflehead's this summer, especially after you sent me so many picture texts of them over the last few years. But you are a constant force for good in my head and a constant reminder not to give up and to keep a positive outlook. You are a very special person and we miss you dearly but you are always in our thoughts.

"Most people don't know there are angels whose only job is to make sure you don't get too comfortable & fall asleep & miss your life."
-Angels of Mercy, Brian Andreas

Love,
Kate

hiiiiiii

so i know using fb is so much more convenient but i just like this because it can be just me and you and of course your mom would probably know who i am. i miss you and still expect you to come downstairs or something. God is good and i know youre aware of that since youre with Him right now. i have to wonder though, why were His plans for you shorter then it should be? maybe He wanted you to experience eternal life before any of us. i want to understand and maybe one day i will. your dad is such an orator, i almost teared up at his speech again today. so many people are supporting you, God is good. i wish you were here, i'm pretty sure you would have been the mediator between me and your bro when we're having a tiff. i have so much to say to you and i guess i'll be telling you a life story once we see each other right? i've been praying for your brother lately and your family of course. hope youre putting in good words for me to God. btw, i had the worst slurpee the other day and i still owe you one. love ya girl and i'm sorry we never got to get super close, but that will all be compensated when i see you. God is good and although i wish you were here, i know you and God are kickin' it.

until next time...

Dear Krista,

I had the pleasure of meeting your wonderful parents today in South Beach, FL in which on your behalf and memory they spoke to over 140 clinical specialists of one of the medicines you took during your battle with GBM.  It was truly a memorable experience to me to hear your Dad tell us your story!  You would be so proud of your parents today touching so many people's lives and giving us inspiration to go out and spread hope to other's who are fighting this disease!  You sound like such an amazing person, daughter, sister, student, friend, and most importantly an amazing fighter who whipped this disease for over 4 years!  With your help, we hope the FDA approves this medicine next week so we can provide that hope to so many others who are fighting recurrent GBM!  Good luck with your race this weekend and know that I will be thinking of you and your family when I am able to talk to doctors about another tool they can put in their toolboxes to treat this devastating disease! 

hello~

how are you? i bet youre having a blast with God! so i still think i'm going to see you coming down stairs and being grossed out by me and your bro just because. remember when you said you were gonna take over the couch once you got a boyfriend? still holding you to that. it's still weird knowing that youre with God and not here but i can't wait to see you up there, i bet it's pretty and youre watching over all of us. well, i just wanted to say hello and i hope you and God are having a kickbutt time and i'll see ya when i see ya.

love youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu :)

Snow Angel

Another Friday is here. But as I go out to get the paper, this Friday morning in March has a little surprise as the darkness is giving way to dawn - its snowing. Beautiful wet flakes are softly falling and I think of you.

A life so young, released to heaven...
Left on earth, we wonder "why?"
But some are sent among us briefly...
Some have spirits meant to fly.
-Unknown

Susan Hamon

so it would be much easier to post this on facebook but i just like writing on here better for some reason, maybe because i'd remain anonymous to everyone but you?
anyway, i still feel like i'll see you coming downstairs or something and i don't think i'll ever stop thinking that. it's alright though, i know for a fact that i'll see you up there so i think that's why? i was talking to your mumsie the other day, i told her how much i regret not taking a picture with you! gosh, i'm dumb! sorry for not writing to you last month, i definitely did not forget. so i still think about you everyday and i wish we could have talked a lot more then we did. but it's alright, we'll catch up when i meet up with you later on. still owe you a slurpee.

love youuuuuuuuu :)

hey you,

so it's been two months and i still feel like i'll see you and you'll be disgusted by me haha
i just wanted to let you know that i miss you and i can't wait to see you.
i heard this song and it reminded me of you, it's by ingrid michaelson and it's called a bird's song.
so here's to you christa thompson:

"I'll put you on a bird's strong wing
I hope again one day to hear you sing
You know we're not so far away
Get on a boat, get on a train
Drop me a line
Write me a letter
I hope to find you're doing better, better than today, better everyday
I hope again one day to hear you sing
I hope again one day to see you bring your smile back around again"


so those are just bits and pieces of the song but they remind me of you.
just wanted to say i'll see you later skater
and i hope you're having an awesome time with God and whoever you met up there
you better have a seat saved for me next to you
hope you're putting in good words for me to the Big Guy
love you!

Cherishing Krista

This prayer comforted us during the days after Krista's death and now at the holidays, I wanted to share it with others.

An Irish Funeral Prayer

Death is nothing at all.
It does not count.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
Everything remains as it was.
The old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged.
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
Call me by the old familiar name.
Speak of me in the easy way which you always used.
Put no sorrow in your tone.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.
Let it be spoken without effort~
Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was.
There is unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near,
just around the corner.
All is well. Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost.
One brief moment and all will be as it was before.
How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting, when we meet again.
hey krista, I know you will be with us over the holidays~ help us find new strength & new joy.
aunt nancy

Dragonfly

There's a story called The Dragonfly Door and it ends with a reminder that there is no proof that those who have died no longer exist, just because we can not see or communicate with them in the same way. The dragonfly sparkles like Krista did. Just as the dragonfly doesn't die when it leaves the world of the pond as a water bug and transforms into a dragonfly, Krista has gone through a transformation of her own and lives on - her light could show up anywhere and will always be there for us. I hope she alights on her cousin Ted during this difficult time and shares her strength and positive energy with him.
Aunt Nancy and Cousin Juliet

I LOVE YOU

Krista Thompson, its been almost two months since you’ve been gone and I cannot describe how much I miss you. I know you left for the better, but it is truly killing me not to see your smiling face. You are an amazing person! You smiled all the time, you brightened others lives, and you were my sister and best friend. Krista I think about you everyday, sometimes the fantastic times we had times we had together and other times its simply because I miss you. When I came up to visit over the summer, we said we’ll see each other next time, I never said goodbye, I never thought I would need to. I do not regret not saying goodbye because I know I will see you in heaven later in life. Since you have been gone, everything I have done is meant for the both of us. My regionals swim meet, I swam it for us. I achieved my best times and I’d like to thank you. Your family is doing well and I love them so much, and hopefully they will be coming down soon to visit in Florida.
When I first came up to Virginia I saw our mom and I couldn’t help it not to cry. She took me up to your room, which by the way I LOVE, she gave me a necklace (I haven’t taken it off yet) and told me to take a shirt which reads: KINDNESS CAN CHANGE THE WORLD (american eagle of course). I love the shirt, its you all the way. Lately I’ve been trying to be more like you by being nice and to have a smile on my face all the time.
This is the first time I’ve been able to write about you, and this won’t be the last time I do, promise. Krista for the time that you were here, you inspired me, and from now on everything I do I know that you are right next to me. Krista I LOVE YOU and miss you so much, I cannot wait to see your smiling face again.
Love,
Cregan

Memories from her last summer in Maine

"As an adult I too witnessed Christa's strength but of a different sort. I saw a daughter, sister and niece who loved being in Maine with her mom and brother and Aunt Jane. A girl who was content to swim in the misty afternoon fog at Fortunes. Hang with her brother Jason. Hoard chicken fingers in the fridge. Chat into the evenings with her mom, Aunt Jane and friends. Watch the Olympics on a less than plasma screen. Share stories about family (Dad and Jeff), friend, high school and summer jobs. She had a winning smile and a peaceful spirit. She was content in the little cottage in Maine. Her life seemed simple, uncomplicated and in the moment. If I hadn't known that Christa was living with cancer I would never have guessed it. She kept it at bay and did not for a moment allow it to follow her to the shores of Fortunes or define her smile , her laughter, her sweetness. Christa was a remarkable young woman. I am grateful for the opportunity to have witnessed a girl who was simply content to be young and alive with the family she loved in Maine. It was a joy to watch and for a moment be a part of.

I will always remember Christa in my thoughs and prayers throughout life. In difficult times I will draw on the strength of her spirit that I witnessed and felt in Maine."

I'm Already There

Take a look around

I'm the sunshine in your hair

I'm the shadow on the ground

I'm the whisper in the wind

Take a look around

I'm your imaginary friend

and I know I'm in your prayers

oh' I am already there.

I'm the whisper in the wind

and I'll be there to the end

Can you feel the love we share

oh, I'm already there..

oh, I'm already there.

Charity Raffle Held in Memory of Krista

Krista’s neighbors held a raffle in her honor last Saturday afternoon at the annual Fall Festival. They raffled “The Tree of Hope,” a three foot tall holiday tree adorned with dozens of miniature angels, ornaments, and gift certificates. All items were donated by her neighbors in Harborview. Special thanks to Desiree Harrington for her decorative touch.

The $603 proceeds will be donated in her memory to the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

-Susan Hamon-

Hey girl,
I just got done reading this book 90 Minutes in Heaven and after reading that, I know for sure that you're having a dandy time with God and whoever you have met up there. I bet Heaven is just awesome, right? Just wanted to let you know that I'll see you there and we'll have a lot to catch up on.

With a whole lotttaaaaaaaa love,
Grace J.

btw, i'll find a way to give you an endless supply of coke slurpees

I just wanted to say that I still miss you Christa and this isn't getting any easier. I visited your family the other day. I went with your mom and Jennie on a walk, and then had dinner with your family. That was really special to me and I'm glad they had me over.Your dad gave me back the bear that I gave you when I visited you in the hospital. I'm going to give that bear hopefully to my children one day as I tell them about how great of a preson you were and how much of an impact you are on my life. The tattoo with your name on it that I got in honor of you is almost completly healed, probably about a week until its done. You would love it, its colorful and girly and low on my arm so everyone can see it. It has almost been an entire month since you left but I still can hardly believe it. Even though this is only my second time writing on this blog I think about you everyday, but you know that already. You know why you're up there so early, but the rest of us don't and from down here it still seems unfair. I love you Christa and I miss you so much.
Jon Cecilio

it's really nice when you can just think about someone and smile.

I've been thinking about you, a lot recently. Chelsea goes and walks Jennie everyday, I think. I've gone a few times, but they are so darn hyper and fast sometimes I just can't keep up! I think they go running just to make me mad and have to catch up, making me run after them in my flip-flops and the rain...but it's worth it. Every time I come to your house now, I'm sorry I never made it there before you passed. it would have been fun to walk Jenny with you, but I guess now I don't have that chance...but I know you're there with us anyway. Your dad's been offering up the hot tub every time Chelsea and I come by...I think we might have to take him up on it, haha. I know you'll be there with us too.

I saw this quote today and it made me think of you.
"The unreal is more powerful than the real, because nothing is as perfect as you can imagine it. Because it's only intangible ideas, concepts, beliefs, fantasies that last. Stone crumbles. Wood rots. People, well, they die. But things as fragile as a thought, a dream, a legend, they can go on and on."
and it's right. the memories of you will continue. for me, for your family, for each and every one of your friends.

there is this girl at school, I do not know her name or her grade or anything about her. All I know is that I pass her almost every day after 6th period and I see her, and from far away, man she looks just like you, it's astounding. But close up...you two are nothing alike. Isn't perspective funny? But, you of all people know that. You had such a grand perspective on life, you must have to still been so happy despite everything.

have fun up there, okay? Love you buttercup.
-Emily Witt

i've been contemplating for a while now of what exactly to write on here. i knew i would do this at some point, but it's hard to find words that haven't been used a billion times to talk about christa. christa was one of the most amazingly strong people i had ever met in my whole life. i remember when my uncle was first diagnosed with lung cancer. she saw me the day after i found out, and somehow just knew something wasn't right. i felt sort of guilty telling her for some reason, but she helped me through all of that and gave me and my family the hope we needed to get through without being so scared all the time. christa was truly and amazing person who was entirely selfless. it always amazed me how caring and nice she was to everyone, no matter how rude or snotty that person was. she could never stoop to their level. christa always kept me, and everyone else, laughing and smiling. she always volenteered to host the pasta parties and other parties, and those are some of my best memories with her. she was my double date partner for a while, a year ago. i remember all of the.. interesting times we had with that, haha. but surprisingly now, those are some of the things i'm going to miss the most. i can't think of a better person to do that with.

i guess i could wrap this up. well, christa was an amazing person and an inspiration to everyone around, i know that is repetitive but it was really the most important thing for me to say.

love you girl. rest in peace.

-kylie carey

The girl with the beautiful smile!

Krista,

You and Your Family are in my thoughts every day. You were a precious gift available for us to cherish, but for only a short time. A caring and selfless young lady with a constant and beautiful smile who made a lasting impression on the many people whose lives you touched during your brief seventeen years on Earth. I think the angels knew they had a good one coming and could not wait to take you, for there was no time for many of us to say goodbye. I will always remember what would be your final words for me to hear the day before you left, “It’s all good………….” Though we no longer will be graced with your physical presence, you will live in our hearts forever.

Love,
Mrs. Hamon (Susan)

In Remembrance - Uncle Rick

Rick’s Thoughts for funeral reception October 30, 2008 Krista's message of love

"Early last week, Kathie and Steve, Nancy, myself and others knew Krista’s prognosis was poor. We were worried that lots of really bad things could happen to her. All our thoughts and prayers were focused on Krista.
Krista and I didn’t have much direct communication – I’m an “ancient” uncle in her eyes and I don’t “text” but she knew I was there for her and for her family.

Nancy and I were touched that the day before she passed (last Thursday), we were out of town and she sent me a text expressing her concern about my health issues. She ended the message with “ love ya both mucho!” She was upbeat, positive and thinking of others despite her dire circumstances. That was Krista and that was our last communication with her. We’ll all miss her terribly."

To the Thompson Family
We were extremely sorry to hear about your loss. Although Krista and Kara hadn’t seen each other for over a decade, Kara always took comfort in the fact that someday she would reunite with Krista. Sure, they had found each other through the technology of the internet (facebook and MySpace) and electronically hit it off as if they had never been apart, but they will now have to wait for the heavenly reunion to see each other face to face.
I did want to pass along one picture (if I can figure out how to post it correctly) from the days when Christa became Krista. The picture shows a proud Krista and Kara at their Moms’ Day Out Program graduation. To us, it serves as a memory of the many events that Krista and Kara did together: Washington DC tours, pre-school, gingerbread houses, and celebrating birthdays together. By the way, this is one of only approximately ten pictures that Kara keeps in her room, showing that Krista will always be a special person to Kara and the Kostal family.

To the Thompson family - you remain in our prayers.
To Krista - thanks for being part of our family’s life. You will be missed, but also always remembered.

Bruce, Donna, Kara, and Whitney Kostal

Pirate Pete

Ms. Silverman gave me your tennis sweatshirt today. it smells just like you, it feels like you're sitting right next to me. i've been meaning to get on this sooner, i've got so much to say. i've been busy and i've been putting it off. it just makes everything so real. i'm so glad you forced me to come out of my house when i moved here, but most of all i'm glad i got to spend time with you. you truly are one of a kind, no one will ever meet someone quite like you. i miss our late night talks and fun times on the bus. i've been taking jenny on walks, she's doesn't eat my ankle anymore (it's kind of nice), i think she finally got used to me coming over. she's got tons of energy, i think she wears me out more than i wear her out. she sure was lucky to be loved so much by you. i've been bringing her by the house to hang out with max & emma. they're a little territorial right now, but soon i'm sure they'll be best friends. i took max over to see your mom last week, she'd heard so much about him from you, i think she enjoyed meeting him. i promise i'll keep running with jenny, she won't get lonely. today i am twenty-seven months sober, and that is something i owe in part to you. i don't ever think i thanked you enough for helping me get through that when things got tough here.

:

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Love,

Chelsea M. Chansen

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:

:

p.s. there will forever be a boat in my back yard for you,

don't be afraid to get on it

IN REMEMBRANCE

As given October 30, 2008 For Krista and family~

I’m Nancy - Jason, Krista and Jeffreys’s aunt & Kathie and Steve’s sister-in-law but I’ve always felt like a sister. We can see today that the miracle of love, especially Krista’s love, is that it can encompass so many hearts. The bond of family love is strong, full of hope, even in despair. The Thompson family has been rock solid - talk about an eternal family hug – Steve, Kathie, Jason, Krista and Jeff have been there for each other, and especially for Krista. They have built a strong foundation for the rest of their journey. They spent time with each other and with the Thompson and Leonard families. We are a bit of an unusual family because so many of us live near each other. Krista’s grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and good ol’ grandma shared in Krista’s life from the very first twinkle. We all fondly remember Krista and kiddies running and squealing after the ice cream truck in Maine, teaching Krista to sing her address, her delight in Thursday night spaghetti (well sometimes it got switched around because of the all the kids’ activities but it was still Thursday night spaghetti at heart), splashing pool parties on Anita drive, silly sing alongs, gingerbread houses, playing dress up, teasing Grandpa Francis & stealing his popsicles, homemade hot fudge sauce, Krista mowing the lawn for grandma when she was smaller than the lawnmower, all of us skiing at Bryce, Maine vacations-crashing waves & a lobster feast on the beach at Fortunes, collecting sanddollars after walking over to the island, Krista getting grandma to get a manicure, Krista sharing older cousins clothes and books, her love of her dog, Jenny, the excitement at the door or before Krista took Jenny for a walk, holidays at each other’s houses, Easter at the county club where the main attraction was the candy room, Christmas at Grandmas with corny gift exchanges and Steve on the accordion and all the kids playing pots and pans and everyone singing. Don’t get me wrong we have our fair share of family dysfunctional fun, but Krista loved every minute of our good family times together. A Christmas ago Krista and Kathie made the cuddliest soft blankets for each family member –they must have made 30 blankets! Krista knit our family together and reminded us of the importance of simple pleasures –like a brownie sundae, or a gutsy funny comment ~perfectly timed or a beautiful sunny day. Her special spirit lives on in each of us. Today we are all family. – Think of Krista often and share your smile with the world. Krista certainly did. Please join me in a round of applause and support for the Thompson family and their beautiful daughter & sister, Krista, who will be deeply missed but remembered always.

Krista,

I did not know you well, but I enjoyed talking with you when you came to your Mom's class when I was subbing for her. You and your Mom shared that same infectious smile, and you told me you wanted to be a teacher and follow in your Mom's footsteps. I am sure heaven is a happier place now that you are there with so many children awaiting your teaching. They need you and your dream is being fulfilled.

I subbed for your Mom the week that you had your fabulous cruise, and you can believe I thought of you every day with some envy but more happiness knowing you and your Mom were making such a wonderful trip, enjoying the time you had, and creating such wonderful memories.

I cannot tell you how privileged I think you were to have experienced such a wonderful earthly family and how greatly you will add to your heavenly family.

God bless,

Lee Ghiglio

FLY

Fly, fly little wing; Fly beyond imagining

The softest cloud, the whitest dove; Upon the wind of heaven's love

Past the planets and the stars; Leave this lonely world of ours

Escape the sorrow and the pain; And fly again…..

Fly, fly precious one; your endless journey has begun

Take your gentle happiness; Far too beautiful for this

Cross over to the other shore; There is peace forevermore

But hold this memory bittersweet; until we meet…..

Fly, fly do not fear; Don't waste a breath, don't shed a tear

Your heart is pure, your soul is free; Be on your way, don't wait for me

Above the universe you'll climb; On beyond the hands of time

The moon will rise, the sun will set; But I won't forget…..

Fly, fly little wing; Fly where only angels sing

Fly away, the time is right; Go now, find the light….
(Celine Dion)

You will always be in my heart. All my love………Cousin Jane

South County Youth Football 110 Cental Patch on Jersey

South County Youth Football 110 Cental had Krista's name placed in honor on their jerseys this weekend. Her spirit was definitely with the team because they won this weekend's first play off game with a score of 21-0. The team will go on to play a final game next weekend.

From Susan Hamon

Rock at South County High School

Christa, I'll never forget the day my car died on the way to swim practice after seeing the trainer. It was so cold becuase it was during the winter, and we were both dumb enough to be running around in just a teeshirt and shorts. We searched the whole school for someone to help us, and you we found a janitor who rolled up in an Escalade to jump start my car. You were such a sweet girl. I also remember when we swam together, you always volunteered to swim the 500 when no one else would. Girl did the dirty work. It was awesome being on your swim team and tennis team, you will never be forgotten. RIP girl.

-Tiffany Nguyen

Krista Dit Christa Lion

"Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free!  I follow the plan God laid for me.  I saw His face, I heard His call, I took His hand and left it all...I could not stay another day, to love to laugh to work or play; tasks left undone must stay that way.  A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss...Ah yes, these things, I, too, shall miss.  And if my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy.  My life's been full, I've savored much: good times, good friends, a loved-one's touch.  Perhaps my time seemed all too brief-don't shorten yours with undue grief.  Be not burdened with tears of sorrow.  Enjoy the sunshine of the 'morrow."

-Juliet

My cousin Krista was the sweetest girl.  I will miss her lots, but I will always remember all the fun times our family had.  I will always remember the summers when we lived off ramen noodles for two weeks straight, chinese firedrills at funtown and secretly trying to get kicked out, and the time all the cousins jumped in Aunt Kathie's station wagon to chase the ice cream truck (I still think Ted gave the wrong directions!!)  She would always laugh about crazy Grandma stories, and keep me entertained when I was bored in class texting her.  Going through pictures it is hard to tell who is who, and I will always take it now as a compliment when someone calls me Krista instead of Juliet.  She was beautiful.  

Memories of My Sister

I have so many memories of my sister, many happy and many sad, but I’ve narrowed it down to these, because I think it depicts her best. If I was to describe my sister in one word, it’d be generous. Back in 2005, Christa, my mom and I went to Fenway Park to see our beloved Red sox play. Four hours before the game we decided it’d be a fantastic idea to try to get autographs from some of the players. We asked around and found only one way to do this, to lie on the sidewalk outside the parking for the players and shove our stuff through the couple inch gap at the bottom of the fence. We ended up getting many signatures, and were about to leave when the back-up catcher for the Sox, Doug Mirabelli, came to sign. We put our ball through the fence and a few seconds later, we found our self’s with an autograph, just as he left. Near the back of the fence, a little boy was crying and I could hear the dad soothing him to tell him it was okay that he didn’t get the signature. Christa, without flinching, gave the ball to the little boy. He was overjoyed. Christa would always be doing things like this. She was also incredibly brave. The tumor would constantly upset her stomach and she would often throw up. I remember walking home from the bus with her. She stopped and threw up. Seconds later, she was telling me she was sorry I had to see it. Here was a sixteen year old girl, throwing up off the side of the road, yet telling her little brother she was sorry he had to see it. She always put on a smile and a confident attitude to show that nothing was wrong with her. Even being gone, she is still helping people. I’ve had many friends tell me that they know now to realize to cherish what they have, because it could be gone any second. On the couch, the night before she died, my mom was weeping while having her head on Christa’s chest. Christa mouthed the words ‘its okay mom’. The thing was, although at the time it didn’t seem okay, it now is. She’s with the best of the best now. Rest in peace Christa, I’m gonna miss you.

-Jeffrey Thompson

I remember when i first met you Kirsta. You were in my homeroom, but barely were you there. You asked to borrow my planner with a million and two hot guys on the cover. I never saw my panner again. lol. I didnt mind, because I thought you were really nice, and I had heard about the brain cancer so I didnt want to hastle you with it. Later on in life, we played freshman field hockey, i dont know why you didnt continue, you were amazing. You made me feel awesome if I messed up heck of a lot of times during a game. And you were just awesome. I think it's truely amazing that you kept going even with the cancer, and you were still soooo sweet. I know Sugi is missing you a ton and so is everyone else who's hearts you've touched so deeply. And it means the world to me that got to know just a little about you.

I wish I could of gone to your funeral but I had soooo much school work. But I'll pray for you.

xoxo
Tessa Porciello

It was a blessing to be with all my old friends again. We were together years ago when our lives began and now we have grown into young adults and gone our separate ways (Krista being in the best place of all, with God). Look how far we've come. It was a pleasure having all of the “Gunston Crew” together even though the occasion was honoring the life of our dear Krista Thompson, her passing brought many of us together. A rare moment that could not have happened, unless in God’s will. The last time we were all together was June of 2004. I could have lived my life without seeing again the people who once meant everything to me. Today, October 30th 2008 we shared hugs and tears. We embraced laughter from all the stories we shared about our early years at Gunston. For that, Krista Marie I truly thank you. You were truly someone special. Your memory will live on and someday we all will be together again. May God be with your family and may you rest in peace.

Love Always, Clarice Frye

♥

My name is Amanda and I'd known Christa for 11 years... since I was 5 and she was 6. We became best friends the day we met. We spent every weekend we could with each other, starting from kindergarten on. We were in Girl Scouts together at Aquinas Catholic School until the second grade when I left for Halley ES and she left for Gunston ES. Even then, we kept in touch and still spent a lot of time together. I loved how she always knew how to make me laugh, even when I wasn't in the mood to talk to anybody. A few years went by and we talked occasionally, which didn't seem to be enough. I started working at Pohick Bay Regional Park, where I'd come to find she worked too. We became really close friends all over again and it never felt like we'd missed out on anything.. just like we picked up where we left off. She made such a huge impact on my life and I would not be who I am today if it wasn't for her. Her smile was contagious and could warm anybody's heart. Christa, you were my very first best friend... that never changed. And it never will. I love you forever. Rest in peace.. I'll be seeing you. <3

My favorite memory of Krista

I have to share this story with you all. When I first started coaching with my year round team, Krista was in my group. She had the best smile. She was always laughing and having fun and always always always listening and working hard. She was 7 years old when I first met her. I had the privelege of coaching her until she was 11 or 12. Always a hard worker. Always having fun.
If you have never been to a year round meet then you are lucky. These things are marthons for the coaches and the parents. Warm ups will start at 6 am and you will not get out of there until 6 pm depending on the meet. Krista loved to go to meets. She loved socializing and haning out. She loved eating at the concession stand and buying new suits. Oh yeah...she would also swim her races.

One day she was talking her normal 10 miles and hour. I looked at her and said, "You know, if you don't stop I'm going to play dot to dot with your freckles."
A few minutes later she shows up with this sharpie and says, "Play dot to dot!" We sat and did dot to dot on her face with her freckles. I never laughed so hard.
The next meet she shows up with a pen towards the end of her session and says, "Dot to dot time." It became out thing at meets. She always smiled and laughed at our crooked flowers and hearts on her nose and cheeks.

Today as I sat and listened to her parents and brothers talk about their sister and her love of life. I remembered our dot to dot. Right then and there I decided that I will never forget to play dot to dot again.
Whenever I am down I will find time to smile and play dot to dot. I will try to live my life like Krista...all out every minute. It's too precious to waste.

So when you are starting to go to your dark place find your dot to dot and play it. I think I will go do my dot to dot now.

Coach Amanda Bonnett

One for the Doves

Im sure the view from heaven beats the hell out of ours down here. . . 

Krista Thompson, your name makes me feel like a way i've never felt when i hear the name. You have made an impact on so many people you don't even know as well as the many you did know. You have helped me push through something I have been struggling with for a while and you weren't even aware of it. I almost cried looking at the "2 unread text messages" on my phone from you on the 25th. You've got millions of people rooting for you here on earth who have loved you and you them with just as much if not a lifetime more of passion. Just as the trees change, so does the circle of life never cease to revolve. Life coming and going, making room for other spokes on the wheel enebles life to be experienced and the universe to continue on. This wasn't an accident, and neither were you Krista - This i promise. 

~Johnathan Reed Otto

sorry to hear about krista

hey thompson family its nick or hubbard i play on jeff''s football team i am very sorry to hear about Christa. I could not imagine what you guys are going through its very sad and i really give you guys my deepest respect




sincerely,
Nicholas Hubbard

Krista Was a Positive Force in the World!

Steve, Kathie, Jason & Jeff,

It is obvious from looking at ALL of the Posts here, that Krista touched a Great Many Lives. I know that we are ALL better for having had that touch. I will always remember her smile, warmth and can do attitude as well as the many good times we shared. She definitely had a positive effect on me, was able to get me to try many new things, always put a smile on my face and made me laugh (I always enjoy the way she called me ‘Mr. T’). My life is so much richer for having been able to have known her and her being a part of my life. She had a rich and full life, with a devoted & loving family and many, many friends and she lived her life to the fullest.

I remember when I first met Krista, 9 year’s ago, at the KOC Easter Egg Hunt. I could tell right away that she was a really smart, sweet and outgoing girl. That has always left an impression on me and she always lived up to that first impression. I remember being able to d many things for her, but she also did many things for me and I learned from her, too.
I know that it has been a long four years for all. I know that you and Krista fought this every step of the way. The fight is over now and she is in a better place where she can watch us all, and I am sure, smiling at us.
I will always keep her in my heart and cherish all of the memories of the time we shared.
I keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Krista, I will miss you.

Andy Thompson II (Mr. T)

I only knew Christa for my freshman year. We both played field hockey and bonded together at team parties and on the field. We also sat next to each other for the longest time in Spanish with crazy Tirres. Even on my toughest days, where I felt I was struggling, Christa wouldn't let me last two seconds with a frown on my face- and it wasn't because I thought of her as having much bigger problems than me. When you were around Christa you just didn't think "cancer," and I don't think she would have wanted us to. I was constantly laughing and smiling around her because she was such an upbeat, positive, and kind-hearted girl, and the only person I can truly say that to know her was to love her, even if you hardly knew her. I am so saddened that we fell out of touch these last two years- occassionally I'd see her in the halls and she looked just as happy and healthy as ever.
Christa- I'm SO proud of you for putting up such a long and brave fight to this awful disease. You continue to be my inspiration for enjoying the small things in life and not letting anyone get the best of you. I hope your family knows that you really did serve your life's purpose: you loved and were loved by so many here, and will continue to be loved for as long as we remember. I'm not worried about you- I know you're in heaven right now and provably having just as much fun up there as you were having down here. I will never forget you or stop missing you or that laugh of yours.
Love, Johanna Moore

“You can shed tears that she is gone,
or you can smile because she has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all she's left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see her,
or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember her only that she is gone,
or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind,
be empty and turn your back.
Or you can do what she'd want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.”

We will remember your warm soul and spirit forever.

Love,
Heather, Richie & Tommy Young

Christa/ Krista

Christa,
It was amazing being able to know you since elementary school! you were always up beat and happy! If you hadn't told anyone, no one would have ever known you were unhealthy. I'm so happy we got to reconnect last year in orchestra, and I wish we had the time to talk a few weeks ago in the hall. I know that you are in a better place, and I hope you can feel how much so many people love and care about you. We all truly miss you, and I miss seeing your smiling face!
We Love You Christa!
Did you ever decide how to spell your name? C or K? ;-)
~Sarah Stephens

Dear Thompson Family,

I was terribly saddened when I heard about Krista this morning. I am so very sorry for your loss.

She had such a kind and loving spirit...truly a light shone in her that will never be extinguished. No distance from heaven to earth, no time between birth and death, will ever diminish that lovely, brilliant, eternal light.

Thank you for sharing your beautiful daughter with us at Gunston. It was an honor and a pleasure to have known her. She will truly be missed.

In thoughts and prayers,
Karen Fructuoso - former Gunston ES Counselor

lubbydubbydub

kristathompson.
i remember how we met for the first time in the 8th grade in orchestra. You
giving the biggest diva attitude ever about not being first chair.
we didn't like each other for a span of maybe 48 hours tops.
we ended up being stand partners in the beginning. we hit it off.
we were always laughing, and getting yelled at for not playing.
then on our 9th grade field trip to FL. krista and company
created memories that even money can't buy.
This girl, is someone i'm honored to be friends with.
we promised each other so many things to each other. I was suppose to invent
a chemo. machine with a TV so she wouldn't be so bored. and she would come skip and stay with me during 4th. I remember she would skip and just sit behind me while i played and she just sat there with a smile on her face. If there one thing i will never forget is how can one smile so freaking much. Does't her mouth hurt?
krista love, you will always be in my heart and thoughts. This girl, is one of the most beautiful people i know. i still remember her showing me her hair growth progress.
she lived her life to the fullest with new memories everday. and i know she would be super shocked (not really) that so many people are with her and love her. she always was a superstar.
krista darling your awarded best violin locker buddy in the universe. i love you till forever.
don't do anything i wouldn't do up in heaven yeah?
-love bang bang. (alice bang)

This is just what I didn't have a chance to say in my other post because my vision got blurred..it's hard, not only for me, but for everybody to read this and not break down in tears..And I saw the picture that Shane had put up on the first page and my heart completely stopped. I had forgotten all about that day, and now I can't put it out of my head, not even for a second.

God puts everybody on Earth for a reason, and Krista knew that her reason to live was to make people cherish their lives, no, not like the Saw guy. All she had to do was smile, and the whole room would fill up. Her soft laugh and her bright smile made me feel like there was no evil on Earth, and I know you all felt the same. She was so strong, so brave. Not once did she talk about...her condition...but she listened to people talk about their problems. It makes me feel a bit selfish complaining about how sick I feel during 5th period when I had no idea what was happening in the beautiful soul sitting right next to me. It was no where near obvious, she was too happy, too good a person, never complained in her life.

I just want to say, Krista, I love you. I'll miss you with everything I've got. Your the biggest inspiration to everybody. I know you would trade your life to save another, as everybody would have done for you if they could. I know your happy in God's arms, and I can't wait to see you in years.


Kayla Vaughan.

I'll Love You All Day :)

There hasn't been a day that I have not thought about you since the day I met you........you are etched in my heart. There is so much to say but there are not words big enough, there are many feelings that I can't express in words........my tears are selfish- for I cry because I never got to say good bye and so many things that I wanted to tell only you, I'll never get to tell you in person....so I cry for me but I smile for you......you're in a beautiful place where there is no more pain.....and I have asked my Mother to open her arms and show you Heaven.So many people you never met are asking about you and your family because I told everyone about my very brave and strong, dear young friend.I love Christa........I love you so so much.

Love,Aunt Kim (thank you for always calling me that, it made me so happy) PS parkfar (our private joke)

You Will Be Missed, but Never Forgotten

Sometimes, you don't realize how important someone is until they are gone. She made a difference in all of our lives, her heart was glowing brighter than any star in the night ever could, and now, she has left this Earth, now in the hands of God, being taken care of, watching down on us as if a guardian angel from the Heaven that lays above. Although your life was short-lived, you affected everyone you knew. I remember when we met in the ninth grade, and I have remembered the smile of happiness you always had on your face every time I saw you. What you went through, fighting every day to beat this terrible disease, it is the bravest thing anyone can do. Christa, the last time we spoke, I told you: “I’ll talk to you later.” I regret that I never will have that chance, at least, not for a long time. In your absence, there will be a void, a lapse in the flow of things, as I’ll never see your smile or speak to you before making it to Computer Graphics.

Christa, I know you are in a much happier place right now, free of this horrible disease. When I came back to school this past Monday from being gone a while and I saw your picture on the announcements, I feared the worst, but I was hopeful it wasn’t, I was unsure of what had happened. I know you’re in God’s arms right now, wanting us to live our lives. Although you are no longer with us, you will be in our hearts, our thoughts, and our prayers. I thank God for giving me the chance to meet you, and may God bless Christa’s family. You will be missed, but never forgotten.

~Christian Ahir

Goodbye Krista

You were here
and now you are gone

doesn't mean we will forget you
youl remain within our minds
and for ever be remembered

we will miss you and will be sad
but for ever we wont mourn
we'll recover and we'll smile
cause in our minds you'll live for ever

you are gone but not forgotened

Goodbye krista.........we will miss you
-David Portillo

What a wonderful girl

Krista you were the nicesest most down to earth girl I know. I only met you 2 months ago but scince then I have grown to love you so much. You are one of the greatest things that happened to me. I miss you in orchastra and in everyday life. You were absolutely beautiful in ever single way. Your attitude towards me and every one else was amazing. I wish I could just give you a great big hug. You had an amazing will power like no other. I really appreciated every second I got to spend with you. And for the brothers. Jeff I'm in your science class and I feel bad every time I see your empty seat. You guys are very lucky to have had such an amazing sister. I will pray for your family and that you guys feel better with time. For Mom and Dad you have to be some amazing people to raise such amazing childeren especially Krista. Im sure she appreciates all the things you did for her.

In Much Sincerity and love,
Nathan Stillman

RIP KRISTA

One Sweet Day

Time has flown by so fast. I went to school with Christa way back in elementary school at Aquinas. It's been so many years, but I still remember the way she looked..and her smile! Every post, I have read the same thing about her infectious smile. I'm so happy to see that time didnt change her fun-loving personality. One of the strongest memories I have with Christa is at her birthday party when we were really young. We were sitting around at her house with a group of other girls from our class. Christa's mom was asking us some trivia questions and we would get a prize if we answered it correctly. "How do you spell Tigger?" her mom asked us. Answer after answer was "T-I-G-G-E-R." After a few moments went by Christa shot up, smiled about a mile wide, and said "Guysss! Haven't you ever seen Winnie the Pooh?! Its T-I-G-double guh-UR." We all laughed and laughed.
She left Aquinas a while back, but I remember her coming back for our 8th grade graduation. I found her at the reception and she came up to me like she had never left. "Hey, Emily! How's it goin?" We chatted for about 10 minutes about how she was doing and about where she got that gorgeous yellow dress she had on. Not once did she mention that she was sick. There was no hint. She was such a fighter and no one would have ever known that she was suffering. I found out a few months later about her illness. Three years later, and now she's gone. I regret not staying in touch with her. I regret not being able to hear her laugh again. You will never be forgotten, Christa. You will live in my heart forever.
Love,
Emily Uperti

Sorry I never told you

All I wanted to say

And now it's too late to hold you

'Cause you've flown away

So far away
Never had I imagined

Living without your smile

Feeling and knowing you hear me

It keeps me alive Alive
And I know you're shining down on me from Heaven

Like so many friends we've lost along the way

And I know eventually we'll be together

One sweet day

-Mariah Carey

Although we weren't the closest of friends i still think of Christa as one of the brightest and happiest girls at South County. I remember the first day of seventh grade in science class second period was when i first met Christa. She was the one that was always smiling and laughing. But one class we noticed she wasn't there. We weren't aware at what happened...but we knew that no matter what she could make it through it all. She is the strongest girl that i know to get this far. It was a blessing to know such a nice, loving girl like Christa. I know she is in a much happier place right now and she is pain-free. Rest In Peace Christa. I love you and i will always remember you.

-Lauren Hetherington

We all know that Krista was an amazing, strong girl with a big heart. Everybody knows her as 'the beautiful girl who could never stop smiling.' That is what I first saw in her when I first saw her at Hayfield. I saw her in 7th grade, i didn't know anything was wrong though, I just thought she was wearing a hat all the time and always smiling, but I never questioned it. Then I finally got a chance to meet her on the first day of school this year. I sat right infront of her in history, and in english, our group table thing would fill up and she would go sit in the back corner, so I would go sit next to her. She was so quiet at first, but full of life at the same time. I hardly knew her, but like Jenny said, she's one of those people that you could hardly know, and still love with everything you've got. It's just so weird because just last Tuesday, she was buying me lunch and telling me how she is a 'ketchup-holic' and we piled tons of ketchup on our tray. I promised to pay her back, but she wasn't in class on Thursday..What hurts me the most, I promised to bake her pink cupcakes with butterflies on them for her birthday, which I thought was October 30th, and when I checked my planner yesterday, I saw I was a month off..South County won't be the same, although, I know she would want us to live our lives, happy as she is in God's arms right now. She's the only person I know that could make anybody smile the biggest smile just by looking at her smile back. I thank God for giving me a chance to meet her; God bless her family. I love you Krista, I'll never forget your smile, or the burn in my cheecks because you made it so that I could never stop smiling. I'll never forget you, never stop missing you.
Kayla Vaughan.

Although I haven't seen Krista since seventh grade, I remember her clearly. I constantly saw her in the Hayfield, her big smile always stood out, even in the most crowded hallway. While we never kept in touch, as soon as I heard what happened I instantly remembered the smiling girl from seventh grade. She's clearly touched so many hearts, and will live on in our memories to touch so many more. Love you Krista, keep on smiling<3

Strength with in

We were the best of friends in the best of days. When hide n seek was the bomb hiding in the trunk of the car suffocating hopping not to get caught but at the same time eager to get out. In 8th grade when we were secluded from the world out side of the concrete wall known as south county we couldn’t help but to connect to the people who would understand us the most, and for me that was her. Even though I didn’t express it always I was so blessed to have a friend like Christa. We lost touch when we passed the line into high school and there was only a rare passing wave in the hall. That was the year I feel from grace. When I reunited with Christa this year I one of my classes I couldn’t believe it. What I regret the most was not fully catching up with her, I was to wrapped up to even see. I will always remember Christa by the day in 8th grade when Mr. Miller took us to the charity run called Goblin Gallop. That day Christa taught me what strength is, she was tired and didn’t feel up to standard but she wasn’t going to give up.Her and I walked the whole race. To her it didn’t matter what place we finished i, it was that we finished at all and had fun doing it. Since I met Christa I will go on living knowing how to make every moment pass by with a reason because she wasn’t going to let anything in her life slow her down. To be honest with you I don’t ever think I talked to her with out her smiling or laughing she took the greatness out of anything that was bad. God works in funny ways but he put Christa here on earth to let us all know there are people in this world that can make a difference. I will always be missing her. Christa is safe in everyone’s prayers and dreams where she can fulfill greatness above us because like that race she will never give up. Christa is an inspiration to many, and most of all a best friend to all of us whom will never be forgotten. <3 Lauren Martin

she was a soldier, and never backed down.

i first met Krista in hayfield where she roamed the halls after the bell rang. I mistook her for my friend's cousin because they looked quite similar but as goofy as Krista was, she actually played along and said she was who i thought she was. Two years later I finally realized she wasnt my friend's cousin and I actually had a class with her. Krista and I laughed about it and that's what instantly made me love her character. She was always witty and smart but always making sure to cause alot of laughs.

I knew she had cancer when I had heard that someone had taken off her hat in Hayfield as a mean joke. i never took those things lightly and i felt really bad for her. but two years later having her in my class, she was always s0 kind and jolly, her hair was all grown back, and she would never, ever stop smiling and laughing. I thought maybe, just maybe that the cancer had been beaten because she never showed any sign of it. Sadly, after that year had finished, I lost touch with Krista, I only saw her here and there at a few football games, but she always looked great and i would never hesitate to walk over and have a small conversation about everything going on.

Half a week ago a mutual friend of ours came over to my house and found out and had told me of Krista's passing. I couldn't believe what i was hearing, I was so shocked but things always happen for a reason. Krista was a soldier she was fighting this cancer so quietly, and never stopped smiling but now I'm glad that she can finally rest.

Gabe Santos

=)