We have been greatly comforted by the outpouring of love and affection for Christopher that so many have expressed after his death. This has been a great help to us – and we have learned something, as well. We knew that Christopher had many good friends and was greatly admired in his home town of Delmar, and elsewhere. He was smart, a stellar athlete, a leader, good-looking, and just generally fun to be around. But what has really struck us is how many people knew something that we had thought was probably just our little family secret. That above all, Christopher was kind. He was wonderful big brother and son, always full of love for all of us. And his family saw signs of his kindness every day, and from his earliest years – how he loved babies, the sweetness with which he approached every pet he ever met, the gentleness with which he would handle a garter snake or a toad that he found in the yard, the gentleness with which he would carefully help turn over a horseshoe crab that had washed ashore on its back. That was the Christopher we knew. But we were simply astonished to learn how many others saw him that way, too – and how broadly he had shared this kindness outside our family. Take the letter we got from one of his high-school English teachers: “He was bright, athletic, out-going. But what I especially remember about him, what really stands out for me, was that he was such a decent person to all different kinds of kids. He was welcoming and supportive to those who were less successful, those who are often invisible in high school.” One of his fellow swimmers wrote, “Despite his intelligence and physical ability, he always such a kind, down-to-earth person.” A young woman he went through school with: “Extremely talented, intelligent, athletic, a bit quiet, and always kind.” Another: “From the days at Hamagrael all the way through high school, Chris always stood out as a kind, talented, and intelligent person. The world truly lost someone special.” The parents of one of his good friends: “When we moved to Delmar [our son] was in the fourth grade and became friends with Chris as they shared their love of running. Chris was a true inspiration to [our son] and encouraged him in so many ways. [Our son] needed someone like Chris to be his friend when he moved from Texas as it is always hard to move and leave all of your friends behind. [Our son] was shy and unsure of himself when we came to Delmar and his friendship with Chris and being selected to run on the cross country team and track team made him feel that he “belonged.” The mother of a younger swimmer: “He was a wonderful role model to many of the younger swimmers and always nice to them.” Another mother: “Chris was my youngest daughter’s first swim teacher at the town park when she was 3 years old in the Tiny Tots program. [She] absolutely adored Chris and he made each session so comfortable for her that she really learned how to swim at age 3 because of Chris. Now when I consider his age at the time, I’m astonished. He must have only been 12 or 13?? He certainly seemed beyond his years and even tonight, our daughter, who remembers those lessons so clearly with Chris, said she thinks he was 20 at the time – this, from a now 19-year-old perspective!! Bottom line is he was so polite, kind, and warm to her. I know I told Mary many times how much our daughter loved and adored Chris. When you meet a young person like that in your life who is so amazing, you never forget them.” A dear buddy from Delmar: “Christopher was my best friend and was to be my best man at my wedding next year. He was excited and honored to be selected. Christopher was known for his intelligence and athleticism, but most of all should be known for the abundance of humility he displayed.” A friend from Cornell: “Chris never ceased to amaze me with his most obvious and notable skills – his athleticism, love of life and energy. But what I admired yet more was how in everyday life Chris compounded these qualities with subtle traits I discovered by living and sharing meals with him – sharp judgment, interest in others and concern for their problems, a remarkable breadth of knowledge on subjects as diverse as health, economics and science, a curiosity for the world and incredible understanding for the differences found therein. Chris had astounding principles for a man his age.” A fraternity brother: “I was always impressed by his dedication to training, both absolutely and vis-a-vis the trappings of fraternity life, but was equally impressed by how humble and kind such an elite athlete could be. Chris's values and gentlemanliness emanated so strongly.” Another: “He always had time for a friend.” A friend from high school: “Chris was so talented, smart and driven but most of all kind to those around him.” Another: “Chris was a wonderful individual whose generous spirit and awe-inspiring dedication touched everyone he met.” The parents of younger boy whom Christopher coached in swimming: “[Our son] loved those practices because of Chris, who always made him laugh… Chris was an amazing, kind person. We will never forget him.” From another family: “Chris was such a role model for all of us… He lived life to the fullest ad set an example we can all admire and follow.” Another: “Our memories go back to pre-school with him. What a wonderful boy he always was.” A swim parent: “Chris taught [our son and daughter] swimming… They have fond memories of lessons with Chris. He was kind, conscientious… They always looked up to him, and they still do now. He gave them something very special 14 years ago and it has been in their heart ever since, and it will be in their heart forever.” A teacher in elementary school: “It was typical for Chris to always greet me with his big smile. He touched all our family over the years.” Another: “His sunny disposition, positive attitude, and beautiful face brightened each day. Chris was a joy to have in class and I have many fond memories of him. His bright light was extinguished much too soon.” You always made us proud, Little Buddy – and you still do.