You will never be Forgotten

Sorry it has been awhile but unfortunately life has been crazy and not good crazy. On Thursday March 5, one of my very best friends, Chris Sligar passed away from a heart attack at age 30. I can't believe he's gone. I had to fly home to New York for the weekend so I could attend the calling hours and funeral. I had to say my goodbye. Getting off the plane in Syracuse was very hard because I knew why I was there, to bury one of my best friends. I never thought in a million years that I would have to go through again. As most of you may know, my friend Brandon was killed in a car accident last June. But this time, it felt much different. Even though Brandon was my friend, he was closer to my friend Zach so I felt pain but nothing like I felt when I heard Chris had died. Now I can honestly say that I know exactly how Zach felt. On Sunday, I went to the calling hours and there were at least 2 blocks of people waiting outside the funeral home to get in and even more waiting once inside. I was fortunate to see Chris's cousin, Tammy and she took me to Joe. I collapsed in his arms crying because at that moment, it hit me that Chris was gone. Joe was able to get me up to the front of line to the Sligar family. But first, I knelt in front of Chris in his casket and said my goodbye. I spoke with his parents and his 3 brothers and 2 sisters. Each one of them told me how much Chris had loved me. I even had a cousin whom I had never met ask if I was Sara, she knew who I was because of Chris talking about me. I didn't realize how much he talked about me or how much he loved me.

The funeral was the worst experience of my life. When they wheeled the casket in with his family behind him, I lost it. I did not want to say goodbye to him. The funeral was 2 hours long and I cried the entire time. My mom had to hold me up at some points, otherwise I would have collapsed into hysterics. It was even worse at the end seeing his casket put into the hearse. I was very thankful to have my parents by my side the entire time and good friends as well. There was a get together after the funeral and I went there with 2 friends and we ate and reminisced. His family even gave me some pictures to me us Chris and I. His mom told me before I left that she would love for me to come visit when I am home again, she does not want us to lose touch. I will be sure that never happens.

Chris-I know you are probably reading this up there in Heaven. I want you to know that you were one of my best friends and I loved you very much. I honestly can' t imagine my life without you. I feel as though you took a piece of my heart with you to Heaven. I want it back when its my turn!!!! My first trip to New York is going to be difficult, I can't imagine it right now, it still hurts too much. I did promise your parents that I would come visit and I will. I also told Elizabeth we could hang out too, even though it won't be the same. She took this the hardest and I am going to try my hardest to help her through this. I am going to do my best to keep your memory alive. I only wish you knew how much you were loved by so many people. I will never forget all of our fun times in Oswego or in Carthage. Thank you for being such a great friend and now I know I have an angel watching over me in Heaven. Rest in Peace my friend. "Remembering you will be easy, I will do it everyday, but the ache in my heart will never fade away". I love you and don't you forget it!!

Typical face of Chris Sligar

Old pic of Chris

Chris and I in Oswego-Aug.08