"I've told my children that when I die, to release balloons in the sky to celebrate that I graduated. For me, death is a graduation." - Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

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I recently received the following in an email that was passed on to me from my brother. Who originally wrote it, I don't know, but felt the need to post it here. Thank you, to the person who authored it, Bill McIntire.

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 I WISH YOU ENOUGH

"Recently I overheard a mother and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. They had announced the departure.

Standing near the security gate, they hugged and the mother said, "I love you, and I wish you enough."

The daughter replied, "Mom, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Mom."

They kissed and the daughter left. The mother walked over to the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see she wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on her privacy, but she welcomed me in by asking, "Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?"

"Yes, I have," I replied "Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever good-bye?".

"I am old, and she lives so far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is - the next trip back will be for my funeral," she said.

"When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, 'I wish you enough.' May I ask what that means?"

She began to smile. "That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone." She paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail, and she smiled even more. "When we said, 'I wish you enough,' we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them." Then turning toward me, she shared the following as if she were reciting it from memory.

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.

I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

She then began to cry and walked away.

They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them; but then an entire life to forget them.

TAKE TIME TO LIVE..... 
 
To all my friends and loved ones, I WISH YOU ENOUGH"

 

 

March 6, 2008
 It was my privilege to have worked with Chris quite a few years ago at New Horizons Telecom. He and Sherri were married when Chris worked at New Horizons. It was an honor to have made a special gift for their wedding. While Chris worked at New Horizons he and Sherri had Hayden. What a proud daddy! Although I didn't keep up with Chris after he moved on from New Horizons I am still deeply saddened by the loss of this kind man. Words often can not express the true feelings in our hearts, but if nothing else can convey we are thinking of those left behind and grief stricken by the loss of a loved one. May God bless you all and help you through this time of sorrow. 
   Peggy Adair (AK)

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March 5, 2008
I knew Chris and Brian from our years together at Lakenheath High School in England. Although it's been almost 20 years since, I remember well Chris' warm smile and gentle soul. He will be missed. 
   Raquel Grinnell (Annapolis, MD)

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March 3, 2008
I just found about Chris' death and am so sorry for your loss. I knew Chris from high school. He was definitely the kind of friend you never forget. 
   Cheryl Coleman (Jeffersonville, IN)
Contact me 

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March 1, 2008
Dear Sheri,

I can't stop thinking about Chris's death. I hope you and Hayden find comfort with your family and Chris's family and your friends. I know all of them are so sad that this has happened. Our constant prayers and thoughts are with you.

love, Sandy Nelson
Phil and Sandy Azzarello 
   Sandy Azzarello (Palos Heights, IL)

 

February 18, 2008

Chris was one of the most proffessional, kind, gentle natured people I ever met in my life and I am proud that I had the opportunity to know such a wonderful person.

Chris and I were hired at the same time at SCF and we were in new hire orientation at the same time.Over the five year span that I worked at SCF I watched Chris resolve conflict with exreme tact and skills all while leaving both parties with their dignity, train employees, become friends with many, he had an awesome sense of humor and much much more. Even though it may not be worded the correct way, Everyone who knew him knows what I am trying to say.

My heart goes out to his wife and son especially because I know he had to be one of the best husbands and fathers there ever was since he was such a great employee and just a kind human being period.

Rest in Peace Chris.

Vanessa Walluk (Anchorage, AK)

February 18, 2008

Please accept our sincerest condolences on the passing of Chris. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Chris was a warm, friendly, caring person who will be missed by all who knew him.

Craig Greer (Roanoke, VA)

February 18, 2008

To Chris's family and son,
I am so sorry for your loss. I only met Chris briefly but but even in our short interaction I was deeply impressed that Chris faced his illness with a special courage - the kind of courage that comes not from love of self but from a deep love of others - I am sure especially of his son. I know he did everything he could to fight for each extra day he had with those he loved. In addition to uncommon courage Chris was also I felt blessed with a special sense of grace that allowed him to accept his illness and the knowledge that it could not be cured without self pity, and without bitterness.

In his too short life he accomplished in many many ways the main thing I believe we are put on this earth for - to make a difference, to leave the world a little better place than we found it.

It was a privilege to participate in Chris care, I will always remember his courage, grace and obvious love for his family.

I am so sorry for your loss.

John Clark M.D. (pulmonary doc)

John Clark (Anchorage, AK)

February 18, 2008

Chris was one of my students at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. It was my first class I ever taught, and I remember him fondly.
My thoughts and prayers to the family.
Walkie Charles
University of Alaska Fairbanks

Walkie Charles (Fairbanks, AK)

February 18, 2008

I am so sorry to hear about Chris, I knew him when I worked at SCF. He was a hard worker and very dedicated to his job. May he rest in peace.

Carla Johnson (Ashland, MT)

February 18, 2008

I am profoundly saddened by the news of Chris' death. He was one in a million and he leaves a huge hole in the many places he touched and sadness in all the people who knew and cared for him. I am able to promise you that your deep sorrows and sharp pain will subside over time but your love and memories of Chris will only grow and become richer. Your love for Chris, and his for you will sustain you beyond your grief. I wish you strength in this difficult time and send you my heartfelt sorrow for your loss.

Ruth DeCamp (Wasilla, AK)

February 18, 2008

Our very deepest sympathy to you all. We've had you in our thoughts and prayers these last few days. Bob and Jane Bellman

Jane Bellman (Richland Center, WI)

February 18, 2008

Thinking of you during your loss. I always enjoyed working with Chris. He will be missed.

Angie Peterkin (Anchorage, AK)

February 20, 2008

Dear Laila, Bill, Brian, Sheri, Hayden, Family & Friends,

I wanted to tell you that I was deeply saddened to hear of Chris's passing. I was not aware of his illness so that may have made it somewhat harder to believe at first.

But I need to share this w/ you. Feb. 16th, this past Saturday I was at Disneyland and wasn't feeling well so I went to my room at the resort and was watching television. I'd probably been watching television for about an hour and Chris popped in my mind. I was thinking all kinds of memories of him. Bowling, softball, him and Sheri's dog (playing w/ the floppy frisbee in their backyard in Palmer), housesitting for them, incidences at work when he made me laugh etc. Well after about five minutes I thought to myself, what is the deal and why am I thinking about Chris. Honestly I hadn't thought of him in a really long time. His face and my memories of him just wouldn't leave. I say I must have thought about him for another 30 minutes. I was thinking what a good person he was, how funny he was and told myself "I guess I'm supposed to get in touch with him" that is why I was thinking about him. And Sunday on my drive home, I was thinking who could I call to find out an email address for him or phone number. It didn't matter, I knew it wouldn't be too difficult to find it. Then this morning when I received word of his passing it struck me like a shock of electricity... "Chris had said good bye to me". As in life he was a ray of light in every room. And I know in his passing he is already with all who's life he made an impact in. Which is probably every person that was fortunate to have just been introduced to him. He had that charisma and character and I feel blessed to have so many fond memories of his friendship.

 

Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Sincerely, Renee

Renee Chandler (San Diego (Palmer, AK), CA)

February 20, 2008

Dear McIntire Family,

I am so deeply sorry for your loss of Chris, I really enjoyed working with him at New Horizons Telecom, he was always such a joy and made me laugh. It is so sad to see him have to go at such a young age and I wish I would have kept in contact with him. Lyla - I wish I could give you a hug and tell you how sorry I am and to let you know that he is in a good place and out of pain. To Chris' wife and son - please be strong and always know that Chris will be in your heart forever.

Frank Ackerman (Redmond, WA)

February 20, 2008

Over 20 years have passed since I last saw or spoke with Chris and Brian, but their smiles and warmth remain vivid to me. I remember the way they quickly endeared themselves to others and became members of the LHS family.
God speed. You are missed.

Martin Bartness (Lutherville, MD)

February 19, 2008

Our deepest sympathies for the loss of a truly great friend and special person. The entire McIntire family is in our thoughts and prayers. Two old 'friends' from Lakenheath.

Sean and Lisa (Peeke) Killeen (Quantico, VA)

February 19, 2008

My heartfelt condolences and prayers go to Chris' family and friends. He was an awesome person. Loved and respected by all. I knew the McIntire twins from Lakenheath High School and have often thought about them. It is a special friend that leaves that stamp on your heart. The kind where decades pass but you remember them and wish them well wherever they may be. We are all better people for knowing him and learning through his gentle demeanor and fun nature. God Bless You and keep you close.

Jennifer Black Foucheaux (New Orleans, LA)

February 19, 2008

Thank you so much for being in our lives Chris. I was a fairly new supervisor when you started at SCF. You were my HR Generalist for many years before I moved to another department. I relied on you heavily when it came to staff concerns or issues. You had a wonderful way of bringing peace and clarity in the mist of chaos or turmoil. I teased you that I had you on speed dial. You were incredibly compassionate and thoughtful. I have very vivid memories of watching you walk down the long hallway to our work, with a slight limp and smile as slight as your limp. You were always gracious to me and had good words for me. I always felt supported by you. We would have lunch together occasionally, and every once in a while you would say "You look pretty today" and it made me feel that way because you were a safe man. You fought hard to live. You loved your family, you loved your wife, you LOVED your son. I knew that and that was so wonderful to see. You were a good man. Thank you Chris. You will be missed by many. I will miss you.
Tanya

Tanya Dolchok (Anchorage, AK)

February 19, 2008

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Marc Delaunoy (Bois-de-Lessines, Belgium)

February 19, 2008

May the company of family and friends comfort you all during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Chris' family and friends, his parents and Brian. Your LHS 'family' are all better people for having known you - Vaya con Dios, ChristoMac.

Jeff Uyak (Charleston, SC)

February 19, 2008

I am so very sad to hear this tragic news. I have many fun high school and college memories that include Chris and Brian. The entire McIntire family is in my prayers for strength during this extremely difficult time.

Krista Heubusch (Fairfax, VA)

February 19, 2008

I met Chris in 1986 at high school in England. I will mostly miss his laugh. I am sure he has gone to heaven and hope to share what remains with me - the memories - warm and great. At first they will be too painful for you to hear, but I hope they will be a healing gift. He will be missed by many!

SueEllen (Uyak) Byers (Tampa, FL)

February 19, 2008

I met Chris and his brother at UAF. He was a class act (just like his brother). Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Dan & Debbie Flodin (Chugiak, AK)

February 19, 2008

I worked closely with Chris for five years at SCF and during that time had great respect for him as a conscientious,kind, patient and dependable person. I was greatly saddened to see that he lost his battle with cancer. My deepest sympathies go to his family, friends and coworkers.

Rose Stasco (Anchorage, AK)

February 19, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Me ke aloha pumehana (with warm love/affection).

Lisa Kaanoi (Honolulu, HI)

February 19, 2008

I extend my sincere condolences to the entire McIntire family. In this sad time may you find strength in God's promise to reunite us with our loved ones by means of a resurrection. - John 5:28,29 And as the days pass, may you conitue to find comfort from your cherished memories of Chris and in the love and support of family and friends.

Bethanie Duncan

February 19, 2008

All my sincerest condolences to the family.

Bernadette Dupuis (chievres)

February 19, 2008

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Annie Taylor (Kain, Tournai - Belgium)

February 19, 2008

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Veronique Nazet (Chievres, Belgium)

February 19, 2008

To the McIntire Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.Chris was a very special person who was loved by many. It was an honor and a privledge to get to know and spend so much time with such a special person and consider him a large part of our family. We will miss him. With all our love, The Sedano Family.

Mery Sedano (Sunrise, FL)

February 19, 2008

Please accept all my symphaty and condoleances

Veronique Nazet (Chievres, Belgium)

February 19, 2008

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Pascale Berton (Chievres, Belgium)

February 19, 2008

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.Please accept my deepest sympathies

Francoise Godfrin (Chievres)

February 19, 2008

Please accept my most sincere sympathy and condolence

nazet veronique (JEMAPPES/Belgium)

February 19, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. May God give you strength and comfort in all the memories you will cherish forever. God Bless You.

Myrna and Rick Medina (Fredericksburg, VA)

February 19, 2008

We never had a chance to meet Chris but knew his parents well. We know through them that he was a wonderful and loved person. Our deepest sympathy in this time of sorrow. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Bob and Joan Klotz (Reilingen, Germany)

February 19, 2008

I am very sad to hear of Chris's untimely death. I met Chris, his wife and son this past year, as we were new to Anchorage. His son and our oldest played together, giving Chris and I opportunities to talk about life, family, and careers.
The last time I had a chance to speak with Chris was at my son's Birthday party, as I am now deployed. I am saddened I lost the chance to talk with him one last time prior to my departure, or, the fact I will not be able to spend more time with him when i return. The world has lost a wonderful father, husband, and my family and I have lost a good friend.

Chris Dineen (Eagle River, AK)

February 19, 2008

I was so shocked and saddened to hear of the loss of Chris. The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. Chris was a pleasure to work with and the most likeable guy. I will cherish the memories of playing softball with Chris the summer of 2001 with the "Short Circuits". May each day continue to fill your hearts with more loving memories of Chris that you all will hold very dear.

Sabrina Carlyle (Wasilla)

February 19, 2008

Chris was a wonderful person and will be missed greatly! It was wonderful to see his smiling face when or wherever he was, he was one in a million!

Elizabeth Hancock (Anchorage, AK)

February 18, 2008

My deepest sympathy to all who knew and loved Chris. I will always keep his warm smile in my heart. I feel blessed to have Chris in my heart as a freind. My heart and prayers are with you.

Echo Martin (Anchorage, AK)

February 18, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Me aloha pumehana (with warm aloha/affection).

Lisa Kaanoi (Honolulu, HI)

February 18, 2008

Sheri and Family,
Jimmy and I are deeply saddened by Chris's passing. You are in our thoughts during this difficult time.

Nicole Gauthier (Eagle River, AK)

February 18, 2008

My sincere condolences to your family- Chris was an amazing man who contributed greatly to families in Anchorage. He was loved and admired by many. My prayers are with your family.
Very sincerely, MaryEllen Fritz

MaryEllen Fritz (Anchorage, AK)

February 18, 2008

The whole family is in our thoughts and prayers during these hard times. Chris was a wonderful person and will always be remembered! WE all now have a wonderful angel looking over us. We love you and send our condolences.

Darlene & Jerry O'Malley (Chicago, IL)

 

February 28, 2008

Sheri and Hayden,
My hearfelt sympathy goes out to both of you.

Sarah Rush Comstock

Sarah Rush Comstock (Sumner, WA)

February 28, 2008

I was saddened to hear about Chris. You have my heartfelt sympathy. I knew Chris from LHS.

Loli (Archuleta) McMahon (Midlothian, VA)

February 27, 2008

I just found out. I am truly sorry for your loss and you are in my prayers. It was a pleasure to have known Chris.

Christopher Minchin (Boston)

February 26, 2008

Sheri,
I'm so sorry for your loss. We actually just got off a cruise and had many thoughts about the time we all meet up... you guys had such a spark.. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this tough time.

KRISTIN Sherwood (Scibor) (Anchorage)

February 26, 2008

Laila, Bill & Family so sorry to hear that Chris has passed away. Know that our prayers are with today and the following days.
Ramona & Carl Forrester

Ramona Forrester (Salem, OR)

February 25, 2008

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Anne-Marie HEUSSCHEN (Chievres BELGIUM)

February 24, 2008

I can not even begin to express my sorrow at the loss of Chris. I am an old high school friend and have been out of touch for many years, but I vividly remember his warm smile and great laughter! I wish his family much peace and comfort.

Christina Dudash-Reeves (Southampton, PA)

February 24, 2008

My heartfelt sympathies go to Chris' loved ones: his wife, son, brother Brian, parents, and friends. What a terrible loss. I met Chris in high school and am grateful for having known him. He was such a fun, loving, and gentle natured person. May his family and friends find comfort knowing he touched so many. Earth has lost an incredible person but heaven has gained a beautiful angel.

Teagi Menendez (Stammler) (Raleigh, NC)

February 24, 2008

I would like to offer my sympathy to you and your family in this difficult time. I hope that you are comforted by the memories of your time together. Please take comfort in knowing that there are people thinking of you in this time of need.

Kristina Kovich (Anchorage, AK)

February 23, 2008

I was fortunate to meet and get to know Chris my senior year of high school in England. Please know that my family and I are praying for and thinking of Chris and all his family in this most difficult time. It?s been so long since I have communicated with many of the good friends that I made in my time at Lakenheath High School. I spent last night looking through my yearbook and photo albums from back then and I remembered the good times that Chris brought to my life. As I read through the entries on this guest book there is definitely one common theme to keep in mind. Chris was a great person and touched many people along his path; I have no doubt about that. He will be missed. God bless him and the entire McIntire family.

Wayne Jensen (Yucca Valley, CA)

February 23, 2008

Sheri, Hayden, Brian, Karen, Laila, BIll and family,
I cannot express to you, ever, what a humbling honor it has been to be a part of your family. I love you all like my own- I always have.
I can only believe that God allowed us to be in Anchorage in time to see Chris on Friday and, ironically, for YOU to comfort US. I can only humbly hope that we have helped you to grieve. I pray that the God of comfort and peace bring you just that.
See you soon.

Heather & Bao Do (Fairbanks, AK)

February 21, 2008

Dear McIntire Family,
I worked with Chris at Southcentral Foundation for many years, although we didn't work in the same area, he always had a smiling face and was fun to be around. I was blessed to see him Friday before he passed. Chris will be greatly missed, and I am blessed to have known such a wonderful person. My prayers are with you all.

Crystal Harrison (Anchorage, AK)

February 21, 2008

I am very saddened by the news of Chris' passing. He was one in a million. He was apprciated to all who knew and cared for him.
I am so sorry for your loss.

Gwen Jones (Shavings-Franks) (Anchorage, AK)

February 21, 2008

Dear Sheri, Hayden, family and friends, I am so very sorry. Your journey this past year has been a difficult one. You have always been in my thoughts and prayers. I have the good memories of your wedding, the birth and growth of Hayden. He is such a nice little boy. I grieve for both of you. Cherish the good memories, they can never be taken from you! It was good to see the three of you recently. "May you celebrate what needs to be celebrated and grieve what needs to be grieved" In Sympathy and Friendship, Edie Syftestad

Edie Syftestad (Richland Center, WI)

February 21, 2008

I am heartbroken to learn of Chris's passing. My love and support go out to the family, especially to Brian. I knew the twins from high school and am sad to have lost touch with them (almost 14 years ago now!). Chris was a remarkable, loving person who brought joy to so many lives. Much love and support to the family in this time of grief. God Bless, Inka (VanConant) Lyall

Inka (VanConant) Lyall (Colorado Springs, CO)

February 21, 2008

To the McIntire Family,
Our Deepest sympathy in this time of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Laurette & Philippe Mauro-Duquenne

Laurette Mauro

February 21, 2008

Chris has always been one of my very best friends. I love the fact that no matter how much time passed in between our visits and emails that it always seemed just like yesterday even though so many miles separated us! I feel so grateful to have had his friendship in my life and I will truly miss the love that he so willingly has shared with so many around him! Your family will always remain in our thoughts and prayers.

Robin Fahning (Loomis, CA)

February 21, 2008

Although I did not know Christopher, I knew Laila & Bill from their time in Belgium. My deepest sympathies to the entire family in their time of sorrow. No words can express the pain of losing a child. Keep your memories of Christopher alive so that Hayden will remember and know his father.

Gail Holt (Belgium)

February 21, 2008

My heart aches at the news of his passing. I went to high school with Chris, and, like so many others, knew him as a fun and warm person. We will be praying for his family.

Christopher Smith (San Antonio, TX)