Who Is Chris On Page 367?

It is an untraditional choice for an author to introduce a character at the end of the story, but I made an exception for Chris.

Christopher Asahanta Woolf — was my son. At twenty-four, my beautiful, athletic, entertaining, and playful boy chose to take his own life. He died on July 11, 2020, just days before his twenty-fifth birthday. I wanted him to be in my story, especially as part of the heaven narrative. It comforts me to read him as whole and blissful in heaven, waiting for us.

Steve and I adopted Chris on November 20, 2010. He was fifteen, and he quickly became the grinning and charming center of the house. Chris was an engaging and social young man. He loved asking questions, making people laugh, and championing any cause that landed at his feet. He was spontaneous and brave, kind and empathetic.

As a young man with passion and an unfair amount of traumatic experiences, Chris was vulnerable to addiction, which he battled for several years.

As a family, we too often consider all the should-haves and what-ifs; a natural mind trap for those left behind. But as believers, we are given hope and assurance that Chris is better than okay and more than healed where he is.

So, thank you for indulging me while I break literary rules and introduce you to Chris at the end of Mount Hope. He would get a kick out of the attention, and I can think of no better salve for our broken hearts than for him to live forever in a story about hope.

If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or need emotional support 24/7, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.

 

12 Comments

  1. Angela Johnson on April 7, 2022 at 7:03 pm

    My dear friend~

    I’m so sorry for your loss, What a beautiful and moving tribute, from a beautiful and loving person. It brought me to tears. He sounds like he was a very special human being. I’m glad you have found hope with your faith.

    On a happier note, Congratulations on publishing your first book. I’m thrilled for you. And I can’t wait to read your book.

    Peace & Love~
    Angela

    • Kellie Woolf on April 7, 2022 at 8:10 pm

      Thank you for seeing into my heart, Angela.
      Your beautiful spirit and talents have inspired me for years!
      Much love,
      Kellie

    • Karla Burke Alsup on June 7, 2022 at 11:58 am

      Oh Kellie what a beautiful tribute to your beautiful son! He is flying high with the angels 😇💖 You are such a beautiful soul and I am glad I know you😉 When can we get your book? Much love 💖

  2. Karla Burke Alsup on June 7, 2022 at 11:59 am

    Oh Kellie what a beautiful tribute to your beautiful son! He is flying high with the angels 😇💖 You are such a beautiful soul and I am glad I know you😉 When can we get your book? Much love 💖

  3. Jay on June 7, 2022 at 4:24 pm

    Love you heart flowing through to your keyboard…❤️❤️

  4. Renee & Leslie on June 7, 2022 at 10:30 pm

    What a beautiful soul!! Thank you for sharing him with the world. 🙏🌈🌄💚

  5. Guin on June 8, 2022 at 2:00 am

    It sounds like Chris becoming part of your family is like the double rainbows that I see up here…one pot of gold getting an amazing son and the other pot for him getting you and Steve as parents. I’m sure that he would have loved that you spotlighted him the way you have and allowed his memory to live on forever. What a blessing to get to be a mom to such a cool kid!

  6. Marilun on June 8, 2022 at 6:16 pm

    So wished I could of met him. He was so fortunate to have you and Steve as parents.

  7. Shawndy Bartlett on July 5, 2022 at 6:25 pm

    Hi Kellie. It is Shawndy from middle school at Logan. Congrads on publishing your book. I am going to order it..looking forward to reading it. My heart goes out to you and your family with the loss of your son. May God bless you!! Xoxo

  8. Diana Horning (OH friend) on July 13, 2022 at 2:27 pm

    This is a beautiful tribute to your son. He sounds amazing. I wish I could have met him. I think talking about him and sharing stories about him is the best tribute you and Steve could make. I continue to talk about my brother who will live on in our hearts through those stories. Thank you for being such an inspiration to so many!

  9. Michael Sherman on October 24, 2022 at 11:32 am

    So sorry for the loss of your son. I feel the need to ask if his suicide was related to social pressure or bullying regarding the LGBT community. There are SO many going through turmoil now with that.

    • Kellie Woolf on April 9, 2023 at 7:55 pm

      Thank you, Michael, for asking the question. Sadly, his suicide resulted from a long battle with addiction, and shame got him. However, I acknowledge the profound and often violent discrimination the LGBTQ+ community experiences daily. It is the reason I wrote the book.

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