Welcome to my blog. When I set this up a few months ago, I could never have imagined this being my first post.
My youngest son Christian Douglas Friesen…(we called him Chris), passed away on March 25, 2010. He was just 17 years old. In the next days and weeks I will introduce you to Chris from a father’s perspective.
I don’t think I would be starting this blog if it hadn’t have been for the amazing strength and powerful relationships that we gained through a Facebook memorial page this past week as we prepared to honour and remember Chris at his funeral service on April 1.
I read a book last year called How Starbucks Saved My Life. I feel like writing my own book now…How Facebook Saved our Lives. Of course it’s the people behind the technology, but in our darkest moments…and in dark moments to come, the on-line community balanced with the outpouring of support from family and friends drove our strength.
You’ll hear a lot about Chris Friesen in this blog, but we’ll also journey through life and hopefully learn together. Chris…your passion will fuel us. You are fueling me already to share all the life lessons I gave you as a Dad with a wider circle. Seeing your influence in others since your passing has made this Dad (and Mom), so amazingly proud of you I simply cannot tell you.
This blog is dedicated to helping fuel the passion in all of us. That will make more and more sense as time goes on…
Note: To gain full context of this blog, you’re encouraged to view Back Story part 1 and Back Story part 2.
Be The Best. 
11 replies on “Easter Sunday – and so it begins.”
Randy, Ingrid and Max,
You are amazing people, and I am so proud to know you. I mean that with sincerity and respect.
The service for Chris on Thursday paid the highest honour and tribute to a young man who was, and will continue to be, loved and cherished.
I look forward to this journey on your blog Randy, it gives all of us strength and hope; and most importantly, it continues to connect us as people; for most certainly we are all connected. This blog will keep Chris close and help all of us to heal.
Karen
These blogs will allow healing for everyone who knew Chris and those of us who didn’t! I’m glad facebook gives your family strength and I continue to pray everyday for healing for all !!! Thank you !!
Cassidy Murphy
I watched all your videos posted. The christmas tree one was classic! The look on the boys face beside the tree was priceless…the look of “I rather be sleeping right now”…I look forward to all your posts!
You continue to amaze me.
Wow. Technology really does change everything. I’m grateful to be able to read about Chris and about how you and your family are doing, not just at the moment, but as time goes on, and to be able to stay connected without feeling intrusive. And I’m not surprised that you of all people have thought to use the power of technology for such an important and meaningful purpose.
You rock Dude!!!
You are such an amazing father with pure strength in you. I know if I was a parent I couldn’t handle this like you are. This blog will sure help everyone who knew Chris.
Randy, thanks so much for your amazing ability to share with others. Especially through the pain, we will connect in a deeper and more meaningful way to your special family.
Your family is simply amazing. The memorial service on Thursday has been etched into my mind forever – it was beautiful. Randy you are a pillar of strength; I truly admire you, and, your family. This blog is a wonderful way to stay connected. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
HI Randy, this will be a privilege to remain connected in a much closer way. Thank-you. Love from, VI
[…] Sunday? One of the most read posts of the hundreds now on this blog is the very first one…Easter Sunday and so it begins. It seems only fitting that two years later on Easter Sunday 2012 we would mark the next chapters […]