Steven C.

Steve C., 32 3/4 June 16, '62 - April 24, '95 avalanche

Steven's Mom, Charlotte, writes:

"He let his light shine
from the inside out.
Though it was too short,
he lived a very full
and happy life.
He was the best son,
brother and friend
anyone could ever have.
And we all will
miss him forever."

"Most look up
          and only admire the stars.....
a champion climbs a mountain
          and grabs one."

by (Sister) Wendy C.

Journal Entry 6-8-96. Today, I remembered feelings I had early on, last year, after a force of nature took my brother, Steve, away. I remember being excessively worried that something might happen to me, that I might get in a car accident, and I vehemently prayed often that this would not happen, for fear of the added grief it would bring to my mother, and I couldn't bear the thought of her going through any more pain. Funny what things go through your mind. I also felt intensely for the loss of my brother's future, for his sake. I was so sad that he'd never marry, never get to be a father, and he'd have been the BEST (next to our father, that is)! I just wish the last time I spoke to him was in person, instead of on the phone, and that I could have hugged him, kissed him one more time (yeah, like I'd have known something bad was going to happen!). I guess I did do that, that last Christmas, just a few months before. That time, early on, seems so far away yet, just like yesterday sometimes. My brother had been proud of me (as he was of each of us in his family), shortly before, as a friend of his told me after the funeral service, for landing a job as a 'boss lady'. That meant soooo much to me to hear that, however, maybe because of it, I felt more disappointed in myself when, after months of struggling with a new job that was foreign to me, as well as the deep grief I felt, the job didn't work out. There were really many reasons, but I had to leave and find another job. I felt I was letting my brother down, but I realized he'd understand and want me to follow my heart and then I did start to forgive myself. I'm still just beginning to sort out every thing from this past year. It'll take some time, but I'm not forcing the issue. I need things to be as uncomplicated as possible, and not majorly time-consuming. Little bit at a time, one step at a time, that's the way to go. This is all part of the journey, the journey of life, of being a sister (or brother), and loving someone. (Sister) Wendy

Steve: A Portrait

By Charlotte C. - April 24, 1996
in loving memory of her son Steven S. C.

He loved his God
his family
his friends
helping his family and friends
his new home and barn
his drums and drumming
his motorcycle and riding
mountains
climbing mountains
the view from the summit
all of nature and natural things
chopping wood
woodworking
food
cooking food
his "tunes"
dancing
women
children
being a Big Brother to William
reading
learning
puzzling
tools
fixing things
building things
a tasty brew
a dry martini
fine wine
the best Scotch
strong coffee
crunching on ice cubes
a joke
laughter
more laughter
life
living life to the fullest
He was loved