A few years into Chris’ battle with ALS, I got a random text from him that felt like a good-bye. I panicked at the thought that it was the end. I selfishly thought, “you can’t go now, there’s still so much I need to learn from you.” In this selfish panic, I asked through text what his secret was to helping so many people and touching so many lives. He couldn’t speak or move anything but his eyes at this point, so I now imagine how he patiently blinked out a response through his eye-to-text software, letter by letter. It read:
“Do your eyes light up when you see them?”
The reference is from this Oprah Winfrey interview with Toni Morrison in which these two incredible women discuss self-worth and the power of reaching out to others (which will hands-down be the best two-and-a-half minutes of your day if you take the time to watch it).
In this moment Chris reminded me of the importance of having the presence and care to let your face communicate the kindness to others that’s in your heart. To simply not be afraid to demonstrate it. Because everyone needs it. The light we show for others sticks with them… on a conscious or subconscious level. And it’s one of the simplest and most powerful kindnesses we can do for each other on a daily basis. If you talk to anyone about Chris, they’ll mention that spark in his eyes that he had for everyone.