Letters from the Family |
Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2004. To the friends, and supporters of Chris, We would like to express our gratitude to the thousands of people who have supported us during this most difficult time. You have brought tremendous comfort to our family. For several nights following the accident, groups joined together in spontaneous vigils at the accident site. Candles remained lit for days and many letters, cards, and mementos were deposited at the accident site and on chriscampbell.ca. The church at the funeral was overflowing with many who cared deeply for Chris and many donations have also been made in Chris’ honour of which we are grateful. This extraordinary support has not gone unnoticed and has truly helped us each and every day since the accident. Although tragic, we know that his death has made a difference and will continue to make a difference for others who will learn from his mistake. Someone said that the pain was a result of the love for him. We can definitely say that the pain was great. We know he was loved dearly by many. Now it is time to go on but never to forget. Never to forget his smile, his compassion, and how he made a difference for each of us. We are truly grateful for all the help, support and love from each and every one of you. Bill and Marie, Will and Michael Campbell Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2004. To the staff and students of Bishop Allen, We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the staff and students of Bishop Allen Academy, for the extraordinary outpour of support and kind wishes. You have brought tremendous comfort to our family, during this difficult time. For several nights following the accident, hundreds joined together in spontaneous vigils at the accident site. The candles remained lit for days and many letters, cards, and mementos were deposited. The students were even industrious enough to create a beautiful stone pathway leading to the various memorial displays at the site. We were also touched beyond words, at the sincerity of the students in praying and reciting the rosary at various times in the presence of Chris’ grandparents, aunts, uncles and parents. Memories, poems and letters were discussed and read; these words brought tears to many of us, but also brought us closer to Chris. Our family was especially touched by the countless acts of kindness and compassion that they have experienced on the part of the staff and students at Bishop Allen schoool. These moments were especially important for Chris’ brothers, Will and Michael. We feel that the students of Bishop Allen, through the unique connection that teen friends have with one another, were able to reach and console Will in an indispensable way. To the pall bearers, the readers, and the band that played at the funeral you touched our hearts in a very special way. A special thank you to the staff at Bishop Allen for so many thoughtful acts …We were especially comforted by the empathetic way in which we were received at Bishop Allen, when we dropped by in those early days after Chris’ accident. Your various acts of kindness will remain in our memory. Although a tragic accident, we know that his death has made a difference and will continue to make a difference for others who will learn from his mistake. Someone said that the pain was a result of the love for him. Let us say that this pain was great. We know he was loved dearly by many. Now it is time to go on but never to forget. Never to forget his smile, his compassion, and how he made a difference for each of us. We are truly grateful for all the help, support and love from each and everyone of you. Bill and Marie, Will and Michael Campbell Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2004. To the Staff and Students of Our Lady of Sorrows Elementary School; We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the staff and students of Our Lady of Sorrows Elementary School, for the extraordinary outpour of support and kind wishes. You have brought tremendous comfort to our family, during this difficult time. We are grateful for the empathetic way in which we were received, when we dropped by the school in the early days following Chris’ accident. A special thank you to the Grade Seven classes for the beautiful cards, and to the teachers for their cards, poems and kind wishes. Mrs. Sutej, that poem of Chris’ brought tears to many eyes; it helped to bring us closer to Chris during our time of grief. These gestures of support and compassion were especially important for Chris’ brother, Michael. Thank you for your compassion and kindness in our time of need. Sincerely, Bill and Marie, Will and Michael |