33 Comments
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Ed Koenig's avatar

Thank you for sharing Chris' story. I felt an immediate connection. My husband also lived with multiple sclerosis for the 33 years we shared together. He always maintained a positive attitude about everyone and everything. He had a favorite denim jacket that I kept after his passing. From time to time, I put it on just to remember the feel of his arms around me. I'm sure Chris' jacket will be there to comfort you with all your special memories of your life together.

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Deborah Way's avatar

I’m glad you connected with this ❤️

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Erika Kalyvas's avatar

Thank you so much. I am so sorry for your loss. I am touched by our shared experience.

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Judy Sandler's avatar

Beautiful piece; "humble, useful, it's potential for warmth obvious." Thank you for sharing it.

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Deborah Way's avatar

The perfect vest for a humble, helpful, caring husband 💓

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Erika Kalyvas's avatar

Thank you. The vest is an embodiment of his spirit.

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Ann V. Klotz's avatar

Exceptional. What a beautiful tribute to Chris, to your relationship--economical and gorgeous. Thank you.

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Deborah Way's avatar

It is so moving ❤️

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Erika Kalyvas's avatar

Thank you. I hope to do justice to his memory.

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John Kalyvas's avatar

What a beautiful tribute to your and Chris's love for each other. For those here that don't know me, I am Chris's brother. Obviously, I recall seeing him wearing that vest. Reading this essay brought both a big smile and a small tear to my face.

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Erika Kalyvas's avatar

Thank you John, he was a remarkable person and I was blessed.

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Kristen J Keller's avatar

Erika, this beautiful. Simple, expressive. Chris would be so proud of you. You are remarkable, resilient and wildly talented.

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Erika Kalyvas's avatar

Thank you Kristen. ❤️❤️❤️

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JR's avatar

Beautiful piece. Chris sounds so amazingly thoughtful, caring, and engaged.

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Amie McGraham's avatar

This person, this partner, this relationship—all of it brought me to tears. Beautiful.

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Erika Kalyvas's avatar

Thank you ❤️.

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Linda Thompson's avatar

What a beautiful tribute to your husband. It's the little, everyday things that keep the memory of our loved ones alive. My father has been gone for years, but I keep his three-quarter leather jacket hanging in a closet in the basement. I just can't part with it.

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Erika Kalyvas's avatar

Thank you. Of course there is no reason to part with these objects that keep the memory close. I have had to repair the zipper a second time since Chris's passing. I couldn't imagine letting go of this vest.

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Coyote Susan's avatar

I hope you keep writing about Chris and your relationship and anything else that moves you. Your voice is straightforward with a tone that’s refreshingly subtle and relatable.

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Erika Kalyvas's avatar

Thank you for your encouragement. This was a big leap for me.

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Jan Burns's avatar

This piece brought me to tears...both the beauty of it and the eloquent expression of grief.

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Erika Kalyvas's avatar

Thank you… I have found both tears and laughter in the small moments of our marriage.

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Chris J. Rice's avatar

That reliable vest. What more does one need when we walk out the door? Thank you.

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Erika Kalyvas's avatar

Thank you! I always think the vest is an underrated garment!!

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Barbara at Projectkin's avatar

Beautiful, humbling. An honor to share those moments. Truly, an inspiration to others wrestling with grief.

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Erika Kalyvas's avatar

Thank you… it’s the small moments that make a beautiful thing.

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Mjb Fresh's avatar

Pass me the old pocket tissue please!!

Beautiful.

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Erika Kalyvas's avatar

Thank you ❤️❤️

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Nancy Malcolm's avatar

Erika, thank you for sharing Chris with us. What a kind, thoughtful, loving man he was.

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Erika Kalyvas's avatar

Thank you❤️ He was my best friend.

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Sharon Senkiew's avatar

What a lovely tribute to your beloved Chris. I’m so sorry for your loss. You write beautifully.

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Erika Kalyvas's avatar

Thank you so much ❤️❤️

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JoAnn Nadeau's avatar

Thank you for this heartfelt story. I too started writing after my husband of 45 years passed in 2017.

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