Determined, Kind, Funny, Unique, Loving
Christopher liked to keep busy. Whether playing hockey, video games, hanging with buddies, or going to a concert or sporting event, he was usually on the move. Christopher was a kind and thoughtful soul who cared deeply for those around him. His determined spirit and unwillingness to stray from his values made Christopher quite a remarkable person.
Christopher grew up in a loving family and had two older brothers: Gary Matthew was 17, and Mark was 15 years old when he was born. Christopher’s mom, Denise, remarked that in some respects he was like an only child growing up. “I always referred to him as my ‘little buddy’ because we did everything together.” As a kid, when Christopher was around adults, he could be introverted. With friends though, his personality shone through. “He was witty, funny, and creative. He was handsome and smart,” said Denise.
Even at a young age, it was clear that Christopher was incredibly tenacious. He was gifted in school, respectful of his teachers, and when he set his mind on something, very little could stand in his way. Perhaps the best example of this was with ice hockey. “He started asking to play ice hockey when he was in the first grade,” Denise remembers. Christopher’s parents were a bit apprehensive about the sport – it seemed possibly dangerous and definitely expensive. Christopher was unrelenting though and for two years he’d ask if he could play. Finally, they got him ice skating lessons. He was a natural on the ice, and before long he was playing on a hockey team.
Within two years, he started playing travel hockey, then AAA and continued playing through high school and college. While playing in his sophomore year at Drexel University, Christopher broke a small bone in his wrist. He had three separate surgeries in three years and was prescribed opiates after each one.
After two years at Drexel, Christopher transferred to East Carolina University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Marketing. Despite battling an ever-present addiction to opiates, Christopher made it to his classes on time, got good grades, and graduated – yet another example of his drive and perseverance. It was around this time that Christopher’s brother Mark, with whom he shared a very special bond, died from duodenal cancer. Denise is certain that this emotional blow contributed to the escalation of Christopher’s addiction.
From then on, Christopher’s addiction seemed to be controlling his life. Denise remembers the constant turmoil – how she would stay up at night wondering if he was all right, how hard it was when he would relapse after a stint of sobriety, the paranoia, and the trauma. “The most difficult part was watching him become someone that I didn’t even know,” she said, “But I never gave up or stopped loving him.”
If there was one thing that Christopher cherished most, it was his family. He was always present at his pop pop’s house during the family’s Sunday gatherings and was always thinking of fun ways to entertain his younger cousins. He loved spending time with his niece Grace, and his nephew Jacob and was an incredible uncle. More than anything, Denise says she misses Christopher’s hugs. “It has been seven years since his death, and I can still clearly hear him say ‘I love you, mom.’
Christopher’s Mother, Denise Stollings, provided the information for this narrative.
April 1, 1989- May 4, 2015-Age 26
Portrait Artist: Shawn Faust
Narrative Writer: Scott Clower
