Christopher Shelton Boyles

Time has passed and over six months has elapsed since we lost our son, Christopher. During this interval we attempted numerous times to put down our thoughts. The time was too short and we failed; now, we are ready to try again.

Chris was born on November 9, 1969 and lived continuously in this community until his death on December 2, 2000. Throughout his life Chris exhibited consistent behavior patterns. From childhood forward he knew his mind and had an opinion about everything. This attribute developed very early. As an example, from age four to five he insisted upon wearing his cowboy boots with shorts. To us he looked ridiculous, but in his mind this was "cool." So ...he wore cowboy boots with shorts! As a parent we choose battles, and this wasn't one. As Chris grew and matured, this trait served him well.

A second pattern of behavior that began very early and continued lifelong was the passion to get somewhere FAST. When placed in a walker at about seven months of age, Chris repeatedly lunged and hurled himself forward headfirst onto the floor. Moving in the walker was too slow. So much for the walker! Crawling attained the goal faster.

Around age seven or eight years old, Chris bought a mini-bike from our good friend, Tom Jenkins. Under his Dad's supervision, Chris dearly loved to ride and feel the wind on his face.

Christopher delighted in taking things apart and putting them together again. From a tiny tot disassembling one machine after another to becoming a Master Mechanic at Wade Raulerson, this passion never changed. He loved the challenge, the effort, and the sweet taste of victory when everything ran smoothly again.

We remember vividly when, at age 13, he called around town trying to locate an inoperative motorcycle that he could have to "work on" and repair. At one of the local shops, the owner had three, and Chris was told he could take his pick. Having no trailer, Chris convinced Papa Boyles, his grandfather, to bring his boat and trailer to the shop. The chosen motorcycle was carried proudly across Gainesville riding inside the boat. Chris located a manual, set to work, and fixed that motorcycle. Our driveway was a wreck for days. There were a few extra parts, but the bike's engine worked. From then on Chris was hooked on both fixing and riding.

Throughout his life Chris loved and was dearly loved by both family and friends. He and his sister, Kelly, were fortunate to have both their grandparents and a large extended family actively involved in their lives from birth onward. There were and are frequent family reunions with an abundance of food, fun and friendship.

After Chris's death, the outpouring of love and caring from friends and family was truly overwhelming. We received so many meaningful cards, letters, phone calls, visits, much delicious food, and prayers that continue to inspire us. We frequently celebrate Chris's life by listening to the beautiful CD, "Forever," written by Brandt Frenchman and Heather Hall, and performed by a host of wonderfully compassionate and talented musicians.

Christopher's earthly body departed doing something he loved riding his motorcycle. His spirit is still among us ...strong and beautiful! Memories continue to soothe our souls as we remember our brief earthwalk together.

Our Wiles Elementary faculty friends placed a living memorial at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. If you visit this peppermint eucalyptus, it will remind you of Chris with its own strength and character. Some of his ashes were sprinkled at the base ...and you may sense his presence. Though his physical body has departed, he continues to touch and inspire us. Rejoice!

IN MEMORY OF CHRIS: A BRIGHT AND MAGICAL BEING
NOVEMBER 9, 1969 - DECEMBER 2, 2000

OH GOD:
LEAD US FROM UNTRUTH TO TRUTH
LEAD US FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT
LEAD US FROM DEATH TO IMMORTALITY
OM SHANTI, OM PEACE

Close your eyes and picture Chris as you knew him: as a little boy or as a tall and handsome young man. See his big flashing smile and his shining eyes. Now picture the light from his eyes and from his smile, the bright and shining light, and know that this is truly who he was and now is. Stay with his light and see it strong and bright. Go into your own heart and feel your own light and love and compassion. Add your brightness to Chris's and then picture this column of bright light and strong love joining and rising to Heaven. Tell Chris how much you love him and wish him well on his journey to God. He will receive your gift and be strengthened by it each time you do it. Heal Chris by healing yourself. Heal him by healing those you love. Heal him by healing our beautiful planet. Do this by being Love and Light, and by bringing Love and Light to all that you do and to all that you say.

Here is a Mantra, a prayer, for the purification of negative emotions. It was given to the world by the Buddha of Compassion and can be used whenever Chris, or any other person who has died, comes into your thoughts.

OM MANI PADME HUM OM MANI PADME HUM