Eight years have now passed. My subtitle is a paradox that has become a theme played over and over for me when I think of 9/11 and the loss of so many, each and every one someone's parent, spouse, child, friend or colleague. Not one of them was irreplaceble. Time has marched on, the world still spins, we still laugh and cry and move along with our lives. Yet, none of them could ever be replaced. There will always be a hole that can't quite be filled ever again. In the days following 9/11, as the first stages of personal grief for the loss of a friend were easing a little, the wider loss began to settle in.
This is how I remember Christine Snyder: a beautiful young woman with a dazzling smile, vibrant and strong, loving and caring, growing, always growing in skills and experience, dedicated to preserving and protecting the natural beauty of Hawaii. As a volunteer with The Outdoor Circle, I first met Chris when she joined the organization as an administrative assistant. As she learned more about the organization, the history and legacy, and the mission, she began to see her life-work emerging. She took courses and was certified as an arborist, to better understand and be able to teach others the proper placement and care of trees. She was promoted to Project Manager for Landscape and Planting and was midway through a major project on Magic Island in Honolulu at the time of her death.
At 32, Chris was just beginning to blossom professionally. Though she had already touched many lives and had many accomplishments, the future looked so bright, so filled with potential. She was capable and effective, from managing volunteers to working with city and county bureaucracies, other arborists and developers. Her sparkling personality combined with a strong will to make a lasting difference were already working, yet gave promise of what was to come. Her loss rippled beyond her family and friends. We can never know the loss to her community.
Yes, time has marched on. The project at Magic Island was completed and continues as a lasting reminder. The Outdoor Circle continues with its mission, growing and expanding in the last eight years, approching its 100 year anniversary in 2012. We all have moved on with our lives. Yet, Chris flits through my thoughts at odd moments, quite often. I miss her smile and her laugh. There will always be a hole there, never quite filled. I will never forget.
Other tributes to Chris, the others on Flight 93 and other memorials are listed below. Donations to The Outdoor Circle can be made in Chris's name:
Christine Snyder Tree Education Fund – For Urban Forestry Education
A special fund has been established in memory of Outdoor Circle arborist Christine Snyder (August 12, 1969 – September 11, 2001). In recognition of Christine’s passion and love for trees, the Christine Snyder Tree Education Fund continues Christine’s goal to teach Hawai‘i residents about the importance of trees in our lives as well as to educate them about proper tree care.
A special fund has been established in memory of Outdoor Circle arborist Christine Snyder (August 12, 1969 – September 11, 2001). In recognition of Christine’s passion and love for trees, the Christine Snyder Tree Education Fund continues Christine’s goal to teach Hawai‘i residents about the importance of trees in our lives as well as to educate them about proper tree care.
So very touching. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI honor Christopher Paul Slattery.