A note from Bonnie Eggle:  This is a poem written by one of Kris' dear, dear friends (and ours too) from Ajo.  Jaime and her husband Caleb met Kris at the church where they all attended and they bonded in a beautiful friendship immediately.  When he was murdered, their grief was overwhelming, like with all of us, so Jaime sat down one day and wrote these words to help alleviate their pain of separation from Kris. Her words have touched my heart so deeply and we felt sharing them would be good for others as well.

---

 
 

Kris Eggle's Simple Abundance

 

Kris enjoyed every season of life and wore a smile that made people ask "Why?"

He taught us not to be afraid to truly live, and not to be afraid to die.

Kris sang beautifully. He loved family, friends, hiking camping, fishing, and food.

He absorbed all he could from life and never chose to be in a bad mood.

He poured himself out to everyone around him.  He loved to help and he loved to live.

Kris was an amazing man who blessed anyone who met him with his love to give.

Kris praised the Creator daily and protected the precious resources of the land.

Each day, before his "feet hit the floor," he prayed to God as he laid his life "in the palm of His hand."

He was an American hero who loved the country and freedoms he served.

He still believed in the basic values from which our country was based and he gave his all everyday to keep those freedoms and comforts preserved.

Kris could run like an Olympian, he had a green thumb, and he loved to cook.

He loved to sing, laugh, and hike. He loved to read the Good Book.

He was good at whatever he did because he worked so hard at everything to be sure.

When Kris spoke to you, you felt special because he genuinely believed you were.

Friends never doubted his loyalty because their friendship was always secure.

He looked into the depths of people, right at their soul and only saw everything they wanted to be.

People's potential and the good in them is all he wanted to see.

When a challenge or inconvenience arose, Kris didn't grumble or complain.

He simply embraced the opportunity to prove himself once again.

Still so many memories to be made, laughs to share, mountains to hike....I just can't understand.

But we have to look ahead as Kris always did and trust it is in the Almighty's loving hand.

I will never eat an Oreo, sit down in church, or salute the American flag without thinking of Kris.

My heart aches every time I think of our loss, but I will press on because I know he would want this.

I will put on a smile, I will try to approach each day the way Kris did and have an outlook like his.

I will love my neighbor more than myself and soar through the beauties of life like a bird.

I will put into action all the wonderful things that Kris taught me without ever saying a word.

I will embrace life, give unselfishly as Kris did, and be so thankful that in our country freedom does ring.

When we have finished our race, we will meet our dear friend again, one sweet day.

In the meantime, there is a beautiful baritone voice singing in heaven today.

                                                                    --- By Jaime Kesler