Today, December 29, 2020, I lost my big sister, Christine. She succumbed to cancer after a 7 year battle with what started as breast cancer and continued to take different, more aggressive forms over the years.
Yesterday, I was able to spend time with her while she was in hospice care. I brought along her ultimate Christmas present, the “Depeche Mode by Anton Corbijn” book, and we went through it together, marveling at the wonderful pictures of those DM studs. Even her ill-tempered chihuahua was there, which brought Christine immense joy. And of course, her husband Sean was there, providing unwavering love and support at all times.
I let her know that when I open a “goth” dance club in the future, somewhere in Cleveland, I will name it Christine in order to honor her legacy. She will be the spirit behind this future community of people that will come together and dance to the best music (a.k.a. Depeche Mode), with fog and lasers everywhere. This was one of the main passions of her life.
I left the hospital room in the evening when she fell asleep. I kissed her on the forehead and said goodbye. That evening, at about 3:30am, she passed away in her sleep. In her final day in this life, she was surrounded by those who were closest to her, and she remained in good spirits until the end. She was truly a wonderful person and a soul like no other.
Full-blown eulogy coming soon.
I love you, Christine. I hope you’re dancing to the number 1 song in Heaven now.
Me and Chris, summer 2020, in her backyard Parma Paradise. I gave her an official Sparks beret for her birthday.
Me and Chris (and there’s Ron, too), after my most notorious live performance at the Beachland Ballroom in Cleveland, August 25, 2007. She was always my biggest supporter.