I remember back to your rehearsal party when I said that Gail and I prayed for you since Elizabeth was born. I know now you truly consider Elizabeth as your cherished gift from God without whom your life would not be complete. You also know that I have very high standards when it comes to my sunshine. When I see you together and read your letters I know that she has made great decision!
Now for the great memories that you and I have had together! Having to face the "inspection" from Jennifer and Jessica you passed. You loved GP's wings and the backyard at Nancy's. You easily handled the Cayce Christmas transition from Granny's house to the Funderburks. When we add the Florida family you have faced the craziness and survived. I'm proud of you!
I also share in the funny and sometimes significant memories - from the snake kill at the lake, the tube battle which you can claim that you pushed off the tube ( of yes and there was a rib fracture too ), deep sea fishing with Buster and Brian with none of us getting sick while actually catching our limit ( who would have thought you or I could have done that), Ava's baptism special appointments in the toilet (I think you had the worst of all), all kinds of beer tasting and some fantastic eats. Since I love to eat so much I love telling people how fantastic a cook my son-in-law is - from crab fritters to mussels to oysters to meatballs to anything on the green egg plus your new creations. My mouth just waters thinking about it! I challenge you on your 30th birthday to create something new for us to try. For sure we have made great memories but there are so many more to come!
Your greatest gift to me is Noah! To be his Granddaddy is just the most fantastic thing to hear! Talk about new memories - I look for you and I to have great times together with Noah. I will enjoy every minute with him! when I think of being at the lake next summer with Noah, Wyatt, Ava, Max, Georgia, MA, Elise, and Luke I can hardly wait and know that you and I make such a great team there! You are so great with all the children- they all love you so much as do we all!
So happy 30th, Chris, I am looing forward to more fun, love and new memories together!
Love, Keith
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
Happy 30 from David
So many good memories I don't even know where to start. Junior high, SPIRAL/GT, roller hockey, roller rinks, early teenage years, crazy jr high school girls, the lunch table, flag football, frisbee, bmx, the cul-de-sac, weekend madness, spending the night, high school, driving, tennis, carpools, high school girls, summers and vacations home from college... now marriage, children, and 30. This makes me feel old. Cheers to a happy and healthy first 30, and cheers to hoping that science, technology, and medicine will see us all through to many more of these 30 year milestones. Much love, -David
Hey there Chris,
There are a couple of memories and sentiments that spring to my mind when I think of you.
The first is the overall feeling of cooperate achievement that we enjoyed in the wake of the 2008 election. From the very earliest days of the election cycle, to the first mentions of Obama to the Iowa caucus, you, TJ, and myself have become the bellweathers of politics. I will have you know that I am calling Dave Milliband to be the next Prime Minister because Nick Clegg broke the heart's of the youth in this country and therefore no one will buy into a third party candidate for at least another 50 years.
I digress.
Obviously, the lake is going to be a constant well of memory to go to for such a blog as this. Of course my favorite one is when we thought that it would be a good idea to get in the crawdad with Buck and take off for the marina at about 9 o'clock at night. I was literally 175 pounds heavier than I am now, we had a plastic lawn chair in the middle, and the water was about 1/4 of an inch from spilling into the hull of our fine seafaring vessel. I really didn't see what the big deal was until we were out in open water and you said, "All it is going to take is one boat to come through here at full speed in the dark and the slightest wave is going to send us over." At that point I realized that we were more than a few friends on an evening excursion to bring back some contraban to the cabin, we were now a band of brothers who had to rely on one another to get back to our home. Of course, we were gone for so long that each of us had to manuever ourselves into positions to pee at least once and when we arrived safely back at shore we saw Elizabeth shining a spotlight up and down the banks of LocOconee in the hopes that we might not be lost at lake forever.
I also remember the love and support that you've given me throughout the years. You guys bought the scale when I first began my whole adventure. That still means so much to me. Chris, there are few people my own age who I truly admire, and you are one of them. Thanks for being such a good friend to me, a great wife to Liz, and a truly dedicated father. I'm grateful to know you.
Happiest of Birthdays to you.
Tatum.
There are a couple of memories and sentiments that spring to my mind when I think of you.
The first is the overall feeling of cooperate achievement that we enjoyed in the wake of the 2008 election. From the very earliest days of the election cycle, to the first mentions of Obama to the Iowa caucus, you, TJ, and myself have become the bellweathers of politics. I will have you know that I am calling Dave Milliband to be the next Prime Minister because Nick Clegg broke the heart's of the youth in this country and therefore no one will buy into a third party candidate for at least another 50 years.
I digress.
Obviously, the lake is going to be a constant well of memory to go to for such a blog as this. Of course my favorite one is when we thought that it would be a good idea to get in the crawdad with Buck and take off for the marina at about 9 o'clock at night. I was literally 175 pounds heavier than I am now, we had a plastic lawn chair in the middle, and the water was about 1/4 of an inch from spilling into the hull of our fine seafaring vessel. I really didn't see what the big deal was until we were out in open water and you said, "All it is going to take is one boat to come through here at full speed in the dark and the slightest wave is going to send us over." At that point I realized that we were more than a few friends on an evening excursion to bring back some contraban to the cabin, we were now a band of brothers who had to rely on one another to get back to our home. Of course, we were gone for so long that each of us had to manuever ourselves into positions to pee at least once and when we arrived safely back at shore we saw Elizabeth shining a spotlight up and down the banks of LocOconee in the hopes that we might not be lost at lake forever.
I also remember the love and support that you've given me throughout the years. You guys bought the scale when I first began my whole adventure. That still means so much to me. Chris, there are few people my own age who I truly admire, and you are one of them. Thanks for being such a good friend to me, a great wife to Liz, and a truly dedicated father. I'm grateful to know you.
Happiest of Birthdays to you.
Tatum.
The Big 3-0 for Frisbee Chris! Love, Dave
I’m not sure if we were quite able to recreate the magicalness from the end of Dirty Dancing in this picture but it will always make me smile regardless. Freshman year in Fitten, I will always remember those amazing mashed potatoes we had in midtown somewhere, driving down Ralph David Abernathy in your Jeep trying to find the Krispy Kreme, and of course the nekkid run and the invitation of nekkid people church (*shudder*). Also, I do recall a time, in Aaron and Michael’s room of course, when I accidently hit you in the mouth with some form of flying object (a Frisbee or hard plastic cup?) and you were worried that I might have damaged your crown. Had I known then that you would eventually lose the tooth to a particularly aggressive infection I wouldn’t have felt so bad.
Georgia Tech would not have been the same without you and your Jude Law sexiness. And you are the smartest person I know. Add in the fact that you are a loyal and dedicated friend, husband, and father and I can count it is a blessing to have you as a pal. It has been a blast being friends for the last 11 years and I can’t wait for the next visit to the ATL from the Tison clan. Happy Birthday Chris!
Love ya man, Dave
Happy Birthday - Rick
Dear Chris ,
You are a worldchanger married to a worldchanger raising little wordchanger. What a great age u are my genius friend - to carve out a life / to raise children in a legacy of following Christ and caring for others / to show your children how Eliz is a Gift from God to hold / to cherish / to love.
The Canvass of Chris Tison has been a work in progress. But there is so much painting to do in the decade to come. God has given u so many gifts that if u look back on your life as a freshmen – u would have gasped to see what God has in store.
But he still has a lot in store with you. Maybe u will cure cancer / maybe u will discover some medicine that staves off world poverty. But u have already changed so many people. You changed your campus ministry with our great talks in my office / u in the red chair me behind the desk. There were times I thought we should change position for God gave u a mind I have rarely seen or encountered.
Got to admit seen about 8 in 25 years --- but you and one other have used your mind for god / to discover God / to serve God …Where others have gotten cocky or high and mighty u are still the kid who introduced me to Sam the Crippled.
I have it hanging in my office. I make Big Saps memorize it. I teach it whenever I do retreats because it is so much the gospel – and it describes you. You are the horse that sam rode – that gave him joy / that noticed him / that made him forget about his travails.
“GLAD THERE ARE HORSES LIKE THAT ON THIS ISLAND . BECAUSE WHEN SAM WAS ON THE HORSE – SAM THE CRIPPLED SPROUTED WINGS AND FLEW. “
Love you man – keep helping others sprout wings and fly,
Rick
You are a worldchanger married to a worldchanger raising little wordchanger. What a great age u are my genius friend - to carve out a life / to raise children in a legacy of following Christ and caring for others / to show your children how Eliz is a Gift from God to hold / to cherish / to love.
The Canvass of Chris Tison has been a work in progress. But there is so much painting to do in the decade to come. God has given u so many gifts that if u look back on your life as a freshmen – u would have gasped to see what God has in store.
But he still has a lot in store with you. Maybe u will cure cancer / maybe u will discover some medicine that staves off world poverty. But u have already changed so many people. You changed your campus ministry with our great talks in my office / u in the red chair me behind the desk. There were times I thought we should change position for God gave u a mind I have rarely seen or encountered.
Got to admit seen about 8 in 25 years --- but you and one other have used your mind for god / to discover God / to serve God …Where others have gotten cocky or high and mighty u are still the kid who introduced me to Sam the Crippled.
I have it hanging in my office. I make Big Saps memorize it. I teach it whenever I do retreats because it is so much the gospel – and it describes you. You are the horse that sam rode – that gave him joy / that noticed him / that made him forget about his travails.
“GLAD THERE ARE HORSES LIKE THAT ON THIS ISLAND . BECAUSE WHEN SAM WAS ON THE HORSE – SAM THE CRIPPLED SPROUTED WINGS AND FLEW. “
Love you man – keep helping others sprout wings and fly,
Rick
From Eric
Chris,
I remember we first met in gym class at Memorial Middle School and we quickly became friends. Soon we were playing on the MDUMC basketball team and you were waaaay better than me--almost infinitely better in terms of points scored! And then what great times we had in high school. I remember our Trojan war video in 9th grade and the excellent legomations that we made, including special effects like flames and melted legos. You were a great friend during that time.
10+ years have passed since then, and it still feels like all of that was so recent. You have a beautiful family now, and a son who is lucky to have such a great father to raise him (and who is lucky enough to inherit genes for good looks and a big brain). And I'm impressed by your PhD and research--although I regret that, like your father, I have not yet reached the end of your book-length thesis :)
Have a great 30th birthday! I look forward to seeing what the next decade brings for you, Elizabeth and Noah.
Much love
--Eric
I remember we first met in gym class at Memorial Middle School and we quickly became friends. Soon we were playing on the MDUMC basketball team and you were waaaay better than me--almost infinitely better in terms of points scored! And then what great times we had in high school. I remember our Trojan war video in 9th grade and the excellent legomations that we made, including special effects like flames and melted legos. You were a great friend during that time.
10+ years have passed since then, and it still feels like all of that was so recent. You have a beautiful family now, and a son who is lucky to have such a great father to raise him (and who is lucky enough to inherit genes for good looks and a big brain). And I'm impressed by your PhD and research--although I regret that, like your father, I have not yet reached the end of your book-length thesis :)
Have a great 30th birthday! I look forward to seeing what the next decade brings for you, Elizabeth and Noah.
Much love
--Eric
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Dr. Tison,
The first time I met you was at the State St. house. I had just gotten back from Thailand, and I met this wonderful girl there who I then started to date. She started telling me about her friends and how they were so awesome, so obviously I had to see what this was all about. I have to admit though, before I met you face to face, I had a horrible impression of you. I really did not like you. Why you ask? Well, it all started my freshman year, when I was living in Towers dorm at Tech. My roommate and I got this awesome idea to drop full coke bottles out our third floor window and watch them explode and shoot up when they hit the sidewalk below. After we had dropped a few of them this idiot PL who lived in our dorm that I didn’t know stormed into our room on a power trip and told us to come with him to talk to the PA on our floor. So yeah, I did not have a good first impression of you. How could someone not want to see bottles explode? So this story still doesn’t make sense right?
Well, right after I got back to the U.S. I was talking with Justin, and he said that I needed to meet his friend Chris Tison because he was dating my new girlfriend’s best friend, AND because he used to be the other PL in Towers when I was living there. So I’m thinking, great, now I have to be friends with this power-tripping d-bag. So then, I’m sitting at the State St. house eating dinner with Mae, and she says “so you’ll finally get to meet Liz’s boyfriend tonight because he’s coming over.” A few minutes later you get there and come in. I’m thinking, ok, this must be one of Chris’ friends because it wasn’t Chris, and then Mae says, “this is Chris.” Needless to say I was very relieved, and apparently there are lots of PL’s that lived in Towers, so, honest mistake right? After that, I got to know you and realized that you were a great person and a great boyfriend to Liz. Now you’re an awesome husband to her, and you’re a great father. You’re a true friend, and most importantly, you’re not that loser PL.
-Buck
Happy Birthday Chris!
I hope you have a wonderful birthday tomorrow! Thank you for keeping in touch after Tech and continuing to be a role model and mentor. One day I hope that I can soak in knowledge as quickly and communicate as eloquently as you do!
I miss you, Elizabeth, Bailey and Morrison being down the street. Looking forward to seeing you and meeting Noah soon!
Have a great birthday weekend,
Sonya
I miss you, Elizabeth, Bailey and Morrison being down the street. Looking forward to seeing you and meeting Noah soon!
Have a great birthday weekend,
Sonya
Happy Birthday! Love, Granny
Dear Chris,
I can't even begin to find the words to express how I feel about you. My thoughts go back to when I was in Atlanta spending a week with Gail and Keith. Elizabeth called and wanted us to meet you. We met at a fish restaurant in Atlanta. When I saw you, I knew you were the one I had prayed for to be her future husband. I knew why she insisted that I tell her which college to go to and I told her she should go to Georgia Tech. God always has a way to make our paths cross. God sent you from Texas to Georgia to be her husband.
I am so happy to hear you call me Granny. I look forward to hearing Noah call me Granny. We are very blessed to have you in our family. I know God has great things stored up for you, Elizabeth and Noah. Always let God be first and then family. Thanks for being the person that you are for my granddaughter and my great grandson. I love you.
Always,
Granny
I can't even begin to find the words to express how I feel about you. My thoughts go back to when I was in Atlanta spending a week with Gail and Keith. Elizabeth called and wanted us to meet you. We met at a fish restaurant in Atlanta. When I saw you, I knew you were the one I had prayed for to be her future husband. I knew why she insisted that I tell her which college to go to and I told her she should go to Georgia Tech. God always has a way to make our paths cross. God sent you from Texas to Georgia to be her husband.
I am so happy to hear you call me Granny. I look forward to hearing Noah call me Granny. We are very blessed to have you in our family. I know God has great things stored up for you, Elizabeth and Noah. Always let God be first and then family. Thanks for being the person that you are for my granddaughter and my great grandson. I love you.
Always,
Granny
Happy Birthday Chris, from Charles Goorsky
Chris,
It has been a while since I've seen you, so know that Ivie and I wish you well. I don't know if you knew this but Ivie is a member at the PHPC, where I was able to watch your and Liz's wedding many moons ago.
There have been many great memories, including smoking Antonio y Cleopatra cigars on Key West, being teammates in the Ice Bowl, meeting you with a large crew of friends in (Memorial) Houston, and celebrating your achievements in getting your PHD.
We even made a lakehouse visit right before the DC move, so now I can at least take that with me to the grave.
Congratulations on Noah, and I'm willing to bet a lot that he will soon be tackling the challenges of life in an optimistic, forward-thinking manner.
I'm glad that we spent years in (and after) college together.
Have a wonderful 30th birthday and many more.
-Charles and Ivie Goorsky
It has been a while since I've seen you, so know that Ivie and I wish you well. I don't know if you knew this but Ivie is a member at the PHPC, where I was able to watch your and Liz's wedding many moons ago.
There have been many great memories, including smoking Antonio y Cleopatra cigars on Key West, being teammates in the Ice Bowl, meeting you with a large crew of friends in (Memorial) Houston, and celebrating your achievements in getting your PHD.
We even made a lakehouse visit right before the DC move, so now I can at least take that with me to the grave.
Congratulations on Noah, and I'm willing to bet a lot that he will soon be tackling the challenges of life in an optimistic, forward-thinking manner.
I'm glad that we spent years in (and after) college together.
Have a wonderful 30th birthday and many more.
-Charles and Ivie Goorsky
Happy Birthday! The Corleys
Dear Chris,
My first memory of you is meeting you at “Pappadeaux’s”, thinking wow, Elizabeth has snagged her a J Crew model! And then the lost tooth changed all of that! J
We have so many great memories through the years. The one that stands out the most to us would have to be legendary baptism pandemic. I don’t think I have ever heard someone as sick as you were that night/day. Our carrier monkey child put a number on all of us but you may have been the worst one of all! I am still sorry about that weekend.
Of course the other memories always involve your delicious meals you so graciously have prepared through the years – how lucky we have been!! Thank you for every single one of them and we look forward to many more.
And we cannot forget about how much our kids LOVE you. You have a special way with the kiddos. Thank you for all of the time you have spent playing and entertaining them. They really love you.
You, Elizabeth and Noah are so special to us and we are proud to have you as a “brother in law”. The years to come will provide many more wonderful memories. I am sure some unforgettable moments are coming our way with Noah and Max, we better get ready!!!
Happy 30th! We hope you have a great one.
We miss you and love you!
Love, Dad
Dear Chris,
Wow, has time flown by. I need only to look at Noah to remind me how far you have gone in your life. I think back to the times I would sit you on the roll top desk so we could work. I just recently saw the “data and important figures” you added to my CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. You could only have been 4 or 5 when you did this – who knew you would one day conduct research in polymers synthesis, colloidal science, tissue engineering, and stem cell biology.
When I held Noah last week, I remembered how you and I would explore the house on Conrad Sauer. We watched the ceiling fans “go round and round” and learned about everything in the house. Your blue eyes were wide open and taking in everything. I remember a trip to Arkansas when you were three to see your great grandfather’s cabin. It wasn’t much of a cabin, so we stayed in a hotel, had pizza for dinner and you had a great time jumping from one bed to the other. That was our first road trip.
It wasn’t long before we were collecting data for school science projects. By the time you reached middle school, you were quickly surpassing my ability to help with school work. By the time you were in high school, I was done being able to help you, and I am nowhere near page 205 in the book titled “Programmable, Isothermal Disassembly of DNA-Linked Colloidal Particles.
When we first visited Georgia Tech, we stayed in the Holiday Inn across the street from the school. We had a hard time finding the school, much less the hotel that night. We had to take the sheets off the beds and shake them off before we could go to sleep – never a good sign. The college years seem like a blur, they went by so fast. I’m not sure who was more surprised to see you one afternoon, Mom or me, when you made a surprise visit back to Houston. You knocked on the back door and came on in like you had just been down the street visiting friends!
I was just looking at your PhD graduation pictures and wondering where the last two and a half years have gone. When you called to let me know that you and Elizabeth were expecting, I was so happy, I didn’t have words.
So you are now turning 30 and have a beautiful child. Noah is a fifth generation Kirby. Your great grandfather would be very proud of you and amazed that he has a great-great grandson named Kirby.
I am so very proud of you.
Happy 30th birthday!
Love always,
Dad
Love, The Boykins
This is from Georgia…word for word!
Chris, I just love you, Chris!! You are such a little joker. I remember when you told me Aunt Shorty was going to sleep outside. That was one of your jokes. You are so sweet to me, and I miss you so much. I love going on boat rides with you and jumping to you in the water. You throw me so good in the water. You are so nice to me. You are just so good at being a Daddy to Noah. I miss you so much and hope I get to see you, Elizabeth and Noah really soon!! I hope your birthday is awesome and I am so glad you are part of my family. If I could ever say yes to anything, it would be for you Chris! I love you!! Love, Georgia
Love, Mary Ashley
Happy Birthday, Chris!! What a special birthday this is for you in so many ways. Not only are you moving into a new decade, you are celebrating with an absolutely adorable, precious blessing…sweet Noah. You are such an incredible father to Noah…so attentive, caring and nurturing. I had no doubt that you would be. You have always loved and cared for our girls in a way that speaks volumes about the man you are. I will never forget the first time you and Elizabeth met Georgia at Aunt Shorty’s house. You lied on the floor beside her on the blanket and just talked to her. She grinned ear to ear at 4 weeks old, and has loved you like crazy ever since. Mary Ashley has always looked up to you, and truly admires you. I’ll never forget the smile on her face when you danced with her at your wedding. Thanks for being such a strong positive force in their lives. I only wish we lived closer so we could spend more time with you, Elizabeth and Noah. We wish you the sweetest of blessings as you move into your 30’s. There is no doubt that God’s hand is wrapped tightly around you and your precious family. I am just thankful that we get to share in your lives. We love you!
Paige & George
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Happy Birthday, Chris! - from Mae
Happy birthday! My first memory of you is sophomore year when we used to hang out with Gary Gross at CCF under the now-deceased Shady the Tree. I was just starting to get to know you, Elizabeth, and the whole group. I remember because it was this time of year - starting to get cold, and the leaves were starting to fall. I was insecure and searching, and somehow I found a real relationship with God and a great group of friends at the same time.
I have so many great memories of dinners, weddings, holidays, and vacations that Buck and I have shared together with you and Liz. But what I'm most thankful for is the husband that you've been to Liz. This may sound cheesy, but Liz is one of my best friends, and it's important to me that she is happy and loved. I know that you are an awesome husband to her and father to Noah, and I'm really grateful for that. Plus, I'm sure you're going to make some kind of huge medical breakthrough, and then I'll be able to tell my future children - "Yeah, that's my friend Chris. You can call him Dr. Tison."
So - happy birthday, and I wish you many more years of happiness!
- Mae
Happy Birthday! - Team Brazell
Happy 30th! When reflecting on our time together, what stands out the most are your winning ways in spite of the odds. You're the comeback kid.
The first time I witnessed this was as your teammate in a high stakes bocce game. A photo exists that tells the story well, but I couldn't find it. The opposition, TJ and Buck, came out gang busters and built a huge lead. TJ boasted to the entire lake that we would soon meet our demise and it was at that point our comeback was mounted. After several well positioned rolls and 1 near trip to the hospital for an innocent bystander, we were victorious. You were a relentless teammate and that hard fought victory is ours to cherish forever.
The second time I witnessed this, you were on the opposite team. The stakes were once again very high, Justin and I were up against you and Buck. Similarly we built a huge lead on you, seemingly impossible to overcome, but you fought all the way back to the rubber match. Then displayed your dominance by skunking us to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Justin's reaction to the devastating defeat was lasting.
You never give up, even when it takes a decade at Tech to complete a PhD, even when that stack of blocks in the picture your mom posted below was too tall for you to reach, even when the power went out at the lake and we had to cook pizzas using a flashlight app on a smartphone on the grill, even when your front tooth was missing, even when your rib was broken during tube wars at high speeds behind the boat, even when you dropped a knife on your foot and had stitches but still ran the marathon, even when the copper plumbing and appliances and a/c and water heater and power were stolen, even when programming the kinetics and extent of particle redispersion using DNA triggers.
What I'm saying is, when the chips are down, I want you on my team. Happy Birthday from the Brazell's.
The first time I witnessed this was as your teammate in a high stakes bocce game. A photo exists that tells the story well, but I couldn't find it. The opposition, TJ and Buck, came out gang busters and built a huge lead. TJ boasted to the entire lake that we would soon meet our demise and it was at that point our comeback was mounted. After several well positioned rolls and 1 near trip to the hospital for an innocent bystander, we were victorious. You were a relentless teammate and that hard fought victory is ours to cherish forever.
The second time I witnessed this, you were on the opposite team. The stakes were once again very high, Justin and I were up against you and Buck. Similarly we built a huge lead on you, seemingly impossible to overcome, but you fought all the way back to the rubber match. Then displayed your dominance by skunking us to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Justin's reaction to the devastating defeat was lasting.
What I'm saying is, when the chips are down, I want you on my team. Happy Birthday from the Brazell's.
Happy Birthday, Dr. T
the first time i became aware of your existence was in 2004 on the front porch of quiggle's house. i had somehow been invited to a cookout there. i think someone was trying to convert me to jesus. i remember thinking, "who's the j.crew model?" and possibly having a crush on you for ten minutes before i found out your were dating, and pretty over the moon for, liz, who i already knew a little bit and really liked.
since then, we have been lucky enough to get to know yall better. we had a blast at your wedding (even though it was the same day as the harry potter 6 book release party), we bought (and never used) slippy the shithead treadmill from you. new year's eve and birthday parties at your awesome atlanta house that left me very dizzy and dehydrated (i have many awesome pictures from those nights at yalls place), one or two hilarious lake trips where your tiny morrison made our giant chopper very aware of who was the alpha male, and then 14 characters at a time on twitter and the occasional witty blog comment or email since yall have moved.
i always thought you were intimidating. kind of too cool for school and certainly too cool for me. what with your cutting edge music preferences, politics-knowing-and-caring-aboutedness, your many degrees, and your farmer's market attendance, i wasn't sure if i could hang. whenever we would talk at these gatherings, i would peace out fast before i had a chance to show that i wasn't as cool or clever or knowledgeable as you.
i finally read the power of one, which rick always calls your favorite book and i think quoted from at your wedding. it was awesome. i finished it and then read it again all over. it was awesome. i should have read it earlier so we could have talked about that without me feeling inadequate. i actually thought about naming future sons peekay, but the pejorative association probably would not be overlook-able, despite the original peekay's many virtues.
but then yall got pregnant. and you started writing letters to noah. and it turns out, you're not too cool at all! you're a total smushy loveball in a way that i can totally relate to. the way you wrote and write and tweet about your awesome wife and adorable son is so cool in a whole new (to me) way.
i love how sold out you are to your family and what an invested dad and husband you are. i think your feisty liberal outbursts on twitter are hilarious even if i am woefully ignorant as to what the hell you are talking about. i love being your digital friend and look forward to the times when the tison and dukes families get to hang out and be all smushy and obsessed with our kids together.
nothing makes a 30 year old seem more accessible and down to earth than stupid ass baby talk and a goofy daddy-grin. happy birthday, chris! keep #winning.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Happy 30th Frisbee Chris
I can't believe it's been over 11 years since we all met freshman year at Fitten. You were a boss at frisbee (hence the moniker) and at football. Who can forget the famous ice bowl where we fought hard but lost to Glenn hall. But then we got to rematch and smoked their butts in the championship. Thanks for basically getting Quiggle and I through Psych 2nd semester. You got up at 9 AM when we couldn't get up at 10.
I'll never forget our spring break road trip to Miami, Key West, and finally to Dry Tortugas. Such fond memories of staving off nausea on the deck of the catamaran, smoking cigars while freezing our butts off, and listening to Bernie pontificate on his knowledge of sea life.
Thanks for having me to your home when yall were in Houston, for the trips to the lake, and for keeping Quiggle telling jokes all these years... at least he knows you will always laugh at them.
I wish you and Liz and your family nothing but the best. Happy 30th man (join the club)
To My Son
Thirty years ago today I was wondering what parenthood would be like and who you would turn out to be. My only concern was that my child would be healthy, strong, and capable of taking on the world. I could only wish for my little baby to grow into the man that you have become. You have made a beautiful family, created a warm home, and use your brain in amazing ways on a daily basis. In 30 years that perfect baby I held in my arms became something more than I could imagine. Saying that I am proud to be your mother is an understatement.
Some of my favorite memories of your childhood were the times we spent reading together. I read to you before you were born, when you were just a baby, and when you were a toddler curled up next to me on the couch. I remember being in awe when I discovered that you had memorized where every picture in your first wordbook was and could easily flip to whatever item I asked you about. I had no idea that your love of reading would become what it is today or that you would be able to continue to amaze me with your thirst for knowledge.
When you were in elementary school, you befriended two boys that did not speak a word of English. They had no friends and were having a hard time fitting in. You took it upon yourself to talk with them and give them a friend among all the strange faces in their new school. Your warm heart made it easy for you to make friends, but it also made you someone that everyone wanted to be friends with. You had a wonderful group of friends in high school and a wonderful group of friends in college. It is comforting to know that you were and continue to be surrounded by caring, responsible, and loyal friends. I hope they will continue to be around for the next 30 years of your life.
I always thought that you were going to be a pediatrician when you grew up. Not because you were always so smart, but because you were always so great with kids. From Jack to Will and Matt, you knew how to connect with kids in the most loving and fun way. Though you didn’t become that kind of doctor, you did become the most amazing father that my perfect grandson could ever have. Watching you talk to him and hold him and prepare his food almost brought tears to my eyes. Noah is so lucky to have you as his father.
I love you so much, Chris. Thank you for being my wonderful son. Happy 30th Birthday!
Love, Mom
Little Sister to Big Brother
Happy 30 years, Chris!
You met me 26.5 years ago, almost exactly. Mom always told the story of when you looked up at her while holding me and said “This has been nice, but you can take her back where she came from now.” Eventually, you grew accustomed to me, and I did not have to be returned to the hospital. Thanks! Even though I don’t remember any of these times, all of the pictures of us together show you being a great big brother, even if you weren’t the happiest about it.
You couldn't hide your true feelings very well.
Once I started to get a little older, our unique brother and sister bond began to form. I convinced you to put hundreds of barrettes in my hair and then went crying to mom and got you in trouble. We went to SeaWorld, and you convinced me that Shamu was going to splash me when we went to get a picture in front of his tank. I was biting my nails and huddling next to you while you grinned from ear to ear.
The barrette incident...before I cried.
As we grew up, our relationship changed. You weren’t my playmates as much as my competitor and motivator. Having all the same teachers and all the same classes meant that I had to live up to their high standards of the Tison students but also try and do better than my big brother. You were always so generous to drive me to school and take me home every day your senior year, which made me feel like the luckiest freshman in the world.
A high school pep rally day.
I was surprisingly sad when you went off to college. The house felt empty, even though you were rarely there after you got your driver’s license. It was so exciting when you surprised us for Thanksgiving and came home with all your fun adventures and stories at Christmas time. I couldn’t wait to start my own adventures and follow in your footsteps once again. I don’t think I would have taken a leap to try Industrial Design without you showing me how great it was at Georgia Tech, and I know that I never would have gone to law school if you had not been as academically motivated as you are.
Your first Christmas home from college.
The thing that I am most thankful for and proud to have you as my big brother happened last year. Law school was three years of hard work, and I was so excited to celebrate with lots of family. When I learned that none of our extended family could come, I was pretty devastated. I never expected that you and Liz would be able to make it, especially since I wasn’t able to make it to your PhD graduation. For you two to make that long trip here and celebrate with me was the greatest graduation gift I could have received.
My law school graduation, 2010
Thank you for being my big brother for the last 30 years and here is to 30 more!
Love,
Sara
Just because it's cute...
From Travis
Chris,
When you were looking at colleges during our senior year of high school, I don't quite remember how you found Georgia Tech and the wonderful city of Atlanta. Yellow Jackets? MARTA? The ACC? All of these concepts were foreign to your close circle of friends, but we still felt like you had the right idea.
I remember being struck by your bold vision and courageous heart for moving across the country - no friends-in-tow or nearby - to find a new life in a new part of the world. Because of your courage, I felt more excited about college and was better prepared to leave behind our good life as high school students in Houston. You helped all of us think bigger about what the next season in our lives could be, and I thank God that each of us took a different path out of Memorial High School 11 years ago. Even though we went in separate directions (Eric to Stanford, David to Baylor, Rachel to Wake Forest, you to Ga. Tech, and myself to Texas), because we'd enjoyed a clean break with who we were and what we enjoyed as high school students, we reconvened at Christmas and during the summers to better appreciate who we'd become in the past year. Many of our other high school classmates seemed to stay rooted in how they'd been known when they were in their teens, but for our group, things were different. I credit you with much of the courage and leadership which sent us off in such a good direction.
Even now, as a new pastor in a new part of the world - Grand Junction, Colorado - I'd like to think that at least some of the courage with which my wife and I came to this new home was rooted in your commitment to making a big jump, believing that God would continue to be faithful to him no matter where he went. I know that's idea has been proven true in our lives. Chris, may God bless you and keep you, and make His face shine upon you and give you and your family peace during your 30th year and all the years to come. Thanks for your friendship.
Love, Travis
Love, The Reese's
Chris:
We haven’t known you your whole life but I guess you have figured out by now that we will know you for the REST of your life. We are so happy that you have become a part our family. Elizabeth
#1- I’m not sure who thought it was a good idea to put you and Brian each on a tube behind the boat but apparently it didn’t end too well. I’m so sorry he broke your rib. We should have thought that through a little bit better.
#2- Asparagus dip…enough said.
#3- Just thinking about you driving Brian’s truck home from Angie’s house makes me laugh.
#4- Dr. Toothless was the best!
Thank you so much for all the wonderful meals you have made for all of us and for all the hours you have spent entertaining Wyatt. He LOVES being with you. In fact he just told me yesterday that he wished that you and Morrison could come to Max’s birthday party!
Hope you have a happy 30th!!!!!!
Happy Birthday from Sally
Happy 30th Birthday, Chris! I'm not very good with words, but I'm so glad you are a part of our "fake" family. And you said it best--"related by love". You are a wonderful husband to Elizabeth and an amazing Dad to Noah. They are so blessed to have you, as are we. I do cherish those times we can all be together at the lake (or wherever)--just wish it were more often. Hope you have a wonderful day! Love, Sally
Love, Grandma and Grandpa
Hey Grandson! Here are a couple of precious moments we treasure! Happy birthday! We especially remember helping you build your first snowman in Houston. You were maybe three and it was a very light snow. We scraped it off the neighbors car mostly but anywhere we could find it to make a very small snow man and then enough to make some very small snow balls we had for our snow ball fight, seemed like so much fun with you and it is a good memory.
You pretending to cook outside on the patio and all the leaves and twigs you used to pretend to cook. Boy did those days pay off -you have become such a great cook! How about drawing numbers 1-2-3 for a treasure hunt in the house. You and Sara would have a treasure hunt. There wasn't anything over the entire house you couldn't and didn't find in a matter of minutes. You two found things we didn't know we had-That capabiliy would certainly come in handy for us now.
Amazing that now you and Elizabeth have started the cycles all over and will be storing happy precious memories for your grandchildren.
Love you guy, Grandma and Grandpa
Happy 30th Chris! From Katherine Swain
You rock my face off!
That is a quote from a post-it note message you wrote to me when we were Big Saps at CCF. We had a lot of crazy fun that year (see picture evidence below). You were always so encouraging to me...and I will never forget it. I was and will always be impressed by you...your intelligence, sense of humor, and kindness. I hope your 30th is awesome! Here's to the next 30!!
Of course there were the campfires...
...but do you remember the face stuffing at (Po) Folks at the beach?
And then there was the bball championship!! Go Jackets! (I don't know if you were in on this scheme, but we were trying to trick people into paying to park behind CCF. Needless to say, it didn't work--which is why I assume you were not the brains behind it--you would have thought of something much less dumb.)
That is a quote from a post-it note message you wrote to me when we were Big Saps at CCF. We had a lot of crazy fun that year (see picture evidence below). You were always so encouraging to me...and I will never forget it. I was and will always be impressed by you...your intelligence, sense of humor, and kindness. I hope your 30th is awesome! Here's to the next 30!!
Of course there were the campfires...
...but do you remember the face stuffing at (Po) Folks at the beach?
And then there was the bball championship!! Go Jackets! (I don't know if you were in on this scheme, but we were trying to trick people into paying to park behind CCF. Needless to say, it didn't work--which is why I assume you were not the brains behind it--you would have thought of something much less dumb.)
Monday, October 24, 2011
Happy Birthday from Gail
What a joy to get to share some thoughts with you on this milestone birthday! I've thought for several days about what I might share with you. You...who writes so beautifully, capturing with perfect words what I want to say.
I thought about writing about the first time we met you....all nervous at meeting Elizabeth's parents. It seemed so strange that we could make someone anxious about meeting Keith and me. We've always tried to be so welcoming to her friends. After dinner I realized you were interested in her much more than as a friend.....a rather duanting feeling as I knew she was also not seeing you as another "friend".
Or I could I could write about all the thank you notes you would send after every time we would go somewhere until I finally said "no more". But I was impressed by your impeccable manners.
Maybe I should tell you about the excitement tinged with sadness in Keith's voice when he called to tell me you had asked our permission to marry our precious only child and our delight in giving our wholehearted approval.
Perhaps you need to know that I still remember the look on your face when she appeared at the back of the church on her Daddy's arm. I wanted to see your face as she walked into her new life with you. Your look was so tender, so excited, so evident that she was your special partner.
Or maybe the memory I need to share is how nurturing and caring you were all the months she was expecting Noah. How you cooked and
cared for her while she cared for my growing grandson.
Or the holiness of the moment when I entered the delivery room shortly after Noah's birth.....I remember needing to take off my shoes as the
moment was so profound.
So very many memories ......the lake, conversations about books, politics, faith, cooking. So many hours together, getting to know a little bit
more about you each time and knowing also there is so much more to learn. You are a deep, private, gifted man and I am blessed to have
you as my "son". I think Noah's birth has helped us "get" each other better. Nothing like the experience of parenthood to give you a wider
view of your own relationship with your parents ( or parents-in-law).
May the next chapters of your life hold more joy than sadness, more advances than setback, more laughter than tears and may you always
hold Elizabeth closest in your heart. I read somewhere that the best thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother. Thank you
for making that your very best accomplishment.
All my love,
Gail
I thought about writing about the first time we met you....all nervous at meeting Elizabeth's parents. It seemed so strange that we could make someone anxious about meeting Keith and me. We've always tried to be so welcoming to her friends. After dinner I realized you were interested in her much more than as a friend.....a rather duanting feeling as I knew she was also not seeing you as another "friend".
Or I could I could write about all the thank you notes you would send after every time we would go somewhere until I finally said "no more". But I was impressed by your impeccable manners.
Maybe I should tell you about the excitement tinged with sadness in Keith's voice when he called to tell me you had asked our permission to marry our precious only child and our delight in giving our wholehearted approval.
Perhaps you need to know that I still remember the look on your face when she appeared at the back of the church on her Daddy's arm. I wanted to see your face as she walked into her new life with you. Your look was so tender, so excited, so evident that she was your special partner.
Or maybe the memory I need to share is how nurturing and caring you were all the months she was expecting Noah. How you cooked and
cared for her while she cared for my growing grandson.
Or the holiness of the moment when I entered the delivery room shortly after Noah's birth.....I remember needing to take off my shoes as the
moment was so profound.
So very many memories ......the lake, conversations about books, politics, faith, cooking. So many hours together, getting to know a little bit
more about you each time and knowing also there is so much more to learn. You are a deep, private, gifted man and I am blessed to have
you as my "son". I think Noah's birth has helped us "get" each other better. Nothing like the experience of parenthood to give you a wider
view of your own relationship with your parents ( or parents-in-law).
May the next chapters of your life hold more joy than sadness, more advances than setback, more laughter than tears and may you always
hold Elizabeth closest in your heart. I read somewhere that the best thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother. Thank you
for making that your very best accomplishment.
All my love,
Gail
Team Jackson - Happy 30th Boss!
Dr. Tison,
From Fitten 2nd floor 2000 to present, you've been a great friend and always one whom I've admired. Congratulations on your accomplishments thus far with busting your tail to earn a doctorate, marrying the woman of your dreams, raising a beautiful family, and being the only person I know to attempt to do a flip out of water skis. Marisa and I will always remember the year at Collier Ridge (Fear Factor!!), your music and book suggestions, Lococonee Weekends, Taco Mac Beer of the Month Pint Nights, and attending dozens of weddings together over the years. We wish you the very best in your endeavors over the next decade and we hope to be able to celebrate your 40th with you in person. Enjoy the pics....
From Fitten 2nd floor 2000 to present, you've been a great friend and always one whom I've admired. Congratulations on your accomplishments thus far with busting your tail to earn a doctorate, marrying the woman of your dreams, raising a beautiful family, and being the only person I know to attempt to do a flip out of water skis. Marisa and I will always remember the year at Collier Ridge (Fear Factor!!), your music and book suggestions, Lococonee Weekends, Taco Mac Beer of the Month Pint Nights, and attending dozens of weddings together over the years. We wish you the very best in your endeavors over the next decade and we hope to be able to celebrate your 40th with you in person. Enjoy the pics....
2000: As far back as it goes with us.
2005: It was an honor to be a part of the celebration.
2008: We were there in 2000 when Tech beat UGA and it was nice to celebrate the next time in the comfort of your home......not freezing our butts off, standing in the upper deck of Sanford Stadium at least one hour before kickoff.
2008?: Proof that one fateful New Year's we even shared the same bed.......much to your disappointment the next day!
2009: Our last Pint Night in Decatur.
2009: Only took 54 takes to celebrate the last night in the house.
2009: "The Ocho" - one of our favorite pictures that still adorns our apartment in Germany. Good times were had by all. Thanks for being a part of our lives - it wouldn't be the same without you.
Happy Birthday!
--Justin and Marisa Jackson
Saturday, October 22, 2011
MLQ - On the road again
Tons of great memories from our friendship thus far, however, for me, it comes down to the road trips. I went on more college road trips with you than anyone. So I did some quick addition, and I came up with just over 10,000 miles traveled in a damn car together. Wasn't always just us, but we can claim the 2,500 mile Coventry trip all to ourselves.
I made a picture of as many of the trips I could remember, and I'm pretty sure I slowed down the Google Map servers just a bit trying to create it. (And if I missed a trip, by all means, call me out!)
When you look this tired after a trip, you know it was a good one, and I for one loved every second of it.
Glad to have shared in so many road trips with you. Just sifting through old photos brought all these fun times right back. Seriously, go flip back through your Coventry pictures and those incredibly stupid videos.
Happy 30th, Chris!
-mlq
PS - I thought about including our European travels just to be gratuitous. If you include those plane, train, automobile, boat, bus, and freaking bike journeys, it adds another 16,508 miles to the mix, 3,400 of which was in the UK and Ireland alone. Absurd.
I made a picture of as many of the trips I could remember, and I'm pretty sure I slowed down the Google Map servers just a bit trying to create it. (And if I missed a trip, by all means, call me out!)
When you look this tired after a trip, you know it was a good one, and I for one loved every second of it. Glad to have shared in so many road trips with you. Just sifting through old photos brought all these fun times right back. Seriously, go flip back through your Coventry pictures and those incredibly stupid videos.
Happy 30th, Chris!
-mlq
PS - I thought about including our European travels just to be gratuitous. If you include those plane, train, automobile, boat, bus, and freaking bike journeys, it adds another 16,508 miles to the mix, 3,400 of which was in the UK and Ireland alone. Absurd.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
John E - Happy 30th
Hey man,
It's been a while. Sorry I won't be there in person, but I hope you have an awesome 30th. So far, my brief foray into the 30s has been quite killer.
It's been a while. Sorry I won't be there in person, but I hope you have an awesome 30th. So far, my brief foray into the 30s has been quite killer.
This picture reminds me of all the good times at GT, in 1087, and everywhere in between. Here's to another 30 years of awesomeness.
To my wonderful husband on his 30th birthday
Dear Chris,
You know that I'm not as good with words as some people (yourself included), but I'm going to try here and express how I feel about you. I can't believe I've known you for more than a third of your life (crazy).
I remember the first time I met you when we were both 19. I think we can both agree that it was not love at first sight. That's for the birds. But out of that meeting grew a friendship and out of that friendship grew a relationship. What could be better?
I remember knowing how serious I was about you because of how we could talk for hours at a time. You are a very quiet person and only really open up to those you are close to (which is not that many people). I would venture to say that there are only a few people in your life who can say they truly know you. I'm lucky enough to be one of those people. You can make me laugh when no one else can and you can calm me down when no one else can. That's when I knew we were serious and when I started to fall in love with you.
Then, in November 2004 you proposed and I knew we'd be together but had no idea then of the amazing man you were going to become. I had no idea of what our future family would look like. I was just happy. Just blissfully happy.
Our honeymoon in Zihuatanejo, Mexico
The wedding was amazing, the honeymoon surreal, but back home was what I was truly excited about. Starting a family together. You showed me then how wonderful you were taking care of us, cooking dinner every night. I appreciate that more than I can say. You are an unbelievably good cook and I'm so lucky to have you cooking for our family. We had so many fun times being married. We had wonderful friends and family and lots of great memories. I'm so glad we took that time together, just the two of us, before we started a family.
I knew you were a wonderful, faithful man and you showed me that through 5 amazing years of marriage. But nothing would have prepared me for the Chris that came during my pregnancy and now having Noah. You cared for me and did anything I needed while I was pregnant. You were amazing and I don't know how women go through that without someone like you by their side.
You are a special father. We were both lucky enough to grow up with great fathers and Noah will share in that as well. Just like you could always get me to laugh when no one else could, the same is true for Noah. Your letters to him make me cry and remind me of how blessed I am.
Thank you for the example you set for him. I only home he can become as intelligent, curious, funning, caring, faithful, and well-rounded as you are. Your eagerness for knowledge is one of the things I admire most about you. In my opinion, that is really rare in this world. Look what you've already accomplished and learned in 30 years of life. I can't wait to see what the next 30 will bring. I love you with all my heart and will forever. Happy 30th Birthday!
Love, Your E
Love, Elizabeth
You know that I'm not as good with words as some people (yourself included), but I'm going to try here and express how I feel about you. I can't believe I've known you for more than a third of your life (crazy).
I remember the first time I met you when we were both 19. I think we can both agree that it was not love at first sight. That's for the birds. But out of that meeting grew a friendship and out of that friendship grew a relationship. What could be better?
The trip to MD that sealed the deal!
I remember knowing how serious I was about you because of how we could talk for hours at a time. You are a very quiet person and only really open up to those you are close to (which is not that many people). I would venture to say that there are only a few people in your life who can say they truly know you. I'm lucky enough to be one of those people. You can make me laugh when no one else can and you can calm me down when no one else can. That's when I knew we were serious and when I started to fall in love with you.
First trip together while dating to your home.
Leaving for Europe and a summer apart.
Dating and college was an amazing experience. We had so much fun and made some lifelong friends. After Big Saps, I knew you were the one for me and was excited about the life we were going to have together.
More fun memories together!
Then, in November 2004 you proposed and I knew we'd be together but had no idea then of the amazing man you were going to become. I had no idea of what our future family would look like. I was just happy. Just blissfully happy.
The wedding was amazing, the honeymoon surreal, but back home was what I was truly excited about. Starting a family together. You showed me then how wonderful you were taking care of us, cooking dinner every night. I appreciate that more than I can say. You are an unbelievably good cook and I'm so lucky to have you cooking for our family. We had so many fun times being married. We had wonderful friends and family and lots of great memories. I'm so glad we took that time together, just the two of us, before we started a family.
I knew you were a wonderful, faithful man and you showed me that through 5 amazing years of marriage. But nothing would have prepared me for the Chris that came during my pregnancy and now having Noah. You cared for me and did anything I needed while I was pregnant. You were amazing and I don't know how women go through that without someone like you by their side.
You are a special father. We were both lucky enough to grow up with great fathers and Noah will share in that as well. Just like you could always get me to laugh when no one else could, the same is true for Noah. Your letters to him make me cry and remind me of how blessed I am.
Thank you for the example you set for him. I only home he can become as intelligent, curious, funning, caring, faithful, and well-rounded as you are. Your eagerness for knowledge is one of the things I admire most about you. In my opinion, that is really rare in this world. Look what you've already accomplished and learned in 30 years of life. I can't wait to see what the next 30 will bring. I love you with all my heart and will forever. Happy 30th Birthday!
Love, Your E
Love, Elizabeth
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