January 2, 2009
Carmelite Mission Madonna
September 1, 2008
Chris Nov. 2006
taken the week he died
Posted by Dida Kutz at 9:20 PM | Permalink
December 21, 2007
Dida & Chris at Molly's 2006
I recently visited my good friend Molly while attending a conference in Santa Barbara. She showed me this photo from a time when we had both met her (Aug. 2006). I love this photo!
Posted by Dida Kutz at 9:31 AM | Permalink
August 13, 2007
Chris' Kids
I met them. His kids by ex-wife Kathleen. They're awesome, and I really don't use that word lightly. Highly intelligent, thoughtful, polite, good-humored. How'd these kids get to be SO GOOD? Mom, genes (genies?), being away from home all summer? No doubt a combination, and Chris would have been plenty proud.
I was only able to spend 3 days with them (Aug. 7-10; length of their stay here), and had to work much of that time (imagine!). And I was sick with gastritis. Nonetheless their presence gave me joy.
They plan to come back next summer. Adam and Chirstie both want me to teach them to dive. Hope Joey joins in.
from left to rt. above: Adam, the eldest; Christie; me; Joey (wearing Chris' favorite leather jacket)
Posted by Dida Kutz at 5:34 PM | PermalinkApril 9, 2007
Missing Chris: The Gift of Love
Chris has been gone just 5 months now, and I still cry every day for him. The smallest things will set me off. Today it was the fact that I couldn't find my glasses. I have really awful eyesight, and the apartment we shared is full of clutter ("tidy is tedious," as one friend tried to assure me). So I'm at a distinct disadvantage, and I almost cried remembering that was another thing Chris did for me: find my glasses when I misplaced them!
After a 4.5 month hiatus, I have finally started diving again. The Reef Check field season has begun, and I have yet another reason to miss my favorite dive buddy. Chris loved Reef Check (and they him). We often took our regulators out of our mouths to kiss underwater. Or hug in the peaceful weightlessness. Having met him was a dream come true. And apparently he felt the same. In fact, I have never felt so assuredly loved. What a wonderful gift.
Posted by Dida Kutz at 6:42 PM | PermalinkDecember 7, 2006
Chris Haugen early 2006
Sept. 26, 1959-Nov.11, 2006
They that love beyond the world, cannot be separated by it.
Death cannot kill, what never dies.
Nor can spirits ever be divided that love and live in the same
Divine Principle: the Root and Record of their Friendship
If Absence be not death, neither is theirs.
Death is but Crossing the World, as Friends do the Seas; They live in
one another still.
This is the Comfort of Friends, that though they may be said to Die,
yet their Friendship and Society are, in the best Sense, ever present,
because Immortal.
--William Penn
Posted by Dida Kutz at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)December 4, 2006
The Dolphins
I sent the following email to many friends that first week after Chris left:
Dearest friends-Thank you for your calls and invites. I am being almost smothered in love and attention, and I turned my phone off yesterday (Tues Nov. 14). Was at Monastery Beach yesterday with a best girl friend from SF (this is where Chris bravely saved my life in Aug of 05, and almost died himself at that time) , and there were about half a dozen dolphins there who swam in closer to a look at us, and then 2 leapt high out of the water! I of course burst into tears. They continued to swim in closer, horizontal to shore, closer than I've ever seen them in. And Bandit (Loris' dog), with whom Chris had a great love affair, sat by me the whole time, never running around like he usually would at the beach.
It was a lovely day to remember Chris. And it always will be.
December 3, 2006
"Many People Were Blessed to Have Him Part of Their Lives"
Adam, Joey, and Christie,
Your dad was one of the most positive persons I know. I have many wonderful memories of him. Jeff and the kids and I always enjoyed his company. He loved to barbecue and hang out. I enjoyed cooking when he was there because he always had a healthy appetite.
Your dad was great with our children but always spoke of how much he missed the three of you. he wanted to share so much with you. he loved you very, very much!
I know he was very happy with his life herein Monterey. He was doing what he loved to do. Know that he was always thinking of the three of you.
You had a father who loved life, experienced life, took risks, made the best of every moment, valued everything and every relationship he made, and I'm sure he would want you to have the same love of life and make the best of every day.
your father will be dearly missed by many people who were blessed to have him as part of their lives.
Sharon
Posted by Dida Kutz at 8:06 PM | Permalink"Always An Exciting Time"
Adam, Joey, Christie-
Your father was such a wonderful person. I met him when he started dating Dida. We would go sailing, hiking, camping, and would always have an excitiing time. Your father loved nature and everyone he touched. We will miss him very much.
With All Our Love,
Kyra and Russ Shugars
