Christopher Stephen Aguirre 7/13/68 -- 4/15/08

Yesterday I received the sad news that one of my dear friends/ ex-boyfriend was found dead Tuesday of an apparent drug overdose.

Chris (Chumba) and I met nearly 7 years ago while I worked as a bartender/waitress at Sun Ray bowling alley. Since I'm terrible with names at first I only remembered him as the guy who came in every Tuesday, have me a hard time (jokingly) and always complimented me on my smile. He tried every chance he could to get me to smile.

Soon after we dated as he was going through the final stages of his divorce. It was a meesed up time in both our lives but he always said I was the one for him.......he would go on to say this up until last year.

Chris comes from a large family to who I am very close. He leaves behind 4 daughters;

Brooke 11 yrs
Bailey 9 years
Brynn 8 years

and Tatum 2 months.

Chris was a very charismatic guy who struggled with depression at times but was almost always very happy and jovial in public. Though we fought intensely -especially when we lived together- he always found a way to make me laugh. This made me even angrier of course.

Despite our pitfalls and not being able to get along when spending regular time together, we always maintained our friendship. I even talked to him last Friday when we were planning to get together so I could meet his new baby.

His other daughters I love like my own.

There are so many memories.
This is the second boyfriend I've had depart this life before me.
My first boyfriend was killed by a drunk driver nearly 6 years ago.
Chris was my second boyfriend.
I've already advised my other 2 exes that they should start running now. :) just kidding.

It hurts. Like I said I'm close to the family and see them regularly. It hurts to think that the last 2 times I spoke with his uncle recently, he told me how much Chris still loved me and talked about me.

Chumba you will be dearly missed. Your smile, your deep calming voice, your vivacity and ability to be a leader.

Anyone who reads this, please pray for the Aguirre/Swanson families.