Days Like These: A Life Cut Short by Cancer, a Love That Touched the World

by Kristian Anderson

There are love stories and then there′s the story of Kristian and Rachel Anderson.

After learning he had cancer, Kristian wanted nothing more than to show his wife Rachel how much he loved her. Thanks to the now famous YouTube video he made for her 35th birthday, he captured the world′s attention.

Many of us didn′t know Kristian but we were so inspired by him that we felt like we did.

His story is a lasting legacy to a brief but blessed life that will inspire others to know that even in the darkest moments, the light can shine through.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography Memoir, Biography

253 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Thaqib Moosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book which I actually managed to finish in a day. I highly rate books which fundamentally affect my perception of a topic, so sometimes my rating can be affected by the fact that it just happens to be the first book of its genre I read, but I do believe this self-narrated story of a cancer fighter (I prefer fighter to patient/victim) is quite unique.

I had never seen such an insight into the life of someone struggling with the disease. Because we already know the conclusion, there is a strange sense of foreboding as you read the book, and also admiration since you see how much hope he carries through and how devoted he is to his family.

His wife's little comments dotted across the book also helped to understand the struggle from her perspective and how much it took out of her to support her husband in these truly trying times.

To see how he turned to God really renewed my own faith, even though we subscribe to different religions, much of the strength drawn from faith was similar in the outlook, and I could see how faith really helped him in this struggle.

This was also the first book I have read where QR codes have been implemented, and it really added to the experience when I was able to see those birthday videos and see videos of their beautiful children just by scanning something that I had just read about.

[Rachel Beaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me crying at the halfway mark & again, uncontrollably, at the end. I knew what was coming, & hearing this loving husband & fathers thoughts left me a mess.
As a "non-believer" when I started reading I found myself rolling my eyes a little (disrespectful, I know & I feel shamed), but as you get to know Kristian & the strength he draws from his faith, belief & trust in god, I can only be thankful that he found such comfort when facing his mortality. It is a shame we can't all find that comfort.
It isn't brilliantly written, but you can't expect it to be. This is a regular man, not an author, getting out his feelings, thoughts, fears in a simple & relatable way.
& such love!

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hadn't heard of Kristian or his blog when I spotted that this book was available for review. Which is a shame because I think I would have enjoyed reading it. The book comprises of some of his entries from the blog and some thoughts from his wife Rachel. It's really really good and I highly recommend it.

Kristian was religious and reading the book it's obvious how much that came to mean to him. A lot of bible verses are spread through out the text but just really as he thinks of them and when they are relevant to what he's doing/thinking/talking about at that point in the book. It wasn't at all preachy. I'm not religious at all and I didn't find them a problem although I do know one or two people who are very staunch atheists and totally anti-religion who would hate this book for that reason.

He was also really into musical and several songs are mentioned throughout, several with the lyrics. I really liked that because I'm also really into music and find a lot of meaning in song lyrics. I use them a lot (probably more than you would realise reading this blog).

I literally read this book cover to cover (I stopped once to look online for the video tribute Kristian made for Rachel when I hit that part of the book) and I'm really glad I did. It managed to take a painful and sad subject and express that but also the hope that shone through for them and the happiness they experienced at times throughout the experience. It was also a nice read.

Some people don't think blogs should be turned into books. I've only had the quickest of looks at Kristian's blog today and yes a lot of the book is on the blog. But it feels to me as though this book is so much more than "a blog published in book form." And I highly recommend

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book because I found it on a sale table at a bookstore. It had not been recommended to me nor had I ever heard about it or the authors. The subtitle "Even in the Darkest Moments, Light Can Shine Through" got my attention. Although I haven't lived with cancer or with someone fighting cancer, I've had my own "darkest moments" and was interested in reading about Kristian's journey or, as he calls it, his odyssey.

I had to remind myself while reading that this book is a compilation of Kristian's blog posts, so they represent what he was thinking and feeling at the time, not as he reflected back over the experience. I appreciate his honesty as he shared about his faith and how it carried him through. "People look at me like I'm crazy. How can I trust God to deliver me from this madness...And the answer is, I simply don't know."

Another one of the passages that I think wraps up the book: "This journey from who I was to who I was born to be, this becoming, is not a path I would have willingly chosen for myself or for those who love me...whether or not it has been chosen for me is open to much debate. But it doesn't matter. I'm being shaped regardless."

I'm glad I read it.

[Gina Pettitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The phrase "this is a must read" is one so over used I wonder if people actually pay any attention to it.

So then, how do I convince you that Kristian's story is a "must read"?

Consequently it would be for me to tell you that if you read this memoir, you will feel privileged. That if you delve into this book, you will experience the sort of love, sadness and hope that will change you in a profoundly good way.

Thank you Kristian, Rachel, Cody and Jakob. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. God bless. xxxxxxx

[MARIAE MANALO · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kristian Anderson’s Days Like These is not just a memoir—it’s a testament to love, faith, and the fierce beauty of living while dying. Diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer at 34, Kristian began documenting his journey through blog posts, which form the heart of this book. His viral birthday video for his wife Rachel, featuring Hugh Jackman and Oprah, captured global attention—but the book reveals the quiet, daily courage behind that moment.

This book speaks directly to your love of emotionally resonant storytelling and your gift for distilling transformation from pain. It’s a narrative that lingers—one that invites reflection on what it means to live fully, love fiercely, and leave behind light.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Days Like These, Kristian and Rachel Anderson has written this book to display that even when the circumstances of life throw us off course and we can't see the light from the darkness that surrounds us, God is still there in the mist of the storms. The book began as blog posts from Kristian's website until it grew to a fan base of billions of users reading about his journey and challenges. Later his wife decided to turn the blog post into a book where he could leave behind a legacy to his two young boys. Kristian married Rachel and they had two boys under the age of three and they lived in Australia. At the age of thirty-four, Kristian Anderson started to get a little stich in his side and he noticed that he had a little blood in his bowel movements. He eventually went to the doctor and they discovered that he had a blood clot on his lungs. But it turned out that the used a voice recognition software to file the reports and it misheard the doctor said no blood clot present. The doctors did notice that he had something on the bottom of his lung and they ran more tests and found out that he had cancer. The cancer was located in his bowel and it was wrapped around 75 percent of his colon and it already was spreading to the liver. When he found out he had cancer, they had to make a decision together. Rachel desperately wanted to have four children and the chemo had a risk factor of damaging his sperm and they might not be able to swim. He went to the In Vitro Fertilization to save some healthy samples. Kristian underwent chemo and many different medicines to try and kill the cancer cells. He shared all of the details and his emotions throughout the book in his brave battle for his life. At the end of each chapter, Rachel also expressed her thoughts and concerns about the battle against cancer alongside her husband. Unfortunately, Kristian lost his battle with cancer on January 2, 2012.

Kristian also made a very personal memorable birthday video for Rachel's birthday. He was holding up signs with his two young boys to show his wife how much he truly loved her. He also got Huge Jackman to appear in the YouTube video. The video finally went viral and was seen all over the world and it even reached the eyes of Oprah Winfrey. This video is one that will have you in tears! Oprah also had Kristian and Rachel appear on her show when she was in Australia and Microsoft donated an enormous amount of money to assist them with their medical bills.

One of the private stories that he conversed was about a conversation he had with his youngest son, Jakob while putting him to bed. Kristian told him that he would always love him and would be in his heart forever, no matter what occurs. He kept reinforcing to his son that he would live in his heart and he was explaining that sometimes when you're very sick you have to go away and you can't return. His oldest son, Cody overheard the conversation and screamed with tears running down his creeks and declared, "YOU CAN'T LEAVE! Why are you going, and why can't you come back? There's only one daddy for a family, and you're our daddy...and... and... you can't go!" (Page 182). This like any parent caused Kristian to break down and cry. This was the most exquisite piece of the book that touched me emotionally. I can't even began to imagine having to say goodbye to your spouse or children.

I would recommend this marvelous book to anyone who is looking for some hope in their life and it is a great book for someone battling cancer. This is the first book that I have read that I will admit to having cried and have gotten teary eyed while reading it. It was a heartbreaking book to read about Kristian's journey through having cancer and he still managed to trust God. I immensely appreciated how he revealed the details of his roller-coaster ride of getting a little better to getting worst to getting better, and so on. I haven't had cancer but I lost an aunt to cancer and a few other people that I know to the horrible disease. I specially loved the numerous scripture verses Kristian included and the positive confidence that Christ wouldn't fail him or his family.

I love how transparent Kristian was and he shared his feelings about the pain of having to battle cancer. He was very expressive and he described the terrible symptoms he dealt with each and every day. Kristian's love story about loving his wife and sons was evident throughout the book, and it made me want to be the kind of brave and courageous man, husband, and father that he was. I'm not even married yet and I don't have kids yet but it presented me with an example of an extraordinary man to look up to. In reading his book, I felt the love he had for his beautiful wife and his handsome two boys and he tried to cherish them with each passing moment. I liked how Rachel was candid about how she felt when she saw the person that she loved struggling and in extreme agony. She was very genuine about describing her dreams to have more children and how she begged him to try to get her pregnant before he underwent chemo. He refused to try because he feared if something happened to him he didn't want her to have to take care of three children alone. I liked how the book showed how it affected her through his sickness and that she had a difficult time too. If you're looking for an inspiration book that will give you hope even when we don't understand, why pain and sickness must exist, then this book will impact you and point you to the light and hope of Jesus Christ!

"I received this book free from the publisher through the Book Sneeze/ Zondervan book review bloggers program."

[Shes_a_book_geek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried...and I cried hard.
I was smiling and overjoyed at Kristian's faith and that he held onto his faith right until the end.
I loved that it had the perspective from both Kristian and Rachel, the honesty was refreshing.
It is probably the first time that I have ever got a real sense of the real battle that chemotherapy and radiation has on the body and mind.

If you want to see real life courage, faith and determination then this is a must read.
Allison

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read, I just had to skip all the God bits. Kristin was a deep believer in God and that both supported him and gave him the strength to keep on with his treatment. As well as God by his side, he fought his biggest war as he called it for his beautiful wife and two boys.
A truly inspirational man who campaigned for the use of certain cancer drugs for all Australians.
You can’t help but admire this great man and thank him for writing this book.

[Sean Harding · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moving first person account of man dying of cancer, his last days in a form of a diary, with additions from his wife.
Moving, challenging and inspirational.
His faith shines through the darkest of times.

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was bawling by the end of this book

[Angela Covarrubias · Rating 4 out of 5]

Days Like These: Even in the Darkest Moments, Light Can Shine Through, is a book put together by Rachel Anderson. It consist of her husband, Kristian Anderson’s, blog post and other writings throughout his battle with cancer. Rachel has added her thoughts throughout the book and at the end of each chapter.

Kristian woke one night with a sharp pain in his side and he couldn’t go back to sleep. He ended up going to the hospital to get it checked out and found out that he had cancer in his liver and in his bowel. Can you imagine going from thinking that your life is going great, and a few minutes later it is falling apart?

Rachel Anderson put together ‘Days Like These’ to let the world know her husband and in hopes that it would comfort others in knowing that they are not alone in times of need. Throughout the book Kristian talks about his faith in God. When reading this book you are never in doubt about Kristian’s faith and love of our Heavenly Father.

This book was a little hard for me to read, emotionally. It took a month or so for me to finish it, and it had nothing to do with the writing, grammar, etc. The content is what got me! Everyone that has passed away on my Daddy’s side of the family had some form of cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer and the list goes on. Kristian says that he refused to capitalize the ‘c’ in cancer and give it that power, and that is why you don’t see the word capitalized in this review.

Throughout the book Kristian never gave up his fight to the cancer. His family and him had many friends and supporters along the way, and they are named in the book. It seems to me his biggest comfort in his illness was his Faith. Without faith in our Heavenly Father what would we have?

In the end Kristian lost his battle with cancer. There is an exchange toward the end of the book between Kristian and his sons that really got me. He was helping Rachel put them to bed one night, and he was telling his youngest son Jacob that one day ‘Daddy’ may have to leave, but he would always live in his heart. He was telling him that sometimes people have to go away and they never can come back, like if you are really sick. During this last part of the conversation Cody came in, got very angry, and shouted “NO, you can’t leave! Why are you leaving and you can’t come back?” “There is only one Daddy for every family, and your our Daddy and you can’t go!”

I can only try to imagine what this family went through, but I can not imagine in all my life what it would be like to lose my mother or father so young, or at all. I am still blessed that I have my mother and father. Kristian and Rachel are a great inspiration! I had never heard of either of them before reading this book. I have since went to his website and read blog post by his wife about how she and the children are doing. I will not forget their story.

[Peggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspiring. And wrenching, especially since you know how it's all going to end.

I got this book from the library after seeing the "birthday video" on youtube. This handsome young Australian dude presenting a loving message to his wife. Then I learned he had cancer. Then I learned he'd been on Oprah. I was curious.

This book chronicles Kristian Anderson's journey from diagnosis to death, with a few pictures and inserted comments from his wife, Rachel. But it's not a sob story. It's a story of strength and courage and faith, and how one person can inspire others.

When my own sister battled cancer in 2001, she told me that in a weird way she was almost grateful for the struggle, because it brought her so much insight. That's what Kristian says as well. "This journey from who I was to who I was born to be, this becoming, is not a path I would have willingly chosen for myself...But it doesn't matter. I'm being shaped, regardless." (pg. 141)

We all know what it's like to lose someone. Here, Kristian shows us what it's like to be the one who leaves as he realizes how it will impact his two young sons, Cody and Jakob. (pg.144)

You always wonder why things happen they way they do. Kristian came to believe that he was an instrument, that his cancer wasn't a punishment but held a message of faith and hope for others, ie: Dorsa (pg. 137) and Al (pg.166). Kristian writes, "Love is a verb, a doing word...Find someone who needs a hand. We all do." (pg.167)

I found Rachel's Eulogy for Kristian especially compelling: "It is not a coincidence that you have made contact with Kristian...You did not just "stumble" onto Kristian's blog...His very existence here on earth was, we believe, to bring you to a place where you need to question what it is you put your faith in, what it is that you hold important." We might not like it, but God works in mysterious ways.

This book is a reminder that life is short. You better make the most of it and make sure you tell the people that you love how much they mean to you. Even "problems" that trip you up might bring you the gift of greater insight.

"There is a crack in everything; that's how the light gets in."

[Juanita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a totally remarkable book. I found myself not being able to tear myself away from its pages. It is a journey of a man who believes in the power of God and tells of his struggle with cancer. As you take this journey with Kristian you are a witness to his good days and his bad days. You see his unwavering faith in the one and only true God. It fills the heart, mind, and spirit with so much encouragement. The pages are filled with strength building scripture. It is amazing of all the treasures this book holds.

As I was reading through the accounts of Kristian’s journey, I was suddenly struck by overwhelming emotion, tears streaming down my face and my heart breaking (concerning of another matter not even related to cancer). I think what is in these pages, helped me to let go of some things which I was clutching onto. The daily and weekly accounts of Kristian helped me to understand what a person with cancer goes through. It helped me to view the whole picture.

Cancer is something that runs heavily through both sides of my family. I am never certain if it will stop on my doorstep one day or simply pass me by. I thank God for the life He has given to me, each moment is precious in itself.

I highly recommend this book to all people. To those who are going through cancer, have went through cancer, know someone who has or went through cancer, or would simply like to be uplifted. This book holds no bounds on what types of lives it could touch. Read it and discover what Kristian’s journey has for you.

BookSneeze® has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.

[Denise DiFalco · Rating 5 out of 5]

After winning the hearts of Millions via you tube, Kristian Anderson shares his struggle with cancer in his book, Day's Like These Even in the Darkest Moments Light Can Shine Through. Kristian surprizes his wife with a video he created for her birthday and he posts it on You Tube to share with the World his undying love for his partner. Once it went viral, he gains a multitude of fans and well wishers. Only 34 years old, the young Australian is struck with bowel and liver cancer. Although receiving this terminal illness diagnosis, Kristian refuses to give up hope and he shares with us his most intimate moments. Booksneeze gave me the awesome opportunity to read this fascinating story in exchange for my thoughts. Having lost my best friend and most recently my beloved mother-in-law to cancer Kristian's story was quite therapeutic for me. I am in awe of his courage and concerns for his loved ones rather than himself. This book was one of Oprah's favorites, ''He taught us how to LIVE with cancer. The Light he left on earth will be dimmed by his passing."' I agree with Ms. Winfrey's sentiment. Kristian's story will remind us not to take anything for granted and to be grateful whatever our lot may be. Perhaps the greatest significance of his sharing is that I was able to understand better what the cancer patient goes through. He writes about chemo and it's aftereffects which even close loved ones don't talk about while they go through this. It is a stellar read which I highly recommend to all.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in 2 days. It was such an incredible story that I couldn't put it down. I'm not going to lie, there were times during this story that were incredibly hard to get through. I suggest tissues nearby. I envisioned my own husband and son and just the thought of going through this is heartbreaking to me beyond words. I can't imagine the loss the Rachel has suffered. But I do know that for someone to fight as long and hard as Kristian did, that's a love that only comes around once in a lifetime.

Before you write this off as a sad, depressing story, don't. Days Like These is the exact opposite. Days Like These is a truly honest, brave, and beautiful story. It's the perfect example of how light can shine through, even in the darkest moments. It's one worth sharing. I highly recommend this book. Kristian Anderson's legacy will be around even after he is gone. Although his boys are too small to fully grasp everything, this book and the thousands of hearts it touches around the world, will be the truest testament to how much their daddy fought for them. And they deserve that.

Full book review available on my blog/website: http://www.lindsaytampabay.com/book-d...

Note: *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan (Publisher) via BookSneeze in exchange for an honest review.

[Pathway Midland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredible, mostly because the story of Kristian Anderson is incredible, and I can only imagine that he was an incredible person. This book was written by Kristian and his wife, Rachel, and is similar to a blog. It is an amazing story of faith and hope in the darkest hours. The reader goes into the book knowing that Kristian loses the battle with cancer, however his story is so uplifting that I couldn't help but fall in love with it. Kristian has tremendous faith throughout his struggle, and even on the worst days he turns to the LORD for strength to continue. He wasn't afraid of dying because he knew he would be with God in Heaven, and that the pain of this world would be gone. While this story brought tears to my eyes many times, I was overwhelmed with joy in the end. I am so thankful for people like Kristian who contribute so much to this world even as they are leaving it. I believe that Kristian is celebrating with the angels in heaven, that his pain is gone, and in the words of his wife, "I know he was finally receiving his crown from the King of kings, and I know he heard 'Well done, good and faithful servant'"(Rachel Anderson).

[Musings of the Moonchild · Rating 5 out of 5]

Days Like These – Kristian Anderson and Rachel Anderson

There are love stories and then there’s the story of Kristian and Rachel Anderson.

After learning he had cancer, Kristian wanted nothing more than to show his wife Rachel how much he loved her. Thanks to the now famous YouTube video he made for her 35th birthday, he captured the world’s attention.

Many of us didn’t know Kristian but we were so inspired by him that we felt like we did.

His story is a lasting legacy to a brief but blessed life that will inspire others to know that even in the darkest moments, the light can shine through.

This book reads like a blog. A beautifully written blog. I would have loved to have the chance to meet these lovely individiausl in person and see their story unfold.

This is a story of redemption, faith, and outmost love. A real feel good read, one that will bring you to tears, overwhelm you with love and leave you with a eternal lasting impression.

Words can't convey the beauty of this book.

A must read.

Book provided for review by BookSneeze.

[Elim Christian Bookstore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is made up of experts taken from Kristian's blog.
He was diagnosed with Cancer in 2009 and this is a story of his journey from that time till his passing.
It it a story filled with hope and faith beyond measure.
As soon as he found out he had cancer he fought with everything he had to beat it.
He never lost faith and hope in Jesus no matter what he was going through.

It really showed me that no matter what you are going through God is always there. Through the shadow of the valley of death He is with you. He will never leave you or forsake you.
This book is filled with scripture and words of faith that have built me up. And will you too.

No matter what you are going through today God is with you.
Blessings x

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why do you want to read a book that leaves you at times crying and at times incredibly angry? For one thing, Days Like These tells the true story of a man, a man who lived and died, just as we all do and will. For another thing, it oozes with the promises of God, that He will never leave you, that He will comfort you and take care of you in every situation. Life is tough whether you have cancer or not, and we could all use a little bit of encouragement and a whole lot of perspective. Don't read Days Like These looking for literary genius or fluffy prose. This is real life. It's not for the weak or fainthearted, but it is for the hopeful and trusting.

[Jennie Diplock-Storer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I barely feel capable of commenting on this powerful book. I'm emotional & humbled. As one who has been through the "battle" of chemo & steroids, I walked Kristian's writings of his experience holding his hand.
His faith was extraordinary & his expression of his belief inspiring & humbling.
As a Christian, with terminal cancer, Kristian Anderson's book yelled at me, it didn't speak to me. I felt better about being afraid at times, cos he had felt that way. I felt better about feeling guilty at times, cos he had felt that way. I felt better about my faith, cos Kristian never lost his.
There are so many of us. Thank God Kristian wrote this book.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a fair example of reflective writing of a cancer patient. It's not the greatest written book in the world but it's real, genuine and insightful. The book is basically edited version of kristian's blog but the added pieces from his wife and the added web content (although some parts you can't access on the mobile which is annoying) are fresh and add another dimension to this book. Also, I'm not sure how much but a donation of sales of this book goes to charity which again makes the book a little bit better. ;-)

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is difficult to read, but so moving. The courage of Kristian Anderson, his wife Rachel and their two boys will change your heart.

Readers are lucky to have the opportunity to journey through Kristian's thoughtful, heartfelt blog posts about his battle with cancer. He is a reminder of faith when our prayers are not answered in the way we hope.

Their story is hope in the darkness.
Their story is purpose even when the answer is no.
Their story is faith even when we don’t understand.
Their story is courage and it is needful.

[Julie Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing man and family. His love for his family inspirational and his never failing faith uplifting. To be able to deal with his treatment the feelings for his family the emotional ups and downs and still write a beautiful heart wrenching story of his battle for his children brought tears of joy and sadness.
Also I found his explanations of the drugs and side effects very interesting as my father also had cancer and had a lot of different side effects which I now have a better understanding of.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is amazing! There aren't even words to give any review of this book justice, because it can only be categorized as MUST READ. It's that simple -- you MUST read this. Nothing else can be said.

I read half the book in one night because I couldn't put it down. I feel like I'm experiencing Kristian's story with him, and my heart goes out to his wife every time I read her thoughts, too.

READ THE BOOK! Enough said.

[Benedicta Laurenti · Rating 5 out of 5]

A touching story filled with hope, love and faith.

[Lesley Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like happy endings then don't read this book if you on the other hand are a realist and don't mind shedding a few tears along the way this book i have to say i loved .
I so got involved with the whole story the battle for Kristian i so wanted him to have won sometimes i just have to say lifes just not fair

[Birgit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a revised review, I first read it as a "fence sitter" and thought WOW what an inspiring book. I have now reread it as a relatively new Christian for Bookclub but I didn't get the same WOW factor. I really admire his extremely strong faith which never waivers even at the end when his condition becomes terminal. More of a thought provoking read this time.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hadn't heard of Kristian Anderson until I received a free copy of this book. Honestly, the book was a slow start for me--but once I made it through about the first half, I couldn't out the book down. I spent my time reading the book alternately weepy because the story was so sad and in awe because Kristian was such an amazing man. I would definitely recommend this book.

[Anne Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who has a family member, or they are battling cancer - YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK. It is a powerful testimony by Kristian and his family. I cried through it because so much of what he said reminded me of what 2 friends said during their battles with cancer. Kristian has left an encouraging and amazing legacy for his family and all of us who have lost those we love.