In Emma’s Words
Emma believed everyone should be treated with kindness and respect. Sure, some have a few glitches and yet everyone deserves to smile.
Don’t take our word for it. Give Emma a listen.
The Day I Met Emma
Emma changed my life, my outlook and many of my views on just about everything. Emma set me on a course to become a better person, a better father and husband. Emma set me on a path to become a better human being. I write these memories as a keepsake of who I was and who Emma ignited me to become. I write these memories to preserve the light that Emma provided.
What is Family?
My son had a son. How awesome is that? Shortly after that occurrence a well meaning acquaintance asked me if it was any different having a “real” grandchild. Let me back up. My second son, Brandon, is the biological half-brother of Emma. We adopted...
Adoption, Family and Joy
Make no mistake; kids change our lives. And then there is the added bonus of the joy of adoption. In our modern America family means something so much different than the black and white 1950's. Allow me to share... My son, Brandon, and his girlfriend Jenna are...
Running for Kansas State Senator
My name is Chris Lengquist, Emma's father, and I am running for Kansas State Senator in District 23, Olathe, Kansas. As those of you who follow this blog know mental health has greatly impacted the lives of both myself and my family. Additionally, too many in our...
Choose Hope, Not Suicide
If you are reading this there is a possibility you are considering suicide. I'm here to beg you to Choose Hope, Not Suicide. Listen, I know you can give me a dozen reasons you are considering this drastic measure of ending it all. Yet before you do anything, challenge...
Parenting a Special Needs Child
Parenting a special needs child is not for the faint of heart. Let there be no doubt. Though I would offer that the parents of special needs children, whether those special needs be physical, mental or otherwise, will learn more about themselves and have insights in...
Throw Away People
As I was walking through Lowes this last Saturday evening coming towards me was an adult child in her upper twenties or lower thirties supporting herself with the cart she was pushing. With each step she displayed the tell-tale trait of some sort of disability, which...
I’ve Been on Pause ||
NOTE: This is me processing grief. This is not inspirational. This is the grief I feel. It is important to me to document this for my sake. And if it helps one other person to not feel alone, to know they are not on their own, well, that is why I publish this writing....
Merry Christmas Emma
Merry Christmas, Emma. You are missed. You are loved.Merry Christmas, Emma. You still amaze me.Merry Christmas, Emma. What's He really like?Merry Christmas, Emma. Smile. Relax. Celebrate. You are missed. You are loved.Our house has memories of Emma everywhere. My...
Sleepless Nights: A Child Worth Fighting For
I never fully realized that the Day I Met Emma there would be so many sleepless nights to follow in my life. As every parent knows every child blessed to us will makes us lose sleep for one reason or the other. Adopting children, especially older children, out...
Easter and Unconditional Love
Today is the day we celebrate Easter in 2018. I'm not going to pretend it isn't hard without Emma here. Happily, we will celebrate this day with Jacob and Makena, Brandon and Jenna and Paisley, and Piper. My sister Kathy and her family are coming as well. Yes,...
Emmaisms: Freddy’s Fries
Marie was cleaning out a drawer this morning and found one of Emma's old journals. I still haven't sat down and read all that we have that she wrote. Too painful, frankly. Yet, today I had to smile. 3 things I'm thankful for I'm thankful for freddy's and the freddy's...
Emmaisms: Singing to Emma
When we first started fostering Emma and Brandon, on the road to full adoption, I discovered something quite by accident that first week of full time custody; Emma responds to music...and a tight hug.* Age wise Emma was 5. Emotionally and developmentally Emma was more...