with continued gratitude

I didn't know Chris well. He was just enough older than me to be in the illusive, "cool" category reserved for my brother and his friends. He always seemed quiet, yet sincere and, as a kid, I saw him as a bit of a rockstar with long hair and kind eyes.

A few years ago I had an opportunity to get to know Chris a little bit better. I was on my way home to have dinner with my parents and I stopped at a small liquor store to pick up a bottle of wine. The store is the tiny, townie type, the size of a living room, and I walked in without even noticing who was at the register. Walking in shortly after me was a middle aged man, rough around the edges, who immediately began to trail me around the store. He followed closely, making inappropriate comments. I was flustered. Nervous. I asked him to leave me alone and he persisted, until, a strong voice came from behind the counter a few isles away- "LEAVE HER ALONE." It wasn't an angry voice, but it was full of authority. The man hassled, "c'mon man, just havin' some fun," as if to invite the clerk's participation. The man behind the counter firmly responded "leave her alone or get out of my store." There was a moment wherein the two men held eye contact as if to face off. Then, the rough man muttered to himself and stormed out. I looked up to see Chris Hanrahan behind the counter. Shaken, I thanked him and he shook it off as if it was nothing. I felt like he had saved me from something really scary, yet Chris made me feel anything but indebted. Instead, since that evening, I have always merely felt gratitude anytime I saw Chris. In church I would ask him how he was and he would respond warmly but without pretense. He never seemed to think himself a hero. He was just willing to do the right thing.
This is a story I hold tightly too. It is a reminder to me of how community- the relationships you would least expect- are those that can keep you standing. It is a reminder that I know so little of what those around me are capable of, what strength they possess. As a kid I saw Chris as a rockstar with kind eyes. As an adult I grew to respect his quiet strength and indomitable courage. I am so sorry that we have lost such a man, and I hope he knew that he was deeply loved and admired. 

Christopher Michael Hanrahan

December 10, 1982-September 25, 2013
Bozrah - Christopher Michael Hanrahan, 30, of Old Salem Road passed away Wednesday morning unexpectedly. He was born December 10, 1982 in Long Beach, CA son to Terry and Rosemary (Barry) Hanrahan of Bozrah. Christopher was an avid sports fan who loved the Oakland A's and San Francisco 49ers. He was an established guitar player who loved music. Besides his parents he is survived by his brother Matthew Hanrahan of Franklin, a sister Patricia Ann Milne of Ledyard, his grandfather Lawrence Hanrahan of Norwich, his grandmother Francis Barry of Norwich, his three nephews that he adored Joshua, Timmy, and Alex, and also survived by his longtime girlfriend Lynn Yerring, and numerous aunts and uncles. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Christopher's memory to Fitchville Baptist Church 1 Bozrah Street Ext. Bozrah, CT 06334 Calling hours will be held 10:30 A.M.-12:00 P.M. Tuesday morning at Fitchville Baptist Church, Bozrah, CT with a Memorial Service to follow at 12:00 P.M. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Norwich. For online condolences go to www.gagnepiechowski.com