River Story: Mighty Mississippi, Mighty Mystery
On April 25, 2017, at about 10 p.m., I received that visit that no parent wants. The police weren't sure, but it was possible my beloved son Chris had somehow ended up in the Mississippi River.
I have to say, Chris absolutely loved the Mississippi River. I grew up in Minneapolis and I love it, too, but in that passive way, that way that I almost took it for granted.
But not Chris. He was connected to the river. He was in his final semester at the University of Minnesota and lived so close to the mighty Mississippi.
For four years he biked next to it, walked over it on the bridge on campus, canoed by himself and leading groups with Wilderness Inquiry, swam in it, partied by it and even wrote poetry about it. Chris also meditated by the Mississippi.
I imagine his last night sitting by the river, meditating, taking in the beauty of the lit up Stone Arch Bridge, listening to the rush of the spring waters as they flowed over St. Anthony Falls.
You will want to know how it is he ended up in the river.
So do I, but I'm afraid that I will likely never have a satisfactory answer.
Chris was lost for 10 days in his beloved Mississippi. It was cold and rainy those days...those days that seemed like a breath and a lifetime.
The Bohemian Flats (“pinned” on the map) became one of the places I held vigil. I went there almost daily to walk next to the river, to watch the water patrol boats go upstream and downstream as they searched for him, to hear the chopping blades of the helicopter overhead when weather permitted.
Day after day we waited and prayed and sang and cried and prayed some more along with people from around Minnesota and around the world.
On May 4th, a group of bikers had organized a ride from the Bohemian Flats as we continued to look for Chris. We gathered at about 4:30 p.m. and said some words. Then friends and family rode their bikes and counted bridges over the river on a ride that Chris had organized the year before.
I waited at the park in case Rick, the water patrol supervisor, called me. Just as the bikers were returning I got the other call no parent wants to receive. Rick asked where I was. He was coming over to see me.
And so it was that I was surrounded by family and friends at the Bohemian Flats when we were told they had found Chris just south of the Lake Street Bridge.
Chris loved that river. That spot, the Bohemian Flats, became the place I associate with my memories of Chris and those who cherished him so much. My friends bought a tree as a memorial for Chris.
If you visit, you will see a Huckleberry Tree near the sidewalk with a medallion in memory of Chris. You might even see an eagle that likes to fly overhead and visit, too.
Chris wrote this poem and included it in a book that he self-published and dedicated to me called “Let Your Heart Choose Where to Start.”
The Night is Winding Down
Writing by a dim light,
in my room
the night is winding down.
Sleep's call is heard
very clearly as I add
lines of words to my journal.
Summer is standing in line,
spring greets me with
melting water flowing on sidewalks,
these rivers are
beautifully destined for
my mighty Mississippi,
mighty mystery.
In two days I will have successfully completed
eighteen short years walking on this planet.
My footsteps have not been dull and padded
like a wolf stalking prey,
however my actions have influenced this world so far,
maybe I'll never know.
Carrying on through the veil of tears,
wading, pushing, pushed,
I am soaking wet, that's a life."
by Melissa Melnick
The River Story Map
Created and coordinated by volunteer extraordinaire Michael Bischoff, the River Story Map kicks off FMR's silver anniversary year with 25+ stories of friendship with and connection to the metro Mississippi. These honest and personal reflections portray the river as a source of intrigue and adventure, a beloved date night venue, and even an unlikely partner in tales of loss and healing. We hope you enjoy them and consider adding your personal story of friendship with the Mississippi River.