https://www.nkerba.com/the-essence-of-series/the-essence-of-Chris-hjt7t-956yj

Musical ~Comedic ~ Compassionate

Loving ~ Driven ~ Stubborn

Chris and his niece Ri, Tara, his sister is in the background

Christopher is our son.

Without including our two children, no “Essence Portrait Series” would be complete. I believe that if parents want to see character traits in themselves, good or bad, they should look at their children. In our case, Chris and Tara are a marvellous combination of Donna and my best attributes. At the same time, they are a weird combination of our flaws. Time and time again, my theory has proven accurate.

This is even true of their physical attributes—Chris has my long trunk and Donna’s long legs, while Tara has my short legs and Donna’s short trunk. When they stand beside each other, Chris is almost six inches taller than Tara.

Who would have thought they had the same parents?

Chris and Tara have matured into unique human beings loved by family and friends.

We are equally proud of both. I knew I was a successful parent when, on successive days, both children accused me of favouring the other. When I laughed after the second one made that comment, I was questioned why I thought that was so funny. I relayed the previous day’s conversation.

Each is worthy of a story and a book about their accomplishments and journeys. Hmm, this author's eventual retirement project.

Now, on to Chris; his ability to make us lose sleep is legendary. While it is normal for parents to worry about their children, Chris has given us ample opportunities to refine those concerns, whether as a baby with allergies or as an adult with his travelling habits.

On one occasion, Chris told us that he was up for a part in a commercial and would need to travel to Prague if he won. We thought it was some pipe dream and left it at that. He eventually landed the part, but it was way down the road, and we still didn’t give it a second thought. Finally, in the last week before he was to fly to Prague, Donna woke me up in the middle of a sound sleep to tell me that she was worried that she didn’t know anything about who was involved. I had to ask Chris to get us the names of agents, directors and the company sending him. Looking back, it seems silly that the parents of a thirty-five-year-old were asking those questions.

On communication skills and willingness to keep in touch. Tara would make a phone call on her way to school to tell us about a beautiful sunrise she had just seen or a funny thought. While he has improved significantly, Chris was very sparse with his words. He was famous for texting, ‘Crossing the border, then three days later, a second text, “Just crossed the border.” I had no idea which way he was going.

Chris was not built for conventional school and was challenged with his writing. Hearing the songs or poems he composed, one of which is included on the final page of this portrait, is refreshing and highly gratifying. Meet Chris in his own words.

Chris wrote this ode to Sami, “Pops,” my father.

What has been your biggest challenge, and how did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge has been and continues to be myself. With no clear path to follow in the entertainment industry, every step I take, every decision made, every note sung, and every chord strummed are all hyper-analyzed by myself in the harshest of lights. Is this the best it can be? How can I do it better? Is it good enough?

Honestly, I overcome it by asking those closest to me. Family and friends are the ones I constantly rely on for validation about my entertainment journey. I'm sure it's not the healthiest way of coping, but if they're the ones I'm aiming to please with my craft, why not let them judge it and provide feedback?

Chris, the musician.

Featuring Tartan Terrors and Eclectic Revival

At some time, you reached a fork in the road. At that time, it did not feel like it, but looking back, you realize that was a big moment. One that changed your life. Describe yours.

I was working selling high-speed internet via satellite to remote locations across Canada (sounds fun, right?). I was also dipping my toes into community theatre in Brampton. The summer of 2005 would change my life forever. One of my fellow actor friends had an audition for a Renaissance Festival that would be taking place in Hamilton. Finding out that there was a way that I could act AND be paid was an incredibly inviting offer. I auditioned for the festival and was hired as a King's Guard! I met some incredible people. Little did I know those people would become my inspiration, friends, and family.

Several of us were in the basement playing music at a cast party because, of course, I brought an acoustic guitar. That night, three misfit friends started Eclectic Revival, a band that would run for 19 years and travel across Canada.