Kristi Finney-Dunn

Life ended and started on 8/12/11 with the death of my oldest child. I've heard it's the same for all parents who suffer the loss of a child. Fundamentally, we cannot remain the same because such a huge part of our life is now missing. We haven't just lost the beloved, we've lost our investment in our child: our hopes and dreams for his future. Dustin was an amazing man who lost his life just shortly after he had really found it.

It is impossible for me not to start this biography this way, because my life truly has the before and the after. Emotionally I was chopped in half. I feel as though because of this, I do a disservice to what remains from before: my other three remarkable and beautiful biological children, Colin, Logan, and Jenna; my wonderful new step-children Sean and Eryn; my aftermarket children Tom, Lisa, and Cruz; and my loving, intelligent husband Glenn. I have been fortunate to have my forever and always dad, Sam; two amazing mothers, Pat and Minnie; plus many siblings, aunts and uncles, and cousins. I am so thankful for them all!

In addition to working in a good job as a case manager and with supportive and understanding co-workers, I now am volunteering with people and for causes near and dear to my heart, which is very fulfilling. I am so grateful for all the people and all the opportunities there are to make a positive difference in the world.