I went to a wake today for an old friend from my school days. We never really hung out much. I really cannot remember too much. I remember a few occasions (which is not unusual for me). I remember some dances at middle school, which he brought up when we became Facebook friends, but my memories are hazy. I do remember he was very sweet and kind. It was in being Facebook friends that I really got to know him though and yet I still didn’t know him that well. Through his posts, I could see what a genuinely lovely person he was. He was great at responding to my posts. He always had something sweet to say, something positive, or something to make me feel good. He seemed to be like that with everyone. That was Charlie. And it never felt fake. It was always genuine.
I had posted on Friday asking for prayers, and he responded to my post with “I’m saying prayers for you, Mary,” and then later with a heart with “love you” in it. That was Charlie. Unfortunately, I was not feeling so great, so I never responded. I missed an opportunity to say “love you” back. Ahhh, life…always missed opportunities. I believe that they are lessons learned. Well, one week later, I got to say it today, kneeling at his coffin. I know he heard me. Of course, he heard me. Those family and friends we loved/loved us never leave us. While his lifeless body was lying in that coffin, he certainly was not. Nope. He was probably like, “What the hell are you looking in there for…I am right here!” and maybe even making faces at us, knowing we couldn’t see them. He is right here, his beautiful soul that will never die, looking at all of us, listening to it all…smiling at all the lovely things everyone had to say, laughing at the funny stuff as well, and taking into his heart hearing everyone say how much they are going to miss him. No, Charlie was not in that coffin. He was standing hugging his loved ones, including his beautiful sisters, “Charlie’s Angels.” He will never leave them. He will never leave any of those dear to his heart, especially his daughter and son. Hold those Charlie stories close to your heart. Do they things you used to do in memory of him. Most importantly, take all that is good, sweet, kind, and fun, Charlie, and be that part of him to all you encounter!
Like everyone, Charlie had struggles in life. The journey of life is hard. But another thing Charlie had was a huge heart. After hearing story after story about him (I cried through it all), I found out just how huge Charlie’s heart was. I believe Charlie was an empath. He was highly attuned to others emotions and may even have taken on those emotions. I think his heart was actually too big for this world. Those thoughts of what a great person he was were validated (not that they needed to be) through all the loving words he said about him today. There is no doubt in my mind about that. It got me thinking. Charlie’s heart was made for heaven, not earth, but it had to be here on earth first to pour all his love on those who needed it. The world needs more people with Charlie’s heart. In heaven, his heart will be right at home. He needed to be here on earth for the time he was there. Because the love he poured out was needed by those who received it. The world needs more people with Charlie’s heart. Charlie, your big, beautiful heart is now in a place with no more sadness, no more worries, no more stress, and no more picking up everyone’s pain because where you are, there is no pain. There is only love, peace, and joy, … you fit right in!
Love you too, Charlie.
We will forever remember your kindness and the beauty you bought into this world. It was a gift to many.
To his children Melissa and Chuck, You put together such a beautiful tribute to your father. You know he is proud. My heart breaks for you both, his sisters, and his all who loved him
Note to myself and really to everyone. Don’t pass by opportunities to say I love you, to tell someone you care, or to be present in all conversations. Sometimes we need to really forget about ourselves and truly put the focus on others.
Special thanks to Joe for the swift notice of his Charlie’s passing. You too have a big heart Joe. Love ya and I am so very sorry for your loss. I know you treasure your memories. Keep them close.