Writing to Carol in PA today reminded me of how very much I still think of and miss Charlie. His presence on LymeNet and in person was bigger than life. Being a Texan, through and through, I suppose that could be expected.
Charlie was always quick with a joke to make you smile, generous with sage advice when you needed help... but what I loved most, was his sense of empathy when you needed a shoulder to cry on.
The last time I saw him, it was painfully evident that he was suffering tremendously. I left his house with a feeling of such helplessness and despair.
Weeks later, Charlie came to me in a dream. Now I know this sounds 'crazy', but this sort of semi-conscious lucid conversation had never happened with me before or sense that time.
He was standing before me and smiling so big. He said that he was just so happy... and when he reached out to hug me, I awoke to an empty and dark motel room.
Two days later, I found out the news that Charlie had passed in his sleep that very night.
So many years have come and gone now... but I still miss my friend.
Charlie's life, and death had a profound affect on me, and I am certain others here have felt the same. So very many losses in the Lyme community, but Charlie was family.
He was one of many here who devoted countless hours to try and help others in need of information. Those who were new to the whole nightmare and those who were still struggling after years of treatment.
LymeNet and its members have literally saved my life more times than I care to remember and I will always be so grateful to this site and to people like Charlie who touch our lives and in doing so, change us completely.
Posted by TNT (Member # 42349) on :
I didn't know charlie, so I don't know what I missed, but it appears like his last post was concerning you, Melanie.
RIP charlie...
Posted by aklnwlf (Member # 5960) on :
Didn't know Charlie that well but had the pleasure of meeting him and his wife at one of Maddog's float trips in KY.
We stayed at the same hotel. I was only there for one night and got there really late due to lyme brain.
What I remembered most about him was how kind he was and so, so down to earth. He was comfortable with himself and others.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I miss him too. Ironically, he lived in my mother's home town in Texas. A very small town. I wish I had stopped by to see him there on one of our many trips to Texas.
Melanie .. Was that trip to NO the same year you and Don came to see me?
-
Charlie .. oh Charlie ..
Posted by Carol in PA (Member # 5338) on :
I met Charlie in our Lyme chat room. He had such a way with words, such a joker.
One time he was talking about writing notes to himself on the back of his hand. I said, "But what happens when you run out of space?'
He said, "Then I write a note on my foot. A footnote, as it were."
Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :
TNT- thank you for that link, reading it was very meaningful to me.
aklnwlf- I'm pleased that you were able to take part in one of the Lyme Float experiences. Yes, so very kind and comfortable.
Miss Toots- That is ironic. The trip that Just Don and I stopped to see you on was during our drive back from the Arkansas Lyme Float. I'm not sure of the year now, but I still had a Hickman at that time, so I want to say it was around 2004?
Carol in PA- those Wednesday night chat sessions have remained dear to my heart. Your memory above gave me a much needed smile- thank you for that.
Posted by just don (Member # 1129) on :
Melanie,
Thank you for bringing this all important topic to our talk site.
I still miss Charlie also!!!
His favorite food was Haggis(sp) (just a joke between us)
He was 110% proficient with word jumbles. You could not read the letters to him as fast as he gave you the answer,,,it was REALLY amazing.
He was interested in owning a 'racing pivot'. Another joke. he visited me once to canoe the Niobrara and was properly impressed with our crop watering system.
He was a hands down expert in the drug info department. He could rattle off from memory more info than I ever knew.
He was a truly amazing person you would never ever forget,,,whether meeting in person or online.
Wish I could recall more clearly whether it was he or I that first called one of our best,,,,"HOT LIPS"
Can "HOT LIPS" shed any light on that question?
His first car was a 1956 Chrysler Imperial.
And he owned a panhead Harley he didnt drive when he passed away. HOPE his son has it restored by now.
He built his last house completely on his own labor, from start to finish,,,and it was no little cottage.
Was I proud to KNOW him??? Heck yes!!!!
Will there ever be another person as dear as Charlie in my life,,,never!!!
He WAS THE BEST!!!!
Thanks for the chance to tell my side of my friends life as I knew it!!!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Melanie... Yes, I'm pretty sure it was 2004.
Was your other trip after that one?
Carol .. I love that one! LOL
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
I never met him - he sounds wonderful. Someone who isn't on the board anymore said they said they could talk with Charlie all nite on the phone and he would comfort them.
Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :
Just Don- I know that you and Charlie were close as brothers, and that bond will always remain. Thank you for sharing your memories.
Miss Toots- Yes, Just Don was a love to accompany me and Bob on a second road trip from San Francisco to New Orleans. We made many stops along the way to see the sights, but to also spend some quality time with Cathy in Las Vegas, Kam in Arizona and Charlie & Jenny in Texas.
Robin- Yes, I believe that would have been TB?
Posted by just don (Member # 1129) on :
Melanie-
THATS exactly why every one loves you!!!!
You have exactly the right thing to say at exactly the right time.
Just like an angel walking among mere mortals!!!
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
Melanie, I would respond to you privately but I don't see that you've enabled pms -
![[group hug]](graemlins/grouphug.gif)