13 years Lyme & Co.; Small Fiber Neuropathy; Myasthenia Gravis, Adrenal Insufficiency. On chemo for 2 1/2 years as experimental treatment for MG. Posts: 4480 | From Northeastern Connecticut | Registered: Jun 2005
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Truthfinder
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8512
posted
Oh, no, no, no! I'm in shock.
Charlie has been on my mind for weeks....... I hadn't seen Charlie post in Medical Questions for ages, since his ER visit last summer..... was planning to ask about him after Christmas was over.....
It's uplifting to read all the wonderful comments and stories about him. Like Great Cod and Joe Ham, he could be very derisive in certain topic discussions. But I was fortunate to see a glimpse of that side of Charlie that many here knew and loved. I'm grateful for that and for a chance to hear how he touched so many lives with his generous spirit.
Thank you all for sharing your experiences.
God be with you always, Charlie.
-------------------- Tracy .... Prayers for the Lyme Community - every day at 6 p.m. Pacific Time and 9 p.m. Eastern Time � just take a few moments to say a prayer wherever you are�. Posts: 2966 | From Colorado | Registered: Dec 2005
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posted
I am simply speechless. God bless you Charlie and my thoughts and prayers are with you Jenny.
So, so tragic.
-------------------- Never, Never, Never give up! Posts: 395 | From Connecticut | Registered: Nov 2008
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feelfit
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12770
posted
did not see this until now....simply stunned! Esp since charlie was in remission until that neighbor sprayed his crops last summer and it blew Charlies's way....
I guess that he never recovered from this?
Charlie helped me with a lot of computer problems and helped me to log on to Chat....also enjoyed his humor and love of a cold Corona...
RIP Charlie and strength to you jennie.
Posts: 3975 | From usa | Registered: Aug 2007
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Tracy9
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7521
posted
That was beautiful, Dilly. I know firsthand you meant the WORLD to him.
13 years Lyme & Co.; Small Fiber Neuropathy; Myasthenia Gravis, Adrenal Insufficiency. On chemo for 2 1/2 years as experimental treatment for MG. Posts: 4480 | From Northeastern Connecticut | Registered: Jun 2005
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posted
I am very new here. I don't think I know/knew Charlie....and judging by all the wonderful comments, I am poorer for it.
I am happy for you all to have had such a wonderful person in your lives. My condolences to all of you.
Posts: 212 | From Pennsylvania, USA | Registered: Jul 2009
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posted
No. Don't tell me Charlie was impersonating himself.
Dilly, that was beautiful.
I echo Gahagan's sentiments - I never met Charlie - it looks like all of you who did are the better for it.
Posts: 13171 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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lymednva
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9098
posted
Dilly, that so eloquently summarized who Charlie was. Thanks for expressing it so well and posting it here for all of us to see.
((((Hugs)))
-------------------- Lymednva Posts: 2407 | From over the river and through the woods | Registered: Apr 2006
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lymeinhell
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4622
posted
Well said Dilly.
I'm just seeing this now, and deeply saddened. Jenny and family and friends, please accept my deepest condolences. He truly will be missed here.
-------------------- Julie _ _ ___ _ _ lymeinhell
Blessed are those who expect nothing, for they shall not be disappointed. Posts: 2258 | From a better place than I was 11 yrs ago | Registered: Sep 2003
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MagicAcorn
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8786
posted
Charlie was my oldest friend here on Lymenet - going way back to the old board more than 10 years ago. I have changed my user name a few times here for good reasons, so my real original member number is also in the low 20's.
I'm so glad I got to speak to Charlie about three weeks ago.
I am beyond devastated.
-------------------- Posts: 1279 | From In hiding | Registered: Feb 2006
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posted
Wow Magic sorry, i remember when i got sick in 1999 there wasn't much in the way of support groups on the net, thanks to good people like Charlie and Tracy and others things are very different now.
Posts: 128 | From web | Registered: Dec 2008
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AliG
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9734
posted
This is very upsetting indeed.
He will be truly missed. He really was a great guy. Always there when he was needed & often with a clever joke.
This is so sad for all of us who were touched by him here, but I guess at least he is no longer suffering, struggling & fighting with Lyme. He is free & at peace.
I will really miss the way he was able to turn peoples' attitudes around with his witty humor & good-natured kidding around.
Jenny will be in my thoughts & prayers. Though I didn't really get to know her, I imagine she must be a very special person.
It always seemed to me that she was the light of Charlie's life. I could tell from the way he spoke of her that he loved her with all his heart & he certainly had a great big heart.
I would have to imagine this must be even harder for those of you who have known him for many, many years. You have my sympathy as well.
Charlie - rest in peace, dear friend. You are already missed.
hugs & prayers, so upset Ali
-------------------- Note: I'm NOT a medical professional. The information I share is from my own personal research and experience. Please do not construe anything I share as medical advice, which should only be obtained from a licensed medical practitioner. Posts: 4881 | From Middlesex County, NJ | Registered: Jul 2006
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WildCondor
Unregistered
posted
Sad Sad day. Charlie was such a great person, one of the best. I am really going to miss talking to him and laughing. So many memories over the years, all good ones.
Bless Charlie and his family. You will always be with us old friend.
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sometimesdilly
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9982
posted
To everyone--
I heard from Jenny this morning.
She wanted me to tell you all that she has read the messages here about Charlie, and very much appreciates them, and everyone's support.
Understandably, the huge number of heart-felt sympathies being expressed to her right now feels overwhelming and overwhelmingly sad.
Jenny said that she and a bunch of Charlie's friends gathered together and shared stories about him that made them all laugh.
Sounds like the kind of tribute Charlie would have most appreciated.
Posts: 2507 | From lost in the maze | Registered: Aug 2006
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just don
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1129
posted
"WE" were "Touched by an angel!!"
-------------------- just don Posts: 4548 | From Middle of midwest | Registered: May 2001
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quote:Originally posted by just don: "WE" were "Touched by an angel!!"
Amen to that. So true!
-------------------- Never, Never, Never give up! Posts: 395 | From Connecticut | Registered: Nov 2008
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MADDOG
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 18
posted
Charlie hated snow.
So I allways E Mailed him pictures of snow caped mountains,the north pole,my samurai sitting in a snow drift,the house covered in snow,I would lay in the snow and make snow angles and send him a picture ,ect..
His reactions just tickled me to no end.
I never could get him to go to the Snowy range in Wyoming?
MADDOG
Posts: 4083 | From Ohio | Registered: Oct 2000
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I am Charlie's daughter...Missy. Just wanted to thank you all for the kind words and thoughts being posted here. And to let you know that Jenny has been reading them as well as my brother and I. Jenny will reply to you all at some point, she just can't reply yet. I told her I was going to write you all a note and she wanted me to be sure you know that Charlie used to tell her that their marriage was a "Whirlwind of Ecstasy". I have no doubt you all knew how much he adored her. Thanks again for memorializing him here. We will all miss him so much.
Posts: 2 | From Texas | Registered: Dec 2009
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Tracy9
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7521
posted
Missy, He talked about you too, and was thrilled that he had gotten you to join Lyme Friends. He loved you so dearly, your brother, and his grandchildren as well as Jenny.
I cannot even imagine going into the holidays without him. I know I am having a hard time putting one foot in front of the other; I can't begin to imagine how it is for you.
Charlie was one of the most beloved members here and on Lyme Friends. Personally I felt very close to him, as others did....I am still reeling in shock and feeling desperately grief stricken.
I wish I could find the words to convey how sad I am for you all....it must be unbearably painful. I wish there was a way we could help to shoulder your pain along with our own.
Your Dad was a true one of a kind, the best of the best. I'm heartbroken.
13 years Lyme & Co.; Small Fiber Neuropathy; Myasthenia Gravis, Adrenal Insufficiency. On chemo for 2 1/2 years as experimental treatment for MG. Posts: 4480 | From Northeastern Connecticut | Registered: Jun 2005
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MagicAcorn
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8786
posted
Missy,
I must say I truly feel like I know you because Charlie and I talked many times about our children. He adored you, and was very proud of you and your brother.
Please tell Jenny that Acorn says...that if your marriage was a "whirlwind of ecstasy" that explains why he made the old chat and the new chat a "funnel cloud of fun".
He was a true friend.
Acorn
-------------------- Posts: 1279 | From In hiding | Registered: Feb 2006
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Not - How did he die? But - How did he live? Not - What did he gain? But - What did he give?
These are the things that measure the worth Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.
Not - What was his station? But - had he a heart? And - How did he play his God-given part?
Was he ever ready with a word of good cheer? To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?
Not - What was his church? Not - What was his creed? But - Had he befriended those really in need?
Not - What did the sketch in the newspaper say? But - How many were sorry when he passed away?
These are the things that measure the worth Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.
Charlie was the genuine article and we adored him for it. I feel honored to have known him and to call him, Friend.
Rest in peace, our much-loved bat_pancreas. We miss you so very much.
Jenny and Missy, please know that we are here for you if ever you need us. Charlie loved you so very much. There wasn't a conversation that went by without him mentioning "my Jenny" or "my family."
With loving memories of our delightful Friend, Fuzzy
Posts: 503 | From Maryland | Registered: Oct 2007
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Carol in PA
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 5338
posted
I often talked with Charlie in chat, after everyone else had gone.
I could tell that he wasn't well, even as he was insisting that he was getting better.
About a month ago, I asked him if there was anything I could do, and he said, "Just be there."
When I read Maddog's post, about fifteen minutes after he wrote it, I cried.
Carol
Posts: 6956 | From Lancaster, PA | Registered: Feb 2004
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quote:Originally posted by MADDOG: [QB] Charlie hated snow.
So I allways E Mailed him pictures of snow caped mountains,the north pole,my samurai sitting in a snow drift,the house covered in snow,I would lay in the snow and make snow angles and send him a picture ,ect..
His reactions just tickled me to no end.
I never could get him to go to the Snowy range in Wyoming?
MADDOG
That's so funny, MADDOG! I can just imagine his reaction!!
Don... you are so right.. we were touched by an angel!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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Tracy9
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7521
posted
Carol, Your post made me cry. It shows so clearly what a special relationship you and Charlie had. For him to say "just be there" is a lot coming from him. He was always there for everyone else. I never heard him ask for anyone to be there for him. Wow.
I'm so, so glad you were there for him. I miss so terribly I've literally had an aching heart since he died. It physically aches. I don't even think the shock has set in yet.
It really hasn't....thank God we have each other. This is a huge, huge loss to all of us. I still just can't imagine our world without Charlie in it.
It's Christmas Eve and all I want to do is go in a corner somewhere and wail my heart out....I've just been holding it in because of the kids, the holidays, but it has to come out soon.
Damn you, Charlie, for leaving us....then there's that part, too.
13 years Lyme & Co.; Small Fiber Neuropathy; Myasthenia Gravis, Adrenal Insufficiency. On chemo for 2 1/2 years as experimental treatment for MG. Posts: 4480 | From Northeastern Connecticut | Registered: Jun 2005
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posted
Missy - thanks for coming on here to say hi to everyone. We are all thinking of you and your family.
Posts: 13171 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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aklnwlf
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 5960
posted
Oh no! I can't believe it!
I'm so, so sorry that Charlie has passed on.
Jenny, Missy and the rest of the family, please accept my heart felt condolences.
Jenny, I met you and Charlie in Kentucky at one of the Lymefloats.
Wish that we could have spent more time together.
I remember just this July that Charlie had offered some help for me as I traveled down there to San Antonio for some medical treatment.
He offered me a place to stay.
Now, even though I'm almost 50, I don't know too many folks who would open their homes to someone needing medical treatment.
Charlie was one though.
In fact almost any contact I did have with you guys was always uplifting.
I'm truly honored to have known Charlie.
My prayers are with all Charlie's family and friends.
Joann
-------------------- Do not take this as medical advice. This comment is based on opinion and personal experience only.
Alaska Lone Wolf Posts: 6918 | From Columbus, GA | Registered: Jul 2004
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This is difficult to type, but I feel I need to do it.
It's Christmas Eve and my Father has passed on.
The depth of my sorrow is immeasurable.
I'm sitting here trying not to feel sorry for myself.
I worry about Jenny, she was the love of my father's life.
I worry about my sister, she didn't get a chance to say goodbye.
Selfishly, I worry about myself. Will I take the best from him and embrace it, embody it and live it, and will I take the lesser of him and learn from it? I hope so - I owe it to my family and I owe it to him.
I got to his house on Sunday afternoon and sat with him through the afternoon and evening. I told Jenny to get some sleep and I would stay up with him as she had been caring for him for months and it was taking a toll on her.
My Dad and I talked for a long time. Some of our conversation was deep, some of it was levitious. Most of it was substantive and personal. We tried watching the Big Lebowski, but it irritated the **** out of him. It turned him off. I turned it off. I held his hand. I scratched his back. I listened to him. He listened to me. He told me he was proud of me, he told me he loved me, he told me he loved my sister and he told me he was going to fight this because he couldn't leave Jenny, my sister and I behind.
I'm not ready to share some of the things we talked about - hopefully I'll be able to share them with you in the future. You all were his 2nd family and I appreciate the love and fellowship that you gave him.
He had a difficult fight and never gave up. He was courageous through the end.
He didn't die alone - I was with him - and he was loved by so many and knew it.
Maddog, you we're the one I knew I had to call and you would get the word out. I thank you for your friendship with my parents - you mean/meant an awful lot to them. You were the only one I had ever had a conversation with so you were the chosen one to share the news. I'm sorry it had to be you, but you rose to the occasion.
The rest of you, I thank you for being there for my Dad and letting him be there for you.
If anyone here want's to trade anecdotes about my Dad, feel free to email me. My email is [email protected].
Thank you all for the forum that you gave my father. By letting him help you - you were all helping him.
Brian
Posts: 5 | From Flower Mound Texas | Registered: Dec 2009
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lymednva
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9098
posted
Brian, I am so glad you had a chance to say good bye to your dad. Some of us don't get that chance, as with your sister, and it's tough.
Keeping his memory alive will help though, so do that in whatever ways you can and you will honor him in that way.
Sending hugs to all your family at this difficult time.
-------------------- Lymednva Posts: 2407 | From over the river and through the woods | Registered: Apr 2006
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kelmo
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8797
posted
Brian. Thank you for coming on here and sharing his last days with us. I didn't know he was that ill.
A year or two ago, he mentioned he was going to travel to meet a few of us to the West. He was going to see Joe Ham in New Mexico, then swing by and see me in AZ.
Joe Ham is no longer with us, then Charlie got sick.
I just wanted to take him back to Black Canyon city and eat some pie in the Rock Springs Cafe.
Later. I would like to email you.
Sorry this Christmas is painful. I have had losses around Christmas time, and you walk through it numb, or you forget it all together.
Don't forget it. He wouldn't want you to. He knew you all loved him. I could tell by who he was that he felt loved.
Hoosiers51
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15759
posted
Missy and Brian,
Thank you for coming on here. I'm so sorry for your loss. If I could give you a big hug right now, I would.
I'm glad Charlie was surrounded by such a loving family. That is a true blessing. He was very fortunate to have so many that loved him, especially the love of those closest to him, you.
You guys will be in my thoughts. I have no doubt your father's legacy lives on through the people here that he was able to help, and the people here who were lucky to know him as a person.
I remember the first night I met him on Lymechat, he gave me SO much information. He was someone who had obviously made a lot of progress, and he stayed very late, answering many of my questions.
At that point I had already been treating Lyme for years, but was still pretty ill. I had never heard of Bactrim, and so I was feverishly taking notes on everything he said.
I was very inspired. Not only by his improvement, but by how he had taken matters into his own hands, to get better. Based on his recommendation, I pushed really hard to get Bactrim, because it wasn't a favorite of my doctor. I'm SO glad I did. It was one of the most effective antibiotics I've ever taken. It cleared up my very foggy brain to the point that I now feel like I'm living in my own head again. This is all because of your father.
I have no doubt that if I would have never met him, I would have never tried that drug, and I would still be VERY frustrated. This just gives you an idea of the small ways one person can change someone's life, just after one meeting. My family is overjoyed to see how much progress I've made cognitively.
There are people that have improved with treatment that don't care to take the time to help others, and then there are people like your father.
But saying all that about how helpful/inspiring he was seems to diminish the most important thing your father had to offer, which was his friendship. Little did I suspect the first night I spoke with him about Bactrim, that he would become one of my favorite online friends. Honestly, I think Charlie must have been EVERYONE'S favorite.
There were nights that I would literally be sitting at the computer, laughing out loud, despite having a very rough day. The things he would come up with! Just the most witty responses to things. And such a warm spirit.
Just wanted to thank you for sharing him with us....I'm sure we were able to make him smile, but I think we were the lucky ones, for having him there with us. I'm sure he knew how much we appreciated him, because it wasn't often that he would log on without a chorus of people shouting, "CHARLIEEEEE!!!!! How are you????"
Everyone was always glad to see him. And he seemed to be a very happy, content person. A lot of us tend to be moody or grouchy from the illness (myself included), but Charlie always seemed to radiate sunshine. So I know you guys must have made him happy, because it would be hard to be that happy without a good home life.
Thought you might want to check out his Lyme Friends page at some point if you haven't already. You will need to register to see it, I think, unless Tracy can work something of her magic.
kam
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 3410
posted
Jenny,
thinking of you this morning.
and Missy and Brian (sorry, didn't see the post from you Brian until today)
[ 12-26-2009, 09:04 AM: Message edited by: kam ]
Posts: 15927 | From Became too sick to work or do household chores in 2001. | Registered: Dec 2002
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posted
Thank you Brian. You will do fine following in your Dad's footsteps! I can tell!!
Hugs and love to your family.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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sixgoofykids
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11141
posted
Missy and Brian, thank you for your words. Your father was so much fun to chat with online, and you can see he meant a lot to many of us. He always had a positive attitude and humor to share with everyone.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
it sounds like he was a very nice man. i wish i could have known him.
i'm sure he's deeply missed.
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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MADDOG
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 18
posted
Missy and Brian Thanks for posting it is good to hear from you two. Brian thanks for the call to let me know.
MADDOG
Posts: 4083 | From Ohio | Registered: Oct 2000
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sometimesdilly
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9982
posted
Maddog- just sent you a PM
Posts: 2507 | From lost in the maze | Registered: Aug 2006
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posted
I grew up in the same town where Charlie lived. When I came to Lymenet in '01 Charlie made me feel right at home. Those first months of searching for an answer and then going through the abx treatment, the herxing, made it essential to have a place like Lymenet to come. Someone like Charlie made things lighter and kept me sane. We talked on the phone a couple of times. Thank you, Charlie, for your kindness and your support. To Charlie's family I send my deepest condolences. He was a good man and will be missed. I lost my Mom two years ago. Healing from a loss like this takes time. Please know I keep you all in my prayers. ~db
Posts: 153 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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posted
Although I did not know Charlie personally, I want to add my prayers for the family. I always enjoyed reading his posts.
Bea Seibert
Posts: 7306 | From Martinsville,VA,USA | Registered: Oct 2004
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kelmo
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8797
posted
Wasn't it Charlie who called coffee enimas "reverse lattes"? He was so funny.
Posts: 2903 | From AZ | Registered: Feb 2006
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Hoosiers51
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15759
posted
Hee hee, I think so.
And I remember he also used to say that for him, "Salt/C" was a Margarita with salt on the rim. (the lime was the Vit C)
Posts: 4590 | From Midwest | Registered: Jun 2008
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treepatrol
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 4117
posted
Iam so sorry Carol geez. This brings tears to my eyes. God bless and keep him. And Comfort his Family Carol.
-------------------- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Remember Iam not a Doctor Just someone struggling like you with Tick Borne Diseases.
posted
I am just reading this for the first time and am very, very saddened.... and shocked. Charlie was one of my Lyme Chat buddies but I haven't been there in a very long time. He was so funny on chat and ALWAYS made me laugh... hard.... out loud. My husband would have to come downstairs sometimes to see what was so funny and it made him smile to know that at least my lyme friends could make me laugh, and that they 'got it' unlike other people.
I will miss him and he and my other chat friends have a special place in my heart.
Charlie, may you rest in peace.
Jenny, Missy, Brian - my heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you.
-------------------- **Eat Chocolate** Posts: 942 | From USA | Registered: Mar 2005
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posted
I'm so sorry everyone! A little out of the loop, I can't say I had connected with him because I was dipping in and out of here too much. I regret this now.
I'm so sorry for his wife and family, and for each of us who has lost another dear one.
My heartfelt condolences.
Suz
-------------------- "SEVEN LYME FACTS THAT COULD HAVE SAVED ME" VISIT ME AT:
posted
This is such sad news. I had the priviledge of spending a week with Charlie, Jenny and Maddog a few years ago. We had such a good time together.
All I can say is he was such a great guy. Once you met him it was like he was an old friend and I can say the same about Jenny and of course, Maddog.
He will be greatly missed. Jenny and family, my sincere condolences. My heart goes out to you. Please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Connie
Posts: 495 | From KY USA | Registered: Dec 2004
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Carol in PA
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 5338
posted
quote:Originally posted by imanurse: I will miss him and he and my other chat friends have a special place in my heart.
Ima, he really enjoyed talking to you. Especially when you had a hot flash.
Carol
Posts: 6956 | From Lancaster, PA | Registered: Feb 2004
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