A Tribute to Charley

"What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others"

Pericles - Ancient Greek Politician 495BC - 429BC

My neighbor and very good friend Charley, loss his battle with cancer October 19, 2007. During his four year ordeal he never once asked why. He accepted his life and lived the best he could. He was thankful for every day he opened his eyes and departed this life at the age of 73.

He was the one I shared jokes with, sounded off to and laughed with every day. No matter what our day had been like there was always something we found to laugh about. It was usually Charley who was cheering me up, not the other way around. No matter how bad his day might have been he never gave up and he never quit dreaming. He faced the end of his life with courage and a conviction of better things to come.

From him I truly learned to be thankful for every day, to laugh at myself and to share more with others. I am glad that his battle is over and thankful for the wonderful memories I have. I firmly believe there is a reason that people come and go during your lifetime. The lessons I learned from Charley will forever influence how I treat others. Good job Charley!