Ta Ta For Now

Yesterday, My Uncle Charlie passed away instantly after a massive heart attack. He was 54 years old. I am really sad about his death because he was a great person and a huge influence on my life. Charlie did not have any children of his own, but being the oldest sibling of my mom's, he took on the role of the leader of the family. Charlie thought of each of his nieces and nephews as his own children and pushed us to become the best people that we could. He stressed education and even started up the "Good Grade Club" for us. In the beginning, we would send in our grades, then he would in turn send us an item of our choice with his logo on it. As I entered college, he just started cutting us a check, with the amount of money depending on our GPA. Here's the last note he sent me with my "Good Grade Club" money:

good job. It was good to see you during Xmas. when do you graduate? . My calculations concludes that the good grad club needs to award you a checkfor $139.60. 34.90 X 4 =139.60.please send me you address and Rags and I will send you your award. Goodwork , good luck and I am proud of you.

Uncle Charlie was a Harley rider, through and through. Two summers ago, the entire family took a trip out to see my Grandma on her mission and Charlie insisted upon riding his Harley the whole way.

Charlie was always "Santa" during our Christmas celebration at Grandma's each year. He took his place next to the tree and would call out names of all the presents and then the "elves", the younger kids, would deliver the gift to the correct person. It has always been this way for as long as I can remember.

Charlie has worked as a lobbyist in the Idaho State Legislature for Union Pacific Railroad for many many years. As a youngster, I remember the whole family going for a train ride with Uncle Charlie. To this day, that is the only time I have ever ridden a train. It was always expected that we would be receiving a Union Pacific item of some sort on every occasion that we saw him, including Calendars, notepads, Trolls (remember those things?), etc. Charlie was proud of what he did and was noted for his accomplishements in the state of Idaho for a long time. He had friends in high places and I know he will be missed by all.

Today, everyone who could go made their way to Boise to see Charlie for the last time. His living will states that he wants his body to be cremated and scattered over his ranch (his second home, where he spent all of his free time fly fishing and relaxing on his time off) near Ashton, Idaho. I planned on going, but then Devin couldn't find anyone to work for him and I didn't feel good about going to Boise and back in one day by myself. So, here I sit. I can't think about anything else but the loss that my family has experienced and the gratitude that I have for Charlie and the profound influence he has had on my life.

His favorite phrase when he left anywhere or when he ended a note or letter was "ta-ta for now!" So, now it is my turn to say, "ta-ta for now" Uncle Charlie. I will miss you.