There are few people in life who leave an impression of greatness like my Uncle Charlie did. Though he was quite powerful in the state of Idaho, more important to him was his family. I learned manners from him, how to eat escargot, the necessity of sending thank you notes, and how to compromise on music (Eric Clapton is okay to mix in with all the boy bands that we 14 year old girls liked to listen to the WHOLE WAY to Lake Powell while driving with Uncle Charlie). Most importantly, I learned from Uncle Charlie the value of spending time as a family and just being together. Every year he had a bash at his ranch, Trestle, for his birthday. He was Santa for Christmas at Grandma's. He took us to dinner whenever he was in town. He made sure that we were invited when he had tickets to the Folk Dance Festival. It didn't matter what we were doing, as long as we were together as a family. I hope the lessons that he taught us can continue to live on.Sometimes it is hard to believe that death can take people we love so quickly. I miss Uncle Charlie a lot, especially as we approach holiday times. However, I am grateful for the person that he was because he truly has shaped the person that I have become. I hope he is as proud to call me his niece as I am to call him my uncle.
8 comments:
Thanks for this post, Kim. It's always good to reflect on great Charlie G. I miss him a lot too. I don't think I realized what a good thing I had until he was gone. Also, thanks for all of the birthday suggestions! I really appreciate you always being so good to me. Love you.
Man I miss Charlie G...He was such a great guy. It's still hard to believe. It's funny that it's been that long already, I still miss him like he just passed. It is nice that we have such a tight family. He'd be proud we're still planning things together. Kiss Hals for me.
Oh, I miss Uncle Charlie too! He did teach us a lot about life, didn't he? Remember riding in his Lincoln with the slippery seats? I always remember him talking to me about manners, and I really have him to thank for teaching me the importance of sending thank you cards.
Thanks for the post. I often wish I could tell him I'm working on my Master's. He would be so proud! You know that education was such a huge thing for him. I think that it is partly why I'm doing it. Thanks Charlie for teaching me the value of education and starting the Good Grade Club! Oh how I wish that was around today!!
Kim,
Thank you for remembering. He was such a great brother. I miss him a lot. He did so much for me also. Your post made me cry, such a good guy and a great example.
He would be so proud of all of you and would love to see the babies.
Thanks Kim, I MISS him sooooo much! It has really been hard to get on my harley and not feel some sadness. I am so grateful that he was my brother and that he was so good to all of our kids. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of him, I love you.
Hey Kim. I was thinking of Charlie as well. I can't believe it has been two years. I am so lucky to have this family and I am so lucky to have Charlie as my oldest brother. If only I could hear him say "Da" one more time. Someday, right? Thanks for writing down what most of us were thinking.
Kim,
We all miss Uncle Charlie's laugh and smile!
Dad
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