Charlie & me~ 1963
Hi To All,
I could not let today go by without remembering my brother Charlie. You see, today, May 3rd, would have been his 50th birthday!
My brother Charlie passed away in 2000, at the age of 40, after a long battle with Hodgkin's disease. Charlie and I were only 16 months apart and so we grew up like "twins". (see picture above) Charlie was such a special person. He had such a "funny" way about him. He was the "life" of the party. In fact, he was the type of person you would want at your party, because you were guaranteed that the party would be an overwhelming success!
There are so many wonderful memories I have of him. We were four siblings growing up. There were my two brothers - Charlie & Vinnie; and me and my sister Carol. I can remember the time when we were little, growing up in Brooklyn, N.Y. My Mom & Dad had purchased a brand new car. I think it was a blue Chevy. We wanted to go with my Dad to pick it up, but instead we both had to watch from our apartment window as he drove up with it --- you see, we both had the "mumps" and so we had to stay at home! Even there, we were like "twins", always getting sick together and always getting in trouble together too! Like the time I inadvertently caught his finger in the gate outside, because we decided to have some fun and use the swinging gate as a "ride"!
And when, he was diagnosed at the age of 31 with Hodgkin's, I knew that if anyone was going to be his "match" it would be me --- I just knew! And so, when all the siblings were tested to see who would be his "match" - it was me --- I was a perfect match --- the kind the doctors said you only find in actual "twins". For Charlie though, his healing was not to be here on Earth, but up above in heaven. And it is there that we will one day meet again!
So, today, May 3rd, I want to wish a Happy 50th Birthday to my special brother Charlie, up in heaven. Thanks for watching over me from up above!
Love always, your "twin"
Sarah xoxo
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I could not let today go by without remembering my brother Charlie. You see, today, May 3rd, would have been his 50th birthday!
My brother Charlie passed away in 2000, at the age of 40, after a long battle with Hodgkin's disease. Charlie and I were only 16 months apart and so we grew up like "twins". (see picture above) Charlie was such a special person. He had such a "funny" way about him. He was the "life" of the party. In fact, he was the type of person you would want at your party, because you were guaranteed that the party would be an overwhelming success!
There are so many wonderful memories I have of him. We were four siblings growing up. There were my two brothers - Charlie & Vinnie; and me and my sister Carol. I can remember the time when we were little, growing up in Brooklyn, N.Y. My Mom & Dad had purchased a brand new car. I think it was a blue Chevy. We wanted to go with my Dad to pick it up, but instead we both had to watch from our apartment window as he drove up with it --- you see, we both had the "mumps" and so we had to stay at home! Even there, we were like "twins", always getting sick together and always getting in trouble together too! Like the time I inadvertently caught his finger in the gate outside, because we decided to have some fun and use the swinging gate as a "ride"!
And when, he was diagnosed at the age of 31 with Hodgkin's, I knew that if anyone was going to be his "match" it would be me --- I just knew! And so, when all the siblings were tested to see who would be his "match" - it was me --- I was a perfect match --- the kind the doctors said you only find in actual "twins". For Charlie though, his healing was not to be here on Earth, but up above in heaven. And it is there that we will one day meet again!
So, today, May 3rd, I want to wish a Happy 50th Birthday to my special brother Charlie, up in heaven. Thanks for watching over me from up above!
Love always, your "twin"
Sarah xoxo
***To post A Comment, CLICK on Comments Below***
I look forward to meeting him there as well. He must have been a very special man to you have had you, Sarah, as his sister. May today be full of good memories that make you smile when you think of him.
ReplyDeleteIN THIS PLACE(we sang May 2 at Mass)
ReplyDeleteWe are all hungry people, we need shelter and strength. We are one in our hurting, we are one in our pain. In our suffering and sadness, we are saved by the grace of the power and the Spirit that is here in this place.
Refrain: We are gathered at the table as one in the Lord. We are gathered as people who are living the Word. Our hearts and our spirits are nurtured by grace. It is Jesus who fills us. He is here in this place.
All our lives are a Mystery:we see not where they lead. We are asked now to trust you and we know we must believe. As our feet become Christ's feet, we go forth with the grace of the power and the Spirit that is here in this place.
Though the world may tell us to look at ourselves, we reach out to another where suffering dwells. As our hands become Christ;s hands, we go forth with the grace of the power and the Spirit that is here in this place.
In the bread that is broken is the Christ that restores. As we take, now receive him, we find love evermore. As the bread becomes Body, we are filled with the grace of the power and the Spirit that is here in this place.
Remembering my sister Judy and your brother Charlie. I share in the saddness of all those who have lost a sibling. May we have peace knowing that we shared many happy times with them and that they are at peace with the Lord.
from Saraoga(hot hot 90 degrees)
Love to all,
Linda
happy birthday uncle charlie, even though i was only 4 when you died, i still remember touching your rough beard:)I love youu!!
ReplyDeletehappy birthday uncle charlie!!!! i love you soooo much.
ReplyDeletefor those of you who dont know my uncle charlie all i have to say is that he was the greatest uncle ive ever had (i love you too tho uncle vinny!) he always made everyone around him laugh and he would always take funny pictures of himself on our cameras when no one was looking..he was my godfather and he was the best!!!
Dearest Jessica and Gina, Happy Charlie's birthday! I know how special he was to you both. It is so important to remember our loved ones and the happy times we had with them. My sister Lisa's birthday was April 19th, she would have been 44. Although she is gone from here, I feel that she is with me all the time and helps me get through difficult things. Charlie and Lisa both knew how to persevere through illness with strength and good humor, and I know that they are helping you with that from Heaven! I will have a glass of wine tonight and drink a toast to Charlie and to you both... Love always, Angel xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
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ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Charlie! I feel like I know him from your story. Your writings are like a book. So many awaken each day to see what is happening today on Jessica's Journey! Thank you for keeping us connected as your prayer family!
ReplyDeleteYou have a wonderful family and we are thankful to have you all in our lives.
XOXO Nancy & Joe
Sarah, I pray for Charlie and Danny every single night. I ask God to keep them safe in his arms in Heaven. Charlie was a loving, caring and vibrant man. You know, Danny was somewhat like him. Your mother and I miss them 24/7. Give my love to Jessica. P.S. I think your father's car was a Pontiac, twotone blue. I totally remember him the night he bought the car. It was a stick shift, you see, and he came up Suydam St. bucking the car all the way! Aunt El and I were laughing so hard. You have to picture him stopping and starting every 2 feet. Those were the days
ReplyDeleteGood morning Jessica and Sarah! I enjoyed your story about your brother, Charlie. Those of us that are lucky enough to have brothers that we are that close to are fortunate, indeed! Happy Birthday, Charlie!
ReplyDeleteNo words...he is truly missed, loved and thought about everyday. Lots of love Cousin Danny and Uncle Charlie!
ReplyDeleteAdrienne
No words...he is truly missed, loved and thought about everyday. Lots of love Cousin Danny and Uncle Charlie!
ReplyDeleteAdrienne