Wednesday, December 29, 2004
I knew Charlie since the day he was born and it was obvious from the start that he was a special gift from heaven. Through countless childhood surgeries, Charlie never seemed to be discouraged. His perseverance and motivation was admirable and astonishing. Charlie was my student in Sunday School for many years - yet I'm not sure who taught whom the most. His love for God, his family, Carter's Chapel and all of its members was evident at even the youngest age. Charlie was always willing to lend a helping hand to all. He took delight in being around people and always had a joke or a smile to share. Recently, I was listening to Charlie talk in our Sunday School class (now as a peer and no longer his teacher) and sat in wonder as to how Charlie had become such a man. It was hard to believe how quickly the years had gone by and that he was no longer considered one of the youngsters in our congregation. Of course, while he was no longer a youngster chronologically - Charlie was always a youngster at heart! While I will miss him dearly, I know that he is at home with our gracious and loving Lord - and that is something Charlie would absolutely take delight in. At first, when you hear that someone has passed away on Christmas Day, we all say how terrible that is. But then, as I thought about it more, I wondered if that wouldn't be the grandest day of all to enter Heaven - the day of Jesus' birth! God blessed us with having Charlie in our lives for what seems such a short time and I am so thankful for that blessing. I can't help but imagine what a wonderful time Charlie is having now working side by side with the Master Carpenter. I'm certain they have much to talk about and I'm sure Charlie will be excited to share all of that with each of us when we see him again. That's just the kind of young man that he was and always will be! My prayers and thoughts are with Joyce, Kevin and all of the many loving family members - prayers that you may find comfort and strength from God, from each other and from all of your church "family".
