Dear Chuck

I’ve thought about writing this letter many times over the years. I just want to thank you for being in my life and my family’s life. You and Janet were my example for how to have a strong marriage. You showed me how to raise my kids with love and discipline, and making family time a priority in life.

I have all the vacations, weekend trips, holiday celebrations in my memories. I also have just day to day life examples when I spent time with you in Terrace Park etched in my memory. I saw a husband and wife that greeted each other with hugs and kisses. I never heard harsh words ever come from either of your mouths. Now, I’m not saying I didn’t get a talking to now and again by you and Janet, but when it was given to me, I knew it was because you cared.

I have a childhood memory of you buying me an album that I hinted at for my birthday. I remember a beautiful big sugar Easter egg that was decorated so beautifully that you and Janet gave me for Easter. You and Janet listened and made time for those kind of things for Tracey and I.

I’ve told Hal many many times that I am the person I am today because of you and Janet. I have beautiful childhood memories and adult memories too because you and Janet made them happen! I want to thank you for all the Gulf Shore vacations you gave us! My family always remember those trips with smiles, laughter, and sweet stories. We always laugh at your Aunts friend that joined us for one vacation that asked us to guess what was in her crotch?!? We all looked at each other like what does she want us to say?? She then replied “SAND!” I remember being stuck in a trailer with the Moody’s at the Moody Motel!!! Mrs. Moody and her friends were drunk and Janet and Deborah deserted me and I was stuck there on a couch that I had sunk into! I remember a time when-we were all eating out in Gulf Shores and you tried to take a bite of Elizabeth’s chocolate cake when she was a toddler, and she slapped your hand and said “no touch Chuck!” My family still uses that phrase whenever we don’t want something touched!!!

I have lots and lots of these memories! Once again because of you!!!

I love you! I’ll miss you more than you know. Thank you for being an example of a dad that I could look up to. Had I not had you in my life I’d might not have had the skills to stay in a marriage, raise beautiful kids and grandkids, work hard in a job I loved for 30 years, and always, always make family my priority! I know Janet and Greg will welcome you into heaven with open arms! You’ve lived a wonderful life here on earth!! Love you to the moon and back and I’ll see you other side some day.

Love, Joy