ONE YEAR WITHOUT YOU

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES

September 30, 2011 my friend Charlie's world was turned upside down.

It is the day that his wife Gia went into labor as they for the previous nine months anxiously awaited the birth of their third son.

Gia was a dulla and was preparing for a home birth which should have been a very exciting time for them. They were thrilled to be introducing a new son to their ever growing family.

During the delivery something went horribly wrong and their son was lost. Due to the complications and the loss of their son there was a very strong possibility that he would also be losing his wife. Unfortunately for my friend that is exactly what happened. VERY TRAGIC.

As new spread cross country everyone was in shock and total disbelief.

Every ones reaction was "What are you talking about women in 2011 do not die during childbirth."

We were all stunned and heartbroken for Charlie who was now mourning the loss of his son Samson and his wife Gia and left to be the sole caregiver for their twin boys Charlie and Nate who were just babies not even three years old.

Everyone was wondering how is Charlie going to do this.

I have been in pretty regular contact with Charlie over the course of this extremely difficult year.
I was able to go and visit he and the boys shortly after he losing part of his family to try and give his some help in whatever small way possible for a few days.

Than in July I was very happy to host he and the boys here at the beach for a couple of days.

What I have witnessed from my friend is compassion,love and patience all to the highest degree.

I have known Charlie for over ten years and always found him to be an amazing inspirational guy.

The strength he has is AMAZING.

I wish you continued STRENGTH,LIGHT & LOVE as you move forward and create a new normal for Charlie, Nate and yourself.

I know this has been probably the worst year of your life but know that you are and have done an amazing job.

GIA would be so PROUD of the AMAZING job you are doing with the boys.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND CONTINUE TO GUIDE YOU MY FRIEND AS YOU AND THE BOYS CONTINUE ON YOUR JOURNEY.

Thank you for teaching me what it means to have courage and strength.

I went out today to the spot that I went to last year when you told me about the tremendous loss you had just suffered. This is what the spot looked like.

I have a a tremendous amount of RESPECT for you my friend.

LOVE YOU MY FRIEND.