Soul Inspiration: August 2012

Charlie

All I can say is this summer has been the best of times and the worst. I recently just got back from Alaska which was the most amazing and positive experience of my life to date. Until I got the call outside the Deathstar in Healy from Jonathan when he told me Charlie had past away. All I remember is screaming and not being able to breathe all at the same time. The hardest part was when Marie called me from Charlie's phone and his name came up on my screen "Charlie". Knowing that I would not be able to talk to him about everything, laugh with him, hear his corny jokes, get the daily theatre gossip, or just be in his company anymore is surreal.

So I changed my flight and hopped on a plane to head home early, there was no way I would miss his memorial for the world. I then helped Marie set up for the memorial. I went ahead and got a 20x30 picture of Charlie made up to go on the podium that the speakers were going to be speaking at for his memorial. I went and picked the picture up and just ran errands with Charlie for the next day an a half... I know it is silly but it made me feel a little better knowing that I had a piece of him with me. Even if it was just a blown up picture of his big head. hehe

It was nice spending time with Marie, she is such a strong woman, I can't even imagine. At Charlie's memorial it really brought our big theatre family together and it was so comforting and warm. We shared many laughs and stories about Charlie. I know he heard us as an angel I just wish he were there standing in the back of the theatre under the EXIT sign so we could have made it a roast. I know that he really would have enjoyed it and probably would have gotten on stage to talk about himself if he could.

The speeches were beautiful and all inspiring it was so touching to hear how many lives Charlie has touched and how many lives he and Marie have changed at the theatre. I couldn't stop crying because I miss my best friend and I still haven't come to the realization that he is gone. I had know for a couple weeks that I was going to be singing and speaking and since the moment Marie asked me I started praying to Charlie and God that I they would give me the strength to have the words and song to get through that tough day. I reached the podium and had to just stand their in silence for a moment that felt like years... I have been on that stage hundreds of times and never could I have imagined it would be under these horrible circumstance. It makes me so angry as I sit here and tears come to my eyes. How such a great and amazing,inspiring and truly great person could be robbed of so many years.

I finished my speech and song and the first thing I thought was Charlie would be so proud of me because I made it through in one piece. Charlie was my mentor,boss,fellow actor/Winkie, confidant, best friend but most of all my family. I am not taking his loss very well but I am continuing to pray everyday for the strength that he gave me on August 12th to cascade me everyday.

I recently signed up for my first Half Marathon. It is the Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon. It takes place November 10th and the run is raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society which is why I chose this particular race. I am running for Charlie. Most people did not know but Charlie was diagnosed with Leukemia last October, so this run is for him. I am raising money for the cause, so I would greatly appreciate it if people could donate, even if it is just five dollars.

All you have to do to donate is to click on RUN FOR CHARLIE <---- click :)

Scroll to the bottom and enter the donation amount and click enter.

Then make sure you enter all your information and your name so that you show up on the web page that you donated for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in my Run for Charlie.