In Loving Memory of Charlie

I was both saddened and happy to hear of the death of Charlie Christakos at the very young age of 93.  It is always difficult to watch someone you love in pain.  As Socrates put it "Death may be the greatest of all human blessings."

I had known Charlie for such a short time but for me it was love at first sight.  I first met him at a rock concert in St. Louis where his grandson was playing the base guitar nearly a year ago.  He was wearing a well worn suit and a beat up fedora covered his balding head.  His smile was sunshine itself even though he had lost most of his teeth years ago.  For a man of 92 years he was exceptionally spire and he waltzed me around the room while his grandson beat out the rhythm of some loud hard rock music on his guitar.

When Charlie was given the diagnosis of liver cancer he was determined to live his final days as he had the rest of his life.  He immediately started planning his Big Greek Going Away Party.  The party was not to be at a big fancy hall but at his home on the lake.  Charlie basked in the warmth of love on the bright sunny July day with 150 friends and family who had come from all over the country to celebrate a life well lived.

Albert Einstein said "Our death is not an end if we can live on in our children and the younger generation.  For they are us, our bodies are only wilted leaves on the tree of life."  Here's to a life well lived!