I’m a really lucky girl because even though I have had lots of struggles in my life to survive, I have been blessed with great friends from all walks of life.
Many years ago, when I lived in Key West I met a guy named Chuck.
A big loudmouth obnoxious baby huey knock off from Texas.
Over the years our circle of friends has grown into some weird paper mache family of riff-raff where we have had an abundance of laughter, seen friends come and go, pass away, babies born and some have gone to wars.
Chuck and I used to spend a good deal of time cutting up and talking smack but he also had a way to get me refocused when I went into a tirade by laughing in my face when I was hopping mad by saying to me “But are you dying?”
The answer was always “No” of course and I don’t think Chuck even saw the wisdom in what he was saying but it helped me take a step back and realize someone else always has it worse than me.
Chuck served our country on a number of occasions and also worked in the gulf region after the Hurricane relief efforts of Katrina and Rita to keep looters out.
He began writing us in emails of his experiences in the first days of Iraq. His firsthand accounts of what was really happening was a real eye opener. His words created images that embedded news correspondents had not captured.
Chuck’s colorful language kept us on the edge of our seats and knowing he was on the mission while he was writing us made us forgive his typo’s and other errors.
Like me, Chuck is a wise owl, a funny character but spell checker does not make a person any better quality.
We are grateful to God for sending Chuck back to us alive, although he now has a titanium thingamabob. (No not that!)
All of Chuck’s friends and his lovely new bride Dallis have encouraged him to share his story.
Chuck’s story is now available LETTERS FROM THE SANDBOX .
His story is but one in an ocean of men and women who have served our country so we can enjoy our simple pleasures and extravagances.
Warning: Chuck has a weird sense of humor, I Likey Likey… I hope you do to:
Peace Out!
