Raising a glass to Uncle Charlie

 

Everyone needs an Uncle Charlie. My dad's only brother and my godfather, he was always the cool one. He lived in Miami and had a rockin' mustache. When the good times started to roll he had a Budweiser and cigarette in hand, and was about the most laid back, kindest person you'd ever meet. He had a beautiful Cuban wife named Lily who swept this New Yorker off his feet.

Although they never had kids of their own, they were always playful and patient with their gaggle of nieces and nephews and friends' kids. From the times they visited us on Southridge Drive in Clearwater to the times in college and my 20s when they welcomed me, friends, and various boyfriends to Miami, they were always generous in listening to our exploits and in playing along. They introduced me to real Cuban sandwiches, and most recently, to the intricacies of cafe con leche.

I will never forget the time I visited in college with a high school friend. She and I joined Uncle Charlie and Aunt Lily for tapas and sangria, which we drank in pitchers. We walked along the water, I, arm in Arm with Uncle Charlie, who was surely encouraging me to get in to some kinda trouble, probably of the cocktail variety.

When he and Aunt Lily visited Birmingham about two years ago to explore treatments for his  aggressive cancer (then in remission) we shared a bottle of wine at dinner. It was called "Dynamite." We both loved it for the name. It was our inside joke since then. I'd tell him to get better so we could again share a bottle of "Dynamite." When I visited him a week ago I asked if he was smuggling some of it into the hospital.

He never gave up hope, and his courage has left an imprint on the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Even the nurses at the hospital told me how much they cared about him, and how kind and patient he was with the medical students making rounds.

Today my thoughts are with my Aunt Lily, who loved him unconditionally and cared for him throughout their 30+ years of marriage. And with my Dad, who was the best brother you could ask for. And for everyone who loved him.

Although I'd known that this was a possibility I was devastated to get the call early this morning. But thankful for his life .

This is how I want to remember my Uncle Charlie: him laughing conspiratorially. Sharing a bottle  of Dynamite. Today I raise a glass to him, and to my Aunt Lily, who was him every step of the way. I know he has saddled up to the great bar in heaven, surely causing trouble. Cheers Uncle Charlie. 

Related Links:

Here is my dad's amazing blog post about his brother and and amazing sister in law Lily.

Comments

[Sara Jones`]

I will raise a glass to your uncle. I am so sorry for your loss.

[Wade]

Please share my condolences with your family.

An elegant tribute.

[emily.n]

I am so sorry to hear about your uncle. My thoughts are with you and your family. What an amazing man he must've been, and what a portrait you've painted with words.

[Debi Walsh]

That was a sweet tribute! Very fitting of our Uncle Charlie...I'm sure he's raising a glass right with you to thank you for remembering him in the ways he would want us to-- funny, good-hearted, a loving husband, brother and uncle, and someone who always relished the good times together. There are many memories he has left us with and most of them involved a good story and a warm and genuine smile/laugh all his own. We will not be making it down there for the service (as I am not allowed to take off since still in orientation) and Rhonda sadly just lost her dad last week and Keith had to take off an overextended amount of time as a result. As upsetting as it is not to be able to be there, we were fortunate in having Uncle Charlie and Aunt Lily up here at my parents for a month and really getting in some beautiful time with him in his last weeks that we will all treasure immensely.Please give Aunt Lily an extra hug from all of us..I know this will be so hard on her. He will truly be missed and loved always. You have paid him a special tribute --one that is most certainly how he would've wanted to be remembered-- with a smile and a glass to celebrate the life he lived and the hearts he touched.

[Parker]

This is beautiful, Erin.

[Dad]

Erin, I'm proud to be Uncle Charlie's brother. I'm proud that you, Megan and Ryan loved Uncle Charlie as much as you did, and for your continuing love for Aunt Lily. And I'm proud of you for being able to put your heart's emotions into words, as you have done here so eloquently. Love, Dad

[Erin]

Thanks everyone, we really appreciate everyone's good thoughts.

[Kerry Brennan]

Hi Erin - I'm so sorry for your loss. I know you will carry him in your heart forever. God bless you during this difficult time. We are thinking of you here in N.Y. Love, Kerry

[Beth Schneider]

Erin, I am so sorry to hear about your Uncle Charlie. I had an Uncle as well like yours and he too passed away some years ago. I will always have a special place in my heart for my Uncle George and I feel for you and your family. If there is anything we can do for you please let me know! Love, Beth

[Jim Garry]

Erin
I was just informed about your Uncle's passing. I worked with "Charlie" for many years at American Express Bank as I was based in NY and he was in Miami. He was always the best guy to work with and always was there to help me in any way. Being a New Yorker like myself, we had a bond that was always there. It was great to finally meet him back in the late 80's at our "Accounting Conferences" in Hawaii and San Diego and in his many visits to the NY office over the years. We always made time to have a meal and many a glass of wine or "several" Buds. We also met down in Miami after a Super Bowl and had a great lunch accompanied by many beers. He then took me and my friends to the airport in a very "interesting" car ride. He was a great man and friend who made sure ever day included fun and laughter. I was so sad to hear of his illness and not surprised that he fought till the end. While we had not spoken in several years, I will always remember him and be thankful to call him a friend. I send my condolences and sympathies to you and your family and may Charlie rest in much deserved peace.
Regards,
Jim Garry

[Stephanie]

You're right: Everyone needs an Uncle Charlie. What a beautiful post.

[alisa]

Jeff and I are going to hunt down a bottle of Dynamite and toast to Charlie, you, your dad, and your family. Miss you. Sending lots of love. xo. -A