Happy Birthday Big Bro!

Once In a Very Blue Moon

Today is the seventh anniversary of my big brother Charlie's passing. A day doesn't go by that we don't think of him, and wonder what it would be like. I can say "Charlie" now. Mom and Dad have been working with me on it. And I say brother, but of course, I don't fully understand. If you have a moment, take a look back on the details of this day seven years ago, and then read the lyrics of the song below. This song was sung to him a few days before he left us, and it is even more true today.

Once In A Very Blue Moon

Words & Music By Patrick Alger & Gene Levine Michael H. Goldsen INC. Bait and Beer Music (ASCAP)

I found your letter in my mailbox today. You were just checkin' if I was okay. And if I miss you, well, you know what they say ...
Just once ... in a very blue moon, just once ... in a very blue moon, just once ... in a very blue moon and I feel one comin' on soon
No need to tell me, you'd like to be friends and help me get back on my feet again. If I miss you at all ... it's just now and then
Just once ... in a very blue moon, just once ... in a very blue moon, just once ... in a very blue moon and I feel one comin' on soon
There's a blue moon shinin'when I am reminded of all we've been through. Such a blue moon ... shinin'. Does it ever shine down on you? You act as if it never hurt you at all. Like I'm the only one who's gettin' up from a fall. Don't you remember? Can't you recall?
Just once ... in a very blue moon, just once ... in a very blue moon, just once ... in a very blue moon and I feel one comin' on soon ... just once ... in a very ... blue moon

HAJ

Happy Birthday To My Brother

Today would be Charlie's 7th birthday. I can't believe he'd be seven. That means he'd be in first grade. He'd probably be in sports, only because Mom pushed him that way. I just know we'd be ripping this house appart together, and laughing and wrestling and causing all kinds of trouble. I bet he'd blame me for all the stuff he'd break. Isn't that what little brothers are for? I like to look at his pictures. When I see them I say, "Baby." Then Mom and Dad help me try to say Charlie. I'm getting better at it. I wear some of his clothes that he never grew into, that helps me feel like he has left me a few things. Just like real hand-me-downs. I wish I could show him my tent, and the great hill we could sled down in the backyard. I need him here to help me with my courage level. I've got a little chicken in me, and I know Charlie could help me be more brave, like he was. But I know he's watching over me, and I have my own personal guardian angel. Until we meet, big brother.

Love, Henry

PS - Happy Anniversary to Mama and Daddy!

Freedom

Today Mom, Dad, and I went to visit the hospital where I was born. Its also the hospital that my brother Charlie was born. We met with the social worker, Rachel. She's about as nice as they come. We delivered a bunch of baby blankets for the babies in the NICU, in memory of my brother. I think it was a nice thing to do. I know that my parents really appreciate the little walrus beanie baby, Paul, that they were given when Charlie was there. Its their most prized possession. So, now the mommies and daddies with have these little blankets for their babies.

Tonight uncle Derek and New Auntie are coming over to babysit! Mom and Dad need a night out. They haven't had on since April! I asked them where they're going, but they still don't know. They're paralyzed with freedom.

Cream of the crop,
HAJ

Workin' For the Weekend

Happy Friday everyone! I thought it would never get here. Tonight I get to hang out with my best pal Palmer. We're going to his house and probably out to dinner. The usual. We haven't done much today because we're waiting around for the delivery guy to drop off Mom's new book shelf. You don't even want to know. She's been digging out all her old books - yes she can read. And also bring out old picture frames and stuff to load up the shelf with. I will let you know how it goes. The part that's going to be "if-y"is that she has to put it together. Good luck Martha.

Here's the picture of the crab apple tree yesterday. And here's Charlie's tree too.

Whatever rings your bells,
HAJ

What If.....?

Six years ago on this day in May, it was Thursday too. But it was grey outside, and cool, and rainy. Mom and Dad got up, and checked on Charlie and something about him seemed off. So Mom and Dad decided not to go to work. Dad called Uncle Addison and told him that they're staying home today, not for any real reason, but just because they had a feeling. Within the next couple hours all of our friends left work too, and came over. To this day, we still don't know how they all decided to come over, but they all did. Charlie's nurse, Susan, came over too, and she confirmed every one's thoughts. It was time.

As the day went on, everyone tried to cram in everything they felt Charlie needed to do before he left us. Mom and Dad already taught him to fly a kite, eat Mom's world famous spaghetti, a sip of beer, he was in the snow and the rain too. On that day though, Molly quick read him The Little Prince. Frannie sat and played with him for as long as she could. Everyone passed him around, arm to arm, all day long. I don't think he was ever put down.

Around four o'clock the strangest thing happened. The clouds separated, the sun beamed like crazy, the birds chirped, and a little bee buzzed around the porch in Mom and Dad's backyard. The most spectacular part was when the crab apple tree went into full bloom with its bright pink blossoms. You've never seen anything so beautiful or anything that's smelled so sweet.

Charlie finally decided his work here with us was done around 5 o'clock. Mom told him it was OK for him to go, and that he didn't need to stay here with us anymore. He finally closed his eyes and his struggles were over.

What Charlie left behind, for only being here 2 months, is still unbelievable. We still here stories of lives he touched. People we don't even know. The lessons he taught us about living everyday, and counting your blessing, and taking life as it comes. Most importantly he taught us to have fun and stay positive. What are ya gonna do? Are you going to be mad? Are you gonna hate everybody? No way. Get out there, and have fun everyday, and be thankful for the things you do have and time you did get to spend.

Today is Thursday, May 10th, 2007. Today its bright and sunny and going to be 85 degrees. We're going to go visit my brother today, and then go drive by the old house at 5. Daddy checked it all out yesterday, and the crab apple tree is in full bloom.

Now go have some fun, for Char,
HAJ

Happy Birthday Big Bro

Today would have been my big brother, Charlie's 6th birthday! Wow. I wonder what it would be like to have him around. I'm sure he'd be a big help to Mom and Dad taking care of me. He'd be a great distraction and would keep me busy while Mom tries to get her cleaning done! HA! I'm sure he'd teach me all kinds of bad habits like making mud pies, and climbing dangerously high trees, and sledding down hills that would make Mom have a heart attack. I would love that! I also bet he'd be a great protector too. No one could mess with me cuz they'd have to go through Charlie! I don't know about you, but I wouldn't mess with him. He'd probably want to hold me, and read to me, and go grab diapers when Mom needed one. I'm sure he'd be such a good helper. I really wish I had a chance to meet him, but I know I will someday. Happy Birthday Big Bro! Mom and Dad miss you to pieces.

Love, Henry

PS - I want to send another shout out to my mom and dad - Happy 3rd Anniversary!

I Want To Share This Story

The most interesting thing happened to me this morning. When Daddy was dropping me off at Darlene's, she told Dad that there was a story that she'd been meaning to tell him:

A long time ago, there was another little boy that came to Darlene's Daycare when he was about 4 months old. The boy is in college now. But he looked exactly like me. Darlene kept going on and on about how much I remind her of this little boy, and how much I look like him. Then she told Daddy that his name was Charlie. And she mentioned that she accidentally calls me Charlie all the time. (of course I knew she was doing this, I just didn't quite know how to tell Daddy yet.) Well, Daddy was shocked of course! He told Darlene that I get called Charlie a lot at home too, and then he told her the story about my big brother.

I think that was a little sign from my bro to let me know he's watching and that everything is OK. I think it was a sign for Darlene too, to let her know everything is OK. She recently lost one of her grand sons. His name is Oliver. (He has a brother named Henry.) I think Charlie is showing him around, and introducing him to all the important people up there, and of course taking him fishing every now and then.

I really wanted to share that story with you because is means a lot to me and my mom and dad. And its another reminder of my big brother and how much he is missed.

HAJ