Charlie, I always wanted to tell you that your nick was too durned long.

Anyway, Charlie hasn’t been around for some time. That’s because he switched churches and got pretty heavily involved along with his late wife Kimberly in that new church…

Then, due to bone pain Charlie saw his Doctor and found out he had advanced Prostate cancer. He’s undergone various treatments which have improved the quality of his life, but has learned recently that he doesn’t have a great deal of time left among us.

Then, his wife Kimberly passed away last Wednesday. They were married 25 years, and loved each other a good deal. They have two children, twenty one and twenty three.

Charlie just wanted me to let his friends know what’s been happening. I don’t think he has the energy to do that himself, and he’s a very kind, modest and private person of very deep faith. He was always pretty helpful to the folks here, as well.

I’m deeply sorry Charlie never got to visit Israel…he would have enjoyed it (as would Kimberly have) very much, because of his deep faith and his honest love of what Israel means to him.

Since you couldn’t get there Charlie, Israel will come to you. I’m sending you some earth from there, my friend. I’ll put it in two containers so you can share it with Kim. I know how you miss Kimberly, Charlie. I wish I could make that easier for you. Just realize that in time you’ll be together, in a far better and happier place again.