Cheers in Heaven...A Life Lived...Charlie Meng

I am currently sitting at a desk among notes and other things which are doing their best to tell me I should be doing something else, but I can't. It will wait. Tomorrow may have to wait, as well.

Just this last Sunday, I learned, from a childhood friend, that a very dear friend of hers, someone who I knew of, but not much about, nor spent much time with, had passed away.

This information came to me via Pam Spangler, a childhood neighbor and friend. Pam is a wonderful, beautiful and caring person. Although Pam and I and friends spent times together when we were younger, I can only call her a dear friend because she is, a dear and a friend. There is a theme here.

I only recently reconnected with her and met her husband a few years ago - my pleasure. She had privately told me of Charlie's passing and although I never spent any time with Charlie (I now know I would have never forgotten and perhaps cherished such.) I knew how much he meant to her and she asked me to come to his funeral service.

I wasn't apprehensive as I was well aware of Charlie and how many of my friends, particularly from high school, were friends of his or would have been involved with him. But still, I honestly didn't know Charlie.

I chose to go and I met Charlie, in his absence (not entirely), through the stories of friends (some, mine) and through the grace of God. During this service I met a person I wish I had truly known, but only could do so through those more close to him, aside me, and their reflections. I came to know Charlie, just never to embrace or interact with him. Well, perhaps, I did.

In a way it reminded me of attending a memorial service for a cousin of mine who I admired and adored. We rarely saw one another in our adult years and my expectations were based upon what I knew of him as a child - no idea. He built the church, performed charity constructions overseas, was a leader in the church and was quite a singer. My mother's sister never passed on these minor details. That church congregation was a family and it was enviable, which was probably okay with the Lord.

No one wants to go to a funeral, but that was the last one I attended until I went to the discovery (for me) service for Charlie Meng. He just began to live, in my eyes and thoughts, and I believe he will never stop doing so in the minds and hearts of all those who knew him.

I can't regret never truly knowing Charlie; yet, with all the people around me who did, I feel (wish) I should. 

I am a fairly open, loving, gregarious and inviting person, which came over time, and I am thankful. But, I believe Charlie was born with those qualities. Charlie was a dear and now a friend. I hope he'll give met that. He will.

Having just met Charlie it may take a long time to forget him. For those of you who couldn't attend the service, the pastor pulled it all together toward the end, and along with the song played, Tears In Heaven, I hope, if I make it, I'll walk through the gates, see Charlie on the mound and he and I will get some Cheers in Heaven. Of course, I'll probably have a tennis racket in-hand.

I texted a friend after the service: Wonderful Service.

Her: I'm glad you enjoyed it...I can't believe I said that.

Me: No foul. It was a celebration.

The last line of the poem: And remember only my best. That's the only way I remember my deceased brother - I've never had to remember otherwise.

Charlie: Glad I met you today. Rest in Peace, Glory and Grace. 

Charlie, by the way. You won't be missed. You're still here. I witnessed that today.