A Celebration of Life

My Mother has a farm in a valley nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This valley has remarkably been left untouched by the urban sprawl that surrounds it. I have fond memories of this valley, it's always been home, a place we would return to after all of our overseas travels.

I spent a portion of my childhood there. It's where I learned how to ride horses, my bike, play tennis and build forts in the woods. It's a mystical place where the aromas of spring envelop each hill, where the haze of summer give the mountains a mystical feel, the bold colors of fall feel as though you have entered a painting and the snow of winter blankets the mountains with a soft and quiet touch.

There have been a lot neighbors that have come and gone through the years but there have been a few that have made the valley their permanent home and a comforting and familiar place for me to return. As you enter the valley there is a little red house on the right where Ol' Mr. Dawson lives. You would see him every day working in his garden or simply sitting on his porch, his cane by his side. Mr. Dawson passed away several years ago and was replaced by his son who is now older in years and just like his Father works in his garden every summer and is seen sitting in his porch with his cane. As you make your way down the windy country road you will find a cemetary with headstones of the people that have given this valley it's history. Oh the stories I wish they could tell! Keep going and about a mile later you will come to my Mom's farm a gorgeous place that I wish everyone could visit. Further down you will come to a "T" interesection where three sisters live. Their family has lived in this house for many generations and are very dear to my heart. These are just a few that make this valley rich with wonderful memories and give it the uniqueness and charm that simply does not exist elsewhere.

Across the road from my Mother's, there is another farm where the family has lived for two generations now. It's a farm, fully equipped with grapevines, a pond and a tennis court and where I learned to play tennis. I have fond memories of Heirloom. Which brings me to the story of Charlie.

Charlie is a fabulous musician. An eccentric man who is a truly gifted artist. He has such a love for life, his music, truly loves the people that have come in and out of his life over the years. I feel truly lucky to have had him as my neighbor as a child and a friend now that I am an adult.

I saw Charlie last August. I was visiting my Mother and decided I needed a Charlie fix. Charlie and I had a good chat and as usual the time flew. When I was getting ready to leave he handed me a couple of cd's of his music. I have thoroughly enjoyed and treasure these cds.

I'm sad to say that Charlie passed away last Thursday which leaves my heart heavy today. I never e-mailed him to tell him how much I enjoy his music. Truly my loss.

Today is his 53rd birthday. Happy birthday Charlie and to your twin brother Jim. To everyone who was more fortunate than I to be an everyday companion to Charlie, I'd like to say my thoughts and prayers are nowhere else but with you today.

Here's one of Charlie's songs for you to enjoy

I'll SeeYou Again

So many years are passing right before my eyes

So many roads I might have taken

But the rides been a good one living it day to day

Of all the good things

I'm glad you came my way

*************

Chorus

I trusted you and

you never let me down and

it's lovely

you turned my life around

I'll see you again

I know where I'm going and

I know where I've been

Today or tomorrow

Good times and sorrow

I'll see you again

**********

A river rushes through the canyon

slows into the wild

Almost still it seems so peaceful

But the power in the journey

Makes it deeper atthe end

Never thought I'd make it

I'm glad you've been my friend

Chorus