Soldeir Boy

Yes, it’s yet another birthday post. April is a great month for male birthdays in our family. As of today Chuck is the same age as I am. So, I thought I should do a little tribute to my soldier boy. (Did a certain song just start going through your head celiac?) I can’t tell you a whole lot about Chuck growing up as I wasn’t there, but I have heard a lot of stories about him and a pet chicken, killing a bachelor by a ditch with his grampa Berreth, and how as the oldest child in the family he was either treated more harshly, or given more favors, depending on which family member you ask. Pretty much like in any family I suppose. Apparently he was incredibly shy and as a teen he spent many weekends hiking with his cousin, Kevin who lived in the same town I grew up in. To my knowledge we never did meet though I’m sure we were in close proximity at some point.

I met Chuck through his parents. And because of his wonderful parents I went out with him, even though I didn’t really know him. I figured with parents that great he must have some redeeming qualities. Sure enough, he did and does.

Chuck loves to be in the great outdoors and I’m fairly certain I’ve mentioned his desire to live someplace where there are no people for at least 40 miles (or acres? I forget). He says he should have been a hermit, but in reality he‘s quite a personable guy and has a very kind heart. He is always on the go and a hard worker. He loves to tinker and putter and be doing “stuff”. He is thoughtful and demonstrates it in ways that show he listens and cares.

I think you can tell a lot about someone by the comments of coworkers and associates. I’ve had the opportunity to meet a LOT of people that Chuck has worked with both through work and with the guard and they have had nothing but good things to say about him. Now, you might be thinking, “well of course they’re going to tell you, his wife nice things”. But, here’s the deal, people will seek him out when we are places to speak to him, even when they don’t have to, or when it’s actually inconvenient. I think one of the things I admire most about Chuck is his willingness to see the good in others. He likes to tease and you can always tell when he is going to wax eloquent when he lowers his chin and starts to talk in his “professorial” voice. He can tell a big story with the best of them.

He is counting the years to retirement when he plans to take the conversion van and we’ll travel to Alaska and other parts unknown. In the meantime, he continues to spoil me and keep the sprinkler system and all the other mechanical things going here at the ole homestead.

Happy Birthday Charlie!

(don't you love the picture of him in his waders and sweats?!?)