
Dear Charlie,
It’s Cali. I know I never had the privilege to meet you, but I feel I somehow knew you in the depths of my soul. I simply want to thank you for coming into my life. You see, I’m not sure why, but your passing has touched my heart in a way very few others have. I am the daughter of a Veteran of two wars, and although I’m grateful my Dad is still around, I know loss.
I’ve been reflecting a lot on my life the last few days and trying to understand why I was led here to Coronado after finding so much joy and happiness in Santa Monica. I feel partly it was because of you. Throughout my lifetime I’ve had the privilege of traveling around the globe and living in the most spectacular cities, yet I was never made to feel as welcomed as I have here on Coronado.
There’s something special about our community. It’s one that comes together not only to celebrate the joys of life, but also to cradle one another during times of loss. I was blessed to witness the most beautiful spectacle of this during your procession. I can only imagine you smiling over us and realizing what an impact your life had, not only on those closest to you, but on all of us.
Every time I read an article about you or see a photograph, tears stream down my face, as they are now as I write this. Wow, what a beautiful soul you are. It warms my heart to think that you are now surrounded by love. I’m sure my grandmother who was my best friend is looking after you. She passed in 2002 and was a feisty soul. I’m sure even my pup, Boomer is running around your feet in delight knowing he has a new friend to play with, and even my beautiful daughter who would have been five this August is beaming with delight at the beautiful angel who has arrived to look after her.
Thank you Charlie. Thank you for being simply a glimpse in my life and for giving of yourself so that we can endure the freedom we have. Take care and know you will never be forgotten.
Cali Gilbert, Coronado CA USA
It’s Cali. I know I never had the privilege to meet you, but I feel I somehow knew you in the depths of my soul. I simply want to thank you for coming into my life. You see, I’m not sure why, but your passing has touched my heart in a way very few others have. I am the daughter of a Veteran of two wars, and although I’m grateful my Dad is still around, I know loss.
I’ve been reflecting a lot on my life the last few days and trying to understand why I was led here to Coronado after finding so much joy and happiness in Santa Monica. I feel partly it was because of you. Throughout my lifetime I’ve had the privilege of traveling around the globe and living in the most spectacular cities, yet I was never made to feel as welcomed as I have here on Coronado.
There’s something special about our community. It’s one that comes together not only to celebrate the joys of life, but also to cradle one another during times of loss. I was blessed to witness the most beautiful spectacle of this during your procession. I can only imagine you smiling over us and realizing what an impact your life had, not only on those closest to you, but on all of us.
Every time I read an article about you or see a photograph, tears stream down my face, as they are now as I write this. Wow, what a beautiful soul you are. It warms my heart to think that you are now surrounded by love. I’m sure my grandmother who was my best friend is looking after you. She passed in 2002 and was a feisty soul. I’m sure even my pup, Boomer is running around your feet in delight knowing he has a new friend to play with, and even my beautiful daughter who would have been five this August is beaming with delight at the beautiful angel who has arrived to look after her.
Thank you Charlie. Thank you for being simply a glimpse in my life and for giving of yourself so that we can endure the freedom we have. Take care and know you will never be forgotten.
Cali Gilbert, Coronado CA USA