Optimism is the belief that "good things will happen to you and that negative events are temporary setbacks to be overcome." When one combines optimism with integrity you have "a person who seeks out the best outcome in every situation, while being honest and forthright about the facts of situations as they exist." To optimism and integrity add kindness, loyalty, love of his fellow man and mix these qualities together with a large measure of whimsy and you have Charles Gill.
Charles has taken you on his "colon cancer journey" beginning in the spring of 2017 and ending today. His blog and subsequent book, Red Shirts and Rubber Duckies, Surviving Cancer with a Smile, is his gift to all with cancer and to their friends and relatives. It has brought smiles and comfort to many already.
Charles spent the first three of his last five weeks in hospitals where they think of millions of excuses to try to keep you alive. Every inch of your body is pushed, poked, prodded and jabbed to analyze your current state of health. Infusions of a staggering variety of multi-syllable and unpronounceable compounds follow their analysis to test their theory of the day. It is a unique form of torture. An exchange of pain for hope.
It was Charles' decision to exchange pain for peace. Two weeks ago he entered hospice care. At hospice, time moves both too slowly and too fast. Day and night meld into one. He tried to plan the end of his life during lucid periods whenever they might occur. In a phone call to The Research Manager at 4:18 AM he demanded she bring his death certificates immediately. After a long and awkward pause, he heard the reply, "Well that is hard to do, dear, because you are not dead yet."
During other lucid moments he offered the following comments for his last blog:
- People, particularly the medical staff, wish you "luck" when they go off duty. But you don't need luck. Best wishes and blessings are fine.
- It is difficult to tell time. Without football I would not know the day of the week.
- It is hard to express the value of jello, warm blankets, hugs, and apple juice.
- I am thankful for people giving me their time to help me.
- My faith has prepared me well. I am ready for whatever happens.
- If you cry at one's passing, crying is not sadness. It means JOY! In recollection of happy memories.
And finally, his last words:
One finds oneself writing in many situations. It is this situation that I find very unique. Because now I have nothing more to say.
Think carefully to determine the message. And share the message as much as you can.
I love you all.
Charlie
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The Incurable Optimist rests in peace.
May 5, 1949 - December 2, 2019
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Incurable, indeed.
Thank you for giving Charlie a reason to live. He cherished the opportunity to blog and to share his philosophy, humor and love of life with you.
Love,
The Research Manager
Peace to you Charlie. You are remembered lovingly and with the smiles that you gave to all.
ReplyDeleteLove and good memories to your family.
Charlie was a very special person. I am both grateful for his friendship to my mother, Mary Jo, and thankful for the insight his posts gave me personally. My he Rest In Peace and he certain has led a life well lived.
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this, TRM, and deep condolences to you. RIP, Charlie. You kept us enthralled with your medical challenges. You entertained us (and so many caregivers you met along the way) with your wit. Not a soul deserves more to be at peace, than you. —Muriel
ReplyDeleteCarole, thank you for these true and tender words for a very good man. I look forward to meeting you. Blessings, Chris
ReplyDeleteI met Charles quite recently, too an instant liking to him. He was such a good writer and encourager. Living in Kitchener, I may not get to meet TRM, who must be named Carole, but thank you for caring for my friend and writing such an appropriate ending to this blog. Condolences to you, of course. Jim McDowell
ReplyDeletetook an instant liking...
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