Charles Henry Coleman II, turned 3 months old today. This is also the birthday of my (Brandon) father who passed away on September 4, 2001. He has been gone for over 8 years, which was 24 years longer than was expected. Shortly after my brother and I were born, my father was told that he had developed a rare form of cancer for his age or any age and that the survival rate was very low. I think often, not necessarily about the sadness of missing him (although that feeling will always be present) but rather about how different my life would have been if he wouldn't have fought and survived...what it would have been like without being raised by the greatest man I ever knew and will ever know. I never talk about him, with anyone really. As I just wrote that, I am not sure why. This year I didn't realize that I forgot about the anniversary of his passing until the day after...and I think he would have wanted it that way. He would have wanted us to remember all of the good years, which is what he told us when we sat by his side a month before he passed away. He told us that he was so blessed for the "extra" years he gained.
I started this post above yesterday and still can't think of what to say. I read father's day cards that I wrote, a paper from 5th grade on who I most admire, letters to him when I was away at 8th grade camp, and some poem I wrote him with what appears to be a calligraphy pen and flower decals (is it possible that I am gay?...not that there is anything wrong with that). Although it was good reflection and tears, it did not lead to any inspiration in what to write. Or it did and I still choose to keep those feelings to myself.
So, I will keep it short. I can see my father already in Charlie. He is the perfect completion to the family. Charlie, you have a big name to live up to and I can't wait to tell you all about him. Love you dad.
Brandon
9 comments:
Sweet dedication to your father Brandon. I'm sure little Charlie will fill those shoes easily.
I, too, lost my father to cancer, bladder cancer. He's been gone for 6 years now and it's still hard to believe that I won't hear his voice ever again. He battled the cancer for 17+ years and like you, I occasionally wonder at how much different my life would have been if he hadn't fought so long. I was always daddy's little girl, and he was my best friend in the world so I can't imagine what my life would have been like without him in it.
Your Dad was on a lot of minds yesterday. And you are right....he was a special man. His love for your mom and his boys got him through that first bout of cancer.
You boys have given to him the greatest testament you could. Who he was lives on in you and you've all done him proud.
Love,
Barb
Still a nice couple of memories to share. I'm sure he'd be proud of who you've become and how strong you've been over the past couple of years especially.
Beautiful...
...danielle
You never need to say much Brandon because you say so much from the heart while saying so little in words. Thank you for sharing those thoughts. While working with you it often radiated in a way, the great love for your Dad. And so for many we think of Charlie your father, Charlie your son, and you. Not to forget Debbie and Elaine, the links. You brought quite a tear to my eye.
Thank you for the brief memorial shared.
CB
Brandon -
Absolutely well written and touched my heart deeply.
Charlie, both your dad and your son, are special individuals brought into this world. I remember your dad as a loving devoted father who did everything for his family and friends. He was and still is loved by many. Charlie, your son, is precious... and a VERY GOOD baby. You're right, he is the absolute perfect completion to your family. And someday, when you sit down with him, he will enjoy listening to stories about the wonderful man he was named after! Love you all - Erin
Hi Brandon! Brought a tear to my eye too!! I loved my uncle Charlie & have such fond, fun memories of him! You & Jason were blessed to have such an awesome involved dad :) He could always make me smile. He was so good at games - I especially remember Trivial Pursuit & Scrabble. He taught me a magic card trick. He wrote a hillarious poem in my autograph book when I was like 9 or 10 that I remember to this day!! And Matt, well, he just loved him & got a kick out of his sense of humor ((especially on the golf course!)) Anyway, I'm sure I'm saying everything you already know! I can't wait to meet little Charlie & see you all again:) Love ya, Laura
When is Sophie's birtday?
Brandon...Thanks so much for writing about YOUR "Charlie"....
My Daddy passed away in Dec. 2007 after 8 years of a form of ALS...Colby's first name was chosen for him..."Charles"...HE always called Colby "his hero"...
I was and still am a "Daddy's Girl" and will be forever...I pray it gets a little easier over the years to be without him....
From your blogs and what I have read about you, your daddy raised a wonderful young man....I am sure he is proud....
Cyndi
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