My Dear Friends and Family,
It has been 10 years since Charlie passed. I returned to school, got my license to practice Occupational Therapy and work at Ben Taub Hospital on the locked inpatient psychiatric unit. Except that my patients at Ben Taub Mental Health Services can sometimes resemble those late night drunks in clubs, my life has changed dramatically... For one, I am now falling asleep about the time I used to go to work...
There is still the ebb and flow of grief and loss. It has become a part of who I am now. Charlie's gift to me was showing me I have strength, courage, composure, and that I can help others who are suffering through my own experience.
You are probably curious why I have none of Charlie's recordings or performances posted as videos or music streams. Ten years ago, nothing was digital! I am in the process of selecting a few pieces from cassettes or VHS tapes to have converted and will post them here as time and finances permit.
I ask each of you, please, if you have any stories or memories, please post them! Email photos or send me copies to scan and post. There is a comment section at the end of each chapter of this blog. As Jon Pulling said at Charlie's celebration, through our memories Charlie has eternal life. Peace to all of you.
My warm love to all,
Sally Harris
fka Sally Tilson
Houston Texas
October 19, 2008
It has been 10 years since Charlie passed. I returned to school, got my license to practice Occupational Therapy and work at Ben Taub Hospital on the locked inpatient psychiatric unit. Except that my patients at Ben Taub Mental Health Services can sometimes resemble those late night drunks in clubs, my life has changed dramatically... For one, I am now falling asleep about the time I used to go to work...
There is still the ebb and flow of grief and loss. It has become a part of who I am now. Charlie's gift to me was showing me I have strength, courage, composure, and that I can help others who are suffering through my own experience.
You are probably curious why I have none of Charlie's recordings or performances posted as videos or music streams. Ten years ago, nothing was digital! I am in the process of selecting a few pieces from cassettes or VHS tapes to have converted and will post them here as time and finances permit.
I ask each of you, please, if you have any stories or memories, please post them! Email photos or send me copies to scan and post. There is a comment section at the end of each chapter of this blog. As Jon Pulling said at Charlie's celebration, through our memories Charlie has eternal life. Peace to all of you.
My warm love to all,
Sally Harris
fka Sally Tilson
Houston Texas
October 19, 2008
5 comments:
Sally! How wonderful of you to create this blog!
Charlie was one of a kind.
a marvelous musician, and a beautiful human being...never to be forgotten!
Harry Sheppard
Wow. I have just met a remarkable man before breakfast in my pajamas. What an awesome tribute. Sally, you were truly blessed and still are.
Lane
I checked our Email today for the first time in 2 or 3 weeks and found your tribute to Charlie
in our inbox.
It was terribly moving and I must confess brought me to tears. You two were so
blessed to have found each other. I could tell from the photos and the thoughtful words that
accompanied them that you two truly were two souls merged as one.
I am so sorry that you were
not able to have had more time with one another. Although the quality of your togetherness
I hope made up for the longevity. I know you will always cherish the time that you shared.
Hello Sally, my name is John Watras. In 1968 I was living on Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, where I met Charlie. He & I became very close friends for the one year that I lived there. In all these years since, he was never far from my thoughts, and always in my heart. After moving back to N.J., I recieved one letter from him in 1972, which I will share with you when I find it. I will post other rememberences soon. You can contact me on Facebook, if you wish.
John
Hello Sally,
I was sitting here tonight, watching a Billy Joel concert special on PBS. When he launched into "Piano Man" at the end of his set, I couldn't help but think of Charlie. A quick internet search brought me to your blog.
Now that I've managed to stop crying after reading what you and Charlie went through together, I just wanted to drop you a line and thank you. Charlie was an amazing musician & entertainer, truly gifted. I have so many fond memories of spending time with you all and Joe. How sad that these talented men left our world too early!
I think my favorite memory of Charlie, you and Joe is when Ben was a baby; I was having a hard time getting Ben to go to sleep in Joe's music room upstairs. The three of you gathered around the white piano in his room and sang "Sweet Baby James" in such beautiful harmony. While Ben was too young to really remember this, I know I'll never forget it.
I still have pictures of Charlie T and the 3rd Degree, and baby Ben in front of Joe's drum kit. About four years ago, of his own accord, Ben took up the drums too. The only memento he has besides a few photos is a pair of Joe's signature drumsticks. I know his love of music must surely have been influenced by his exposure to so many talented musicians in his early childhood.
I hope you're well and that time has dimmed some of the pain you suffered with Charlie's illness. Thank you for providing this forum. Blessings to you and may you have peace!
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