I had a loyal freind, he was a client, one of my first. His daughter called me to say that he had passed. She told me that he said to bring his papers by me and I would help her administer his estate. "He won't rip you off" was his direction to her.
I told her I was saddened to hear and that it was a few years since I had heard from her dad. The last time being when his wife passed and he came in to see me about some minor legal matter. I was amazed at his energy and his enthusiasm for life. He told me that the last few years had been tough as he had been caring for his wife who had Alzheimer's. His daughters would come frequently and help him, but he was tired , he said. He was tired physically as his wife would forget to sleep and he had to staqy up with her to protect her from herself , she would forget to eat, or do any other personal task. He was tired of not being known to her or being asked the same question 200 times per day, but his tieredness would not ever cause him to quit.
Even though he was tired he soldiered on until her death, and he did it without much complaint and with that big broad smile on his face. Tall and thin with ears that stuck out he always reminded me of Opie of Mayberry , a much older version of course. A guy with those quaint old manerisms of politeness and humor and a likeability that did not quit.
I was struck with the idea that this elderly man would undertake a sacred duty to his long loved wife and never lose sight of the promise "In sickness and in health....till death do us part"
But as I read his death ceertificate I was reminded of the story he told me a long time ago. The reminder came in the box that says: Was decedent ever a member of the armed forces ? Answer: Yes. From when to when ? 1942 to 1945. The story he told was of the seven month march begining in 1942 and running to 1943 before he got to take a shower. It was in Europe and he and his mates marched 7 months without a shower, because they were doing their duty.
At age 91, Charlie passes on. He is one of the last ones, of that there is no doubt. Men among men.
