Monday, August 19, 2024
Charlie,
I'm addressing this to you as I hope (believe) you can somehow know what I'm writing and feeling about you.
During the past five years at Auburn Unitarian Universalist Society, you have been a constant spark and, on occasion, a real firecracker with your humor, candid expressions of your thoughts, and deeply caring nature. You demonstrated love, care, and dedication to your family and to our small congregation. I am deeply grateful for witnessing and experiencing those gifts. Your wide circle of friends is testament to the magnetism and presence you shared.
But what I think of most (besides your laugh and ready smile, of course) is your constant drive to learn. You were always reading something, thinking about something, ready to have a discussion about something. I remember the first sermon/message I saw you deliver on the "free and responsible search for truth and meaning". Your message stressed BOTH of those aspects--there is no laziness in this freedom of belief--it is grounded in a responsible search. You exhibited that every time I saw you or heard you talk in church.
Thank you for your heart, your warmth, and your laughter. But most of all, thank you for your thoughts and for sharing the fruits of your learning. I will truly miss not hearing more of those things from you.
