Extra Credit

Charlie was a young 15 year old sophomore in high school that didn't have many troubles going on in his life. He had a great family, great friends, enjoyed high school, and was a very happy kid every day. One of Charlie's role models was his grandpa, who only lived two hours away in Davenport, Iowa. They would see each other often and loved talking about there favorite sports teams which were Notre Dame football and the Chicago Cubs. In early September during his sophomore year, Charlie got the bad news that his Grandpa had pancreatic cancer and was only expected to live a couple months and would be happy to make it to Christmas. Charlie was devastated by the news as he feared the day he would lose on of his role models. He would try and go visit him as much as he could, but it never felt like it was enough. He always felt he could have seen him more during this time period. Charlie's Grandpa lived much longer than the doctor's expected as he made it through Christmas and through Charlie's 16th birthday in April, and into the summer. In early July, Charlie and his mom and sister were driving out to Colorado and they made a stop to see his Grandpa. They only visited for a couple hours as it was time to hit the road. His Grandpa seemed to be in really good shape as he was able to walk around and communicate with everyone. 12 hours after Charlie and his family arrived in Durango, Colorado, Charlie's mom got a call from his dad saying his Grandpa had died. This devastated Charlie as he lost one of his best friends and truly wished he would have said more to his Grandpa a day before. Charlie told him he loved him, but he didn't know this would be the last time they would talk, so he didn't say everything he wish he did. He wish he would have told him all the fun memories he remembers about the kids, told him how much he meant to him and everyone else in the family, and that he is the nicest and most caring person he has ever met. Ironically, Charlie's Grandpa recorded tapes to send to all of his children and grandchildren a few months before telling them the influence he has had on their lives. Although Charlie lost his Grandpa and friend, he knows that it made him a stronger person. He realized to never hold back words from the people you love because it might be the last time you see them. He realized just how important family is and to always stay close to them. Charlie's Grandpa had a great influence throughout the 16 years they were together, and he will always have a positive influence forever to Charlie and many other people.