Goodbye Charlie...

By Guy L Austin

I am not one that is usually at a loss for words. But today is different. For today I have lost my best friend -- forever. So I ask in advance for your tolerance as I struggle through this as it is something that I need and want to do.
   I cannot seem to come to the realization that this is not just a bad dream or that everything will be better tomorrow. I cannot seem to accept the decision of God to take away someone that meant so much to so many so soon. I cannot seem to find a way to accept the finality of death.
   And while I know that we all must deal with these experiences, I cannot seem to find any comfort in knowing that I am not traveling a road less traveled.
   Eight years and several months ago, I met with Charles Robinson about a job. Unbeknownst to him, I was in a hell of a fix personally, out of work and pretty much low on options. To my surprise, he offered me a position with The Star. As I reflect now, he offered more than just a job -- he offered me an opportunity.
   With respect to work, there were many things that we agreed on and many that we did not. We would discuss, debate and wrangle with our positions for days and sometimes months. But our work relationship was always one that had a deeper understanding of who we were. We never crossed the line of disrespect. We never once had a hateful word towards each other. I think we both knew that work aside, we were friends first.
   Not only was I given the chance to be successful at work and have a career, I was also afforded the opportunity to be successful personally as well. Considering where I was then and where I am today, it is more than just a blessing or a coincidence that we crossed paths when we did. It was meant to happen.
   As time passed, we became good friends. We shared our personal successes, failures, hopes and dreams. We sought the advice of each other and valued the time we had to just sit and talk about tomorrow. We talked how we could do more for our families and how we longed for them to always be happy. We enjoyed similar things -- good food, playing golf and a jog on a sunny afternoon. During these times, we were at ease the most, laughed a lot and always felt better afterwards.
   This community has suffered a great loss. It is true that many many people have worked at The Star in one capacity or another. One can easily look at the other media organizations and see where so many have gotten their start. And they should be grateful to Charles Robinson for that. But for me, it is what all he has done in his own community that will be missed the most.
   You see, Charlie cared about people. He was a compassionate man, a thoughtful man and one who would lend a helping hand. From cheerleading camps, to athletics, to sponsorships, to the Boys and Girls Club, to health causes and everything in between you could count on him to chip in. And in just about all cases, his participation usually included his personal time as well, which is often a true measure of one's own personal commitment.
   Lastly and most important, Charlie was the ideal family man. As it should be, nothing came before his family. The value he placed on his family life is unmatched and no one can argue the deep love he felt for his wife, his children, his sister and their mother and father. His actions and behavior towards his family are a model that if more of us emulated this world would surely be a better place.
   So now Charlie is in a better place. I can only pray that his family can find comfort in that and in the fact that he was such a fine man for which they can be very proud.
   Charlie, I love you and I will miss you.

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