Born: July 14, 1928
Died: September 29, 1998
Charles was a major presence in my early life. I was, all too often, his punching bag.
One night when I was probably 5, Charles called from upstairs telling me that he had “ice cream” for me. I went running up the stairs to get my ice cream, only to be scared out of my wits when Charles jumped out from behind a door and yelled. I actually collapsed but did not faint, as I recall.
We would wrestle frequently and I would usually end up on the bottom, often getting the “tough-guy” beating (chest pounding). Charles was clever in knowing what he could get away with, letting up before I called for help. I didn’t question what he was doing - that was the way life was for a younger brother!
The tables finally turned when I reached about 15 and was taller and weighed more than Charles. From then on we were much better friends. I would never bully him - it never occurred to me.
One of our most memorable moments was a night Charles was showing off to me, stark naked and dancing on a small table in his room. He made a mis-step and fell of the table - a sight i still remember.
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