24

Chuck (#24) making devastating
block during 1973 season.

For many of us 24 is just a number, a date, or a year, and for some it has great significance. While speaking with Mike I expressed to him how hard it was to come up with things to say that were new, that no one had read before, and he shared with me some knowledge, "Don't write unless you have something to say." With that being said, in honor of Chuck, who donned the number 24 on his high school football jersey, this will be my last 9/11 tribute post to him.  

It has been such an honor to remember him in writing for so long, and now I will forever carry his memory in my heart.  This blog will remain up as a remembrance to him, and I'll only write if I have something to say. I have shed many tears thinking, and talking, about this moment, but it means that it was a passion of mine. A passion that my husband knew about from day one, but I shuttered thinking about telling others.  I didn't want anyone to think I was weird! My husband has been my greatest support during this journey. He's watched tv while hearing the clinking of my keyboard keys and wondering what great novel I was writing, only to realize what day it was. He's watched as the wheels in my head turn to find the words to put on paper, or this screen.  He's cheered me on and supported my quest to learn more.  The real support behind this blog isn't myself, it's my husband, Chuck, Mike, our daughter and son. It's the people who believed in what I was doing and the real reason behind it. 

I was speaking with a friend, and I told her how important it was for people to remember that the lives lost are not just characters in a history book. She expressed that they are real people with families, hopes, and dreams, and they deserve to be remembered as such.  When you read the history books and see them talking about 9/11, I hope you remember Chuck, and all the others who were lost that day. 

*All photos of Chuck are used with permission.