Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Pitch hitting

Hey everyone, this is Chuck's daughter, Kate...you remember me from when Chuck was in the hospital at the beginning of the year.  We'll I'm pitch hitting again...making it up as I go along though.  No dictation at this time from Chuck./

I was chatting with BAMA who let me know you would all like to be updated on Chuck's progress.  He's had a major downturn. Here's what I think Chuck needs from all you friends now...prayers, thoughts, comments that let him know how much you've enjoyed your relationship with him, and that it is okay to let go, and go on to the next life experience, whatever that may be.  He is struggling and fighting, though his body is ready to lie down and be in bliss.  I will be happy to read them all to him, to encourage him relax and let go.

Sometimes without realizing it friends and family can hold on too tight to a person, and especially one who is so dedicated to all of us...we can hold them back from moving on.  It seems his friends here at the "old folks' home" have been planning a big Chuck fest for 4th of July, and so he's been conflicted in his mind I think.  Anyway, probably more than you needed to hear, or that he would want me to say.  I'm not sure.

Chuck's whole family knows how important all of you have been to him!!! Please hold us all in your thoughts and prayers for a peaceful transition.

Namaste, Kate

37 comments:

Anonymous said...

Chuck,
I've enjoyed reading and laughing or crying with you through the past several years. Thank you so much for 'listening' to me and giving me different perspectives on life. You are a true inspiration to me!!

Love,
Jackie

Anonymous said...

My dear Chuck, I spend many nights and days reading the entries I missed because I recently just found you when I highlighted you as a guest reader.  I never miss your alerts.  You have touched my heart in such a way that nobody has.  Because of you I am going to become a "Nursing Assistant" and work in nursing/retirement homes. I am going to be the happy girl that talks and speaks words of laughter and kindness.  And I will always carry YOU in my heart as I work.  I find you simply amazing and funny.  There comes a time when you just let go and if you feel it's your time to let go,,,well then get moving along and make some people laugh in the heavens above, but I'm sure you will have to leave your scooter here as I heard they allow no pollution in heaven, which I am thankful for.  
I'm giving you a GIANT Hug and little sweet kiss's
Luv
Angie

And Kate, thank you, thank you very much and please keep us updated, it means a lot to me. My personal email is PeytonsWater@aol.com

Anonymous said...

Dear Chuck,
As I have often told you...I have never in my life met a man as smart as you...you have taught me so many things in all the journal entries that you have written...made me THINK...made me laugh...made me realize what a day is like in "the old folks home" as you called it...you made me laugh about the lady who came to have breakfast at your table of friends...and about your card games. You taught me so many things about life and made me want to learn more at my age than I thought I could.........I may have never met you in person...but I believe I have met your innner soul through your words...and there is no other way to put it but that I love you Chuck...and I thank you for from the bottom of my heart for letting me in your journal to read and enjoy all that you write.
love,
carlene

Anonymous said...

Dear Chuck,

I have been checking every day for updates.  I think we all have been anticipating this time.  A few posts back you offered up your archives, and I spent some time going throught them.  Your humor, your sense of irony and your plain good old common sense rang true every time.  

Im not sure you know how many people you touched with this journal.  I was just one of the many lurkers, I am not confident in replying to journals, even now but its time I gave you your due.  Thank You.  Your door signs will be missed.  But not that stupid printer, I have the same model so I know of what you spoke.

When ever I see a silly sign on a door I have thought of you. Just think of all the smiles of remembrance that will happen for years to come, all from your wit and humor.  Thank You.   Tell Kate and all the rest of your wonderful family that they are in our thoughts and prayers.  I said the dreaded prayer word LOL.  You have often spoke of there only being the here and now, but we get to pray for you and your's anyway.  One last thing, thank you for serving our country.  Because of you we are here to enjoy it. Be at Peace.    Sue

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad I was able to know you through your journal. It has been such a pleasure and I'll always remember you. Maybe always is not the correct word since I'm not so young either. Hope you are as comfortable as possible. Paula

Anonymous said...

Hey, Chuck.  I've been lurking here and very occasionally commenting for several years.  You're one of the few journalers I kept even after I left AOL, because I loved your sly humor and astute observations.  

As an amateur scientist, you know energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.  Your body may decide to quit on you, but your energy will persist, and will carry with it the lessons you've learned in this life.

Good luck, Chuck, and may you have a glorious transformation.

~~Silk

Anonymous said...

Oh Chuck, I hope you are not in pain.... that would stink..... praying so it isn't so. I have always admired you Chuck and always will. I will always miss reading your interesting and knowledgeable journal and seeing your pictures.... especially those California roses/// Love you Chuck
Sandra

Anonymous said...

Hey Chuck,  Bethe here.  I just wanted you to know there are many of us that truly apprecitate all your quips and musings.  I even take a camera with me when I travel to get photos of silly door signs.  Funniest one I got was while traveling through Georgia.  My friend and I stopped at one of those Gas station/Convienient stores the day before the Georgia Democratic Primaries.  It said "No liquor sold tomorrow due to the ELECTION....Stock up today!!"  And thanks to you I have found many one buck treasures in the Dollar store.  

You know, I am a nurse and if it was me having a heart to heart with you I'd say relax and let others take care of you for a while.  You've taken care of us.  Think of the times on your boat on the water, your good 4 legged buddy, and the friends you've made through the years, including us on the internet.  And know that we are all with you no matter what.  I am sure you will be taken care of well.

Many hugs and kisses,  Bethe

Anonymous said...

Thank you, Kate, for giving us an update.... And, Chuck... you've always been able to bring a smile to my face with your postings, Thank YOU!

Anonymous said...

  Chuck, the world is a great and wonderful place. I've appreciated riding on it. More than that, once in a while, along the way, I've found joy and a hint or two that something good must result from all of this.

  Your embracing of each stage of life as it has been presented to you is inspiring. You've been knocked off your feet (literally) but you've never lost your sense of balance.

  I can't imagine how this "end game" you are now dealing with must be affecting you -- I'm sure you're finding it to be disproportionately full of negatives. But it's worth noting that you have continued -- and still continue -- to create a legacy.

  You have become a voice for many who struggle to find meaning and joy in the final phase of our worldly existence. Your courage and insistence on retaining your own identity in the face of the ultimate unbeatable foe inspires me -- and obviously many others.

  Know this, my friend. When some of the rest of us face the inevitable last chapters of our lives, we'll remember Chuck Ferris and we'll take comfort in knowing that it's possible to endure pain, indignity and inevitability with grace and style.

  I wish I had met you sooner, my friend. We had too few cups of coffee together, wrote and sang and created too little together.

  Not having known you when you were a younger man, I can't speak with authority. But I strongly suspect that although you've seen better days, you've never been a better man.

  Thanks for your very substantial Dribble. And good luck.

Anonymous said...

I sit here with tears in my eyes learning that you are not doing well.  You will rally Chuck, because you are good and funny  and have a passion for life.  You give me enjoyable moments here at my machine and I have laughed out loud at your stories.  I am waiting for your next entry cuz I know it will be a good one.       Marlene
     http://journals.aol.com/domsmom27/one-day-at-a-time

Anonymous said...

Hey chuck , Garnett109 here,wishing you well my friend .
Over the few short years I've known you chuck you my friend are a true hero my friend.
I've enjoyed your stories about your boats,plane, dogs, your music and your drawings.My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
God Bless you Chuck, my friend , I'll be thinking about you and your stories for a very long time.
Love Ya Buddy!

Anonymous said...

Hello Chuck,

I'm another of your faithful lurkers.  Your words and pictures have meant much to me and I wish I'd let you know more often how much I enjoyed your journal.  Your wisdom, joy and the personality you revealed to all of us have been a pleasure to know and an inspiration.  

I'm sending love and some mighty big hugs!  Lesa (palmypen)

Anonymous said...

Hi Chuck - I've been reading your journal for a while and have always enjoyed it. I learned about your journal a while back through Jackie (Bamawmn). Sorry to hear about the rough times. Hang in there, my friend.

Jimmy

Anonymous said...

May God, in all His mercy, take Chuck into His loving arms. And may you all be comforted by knowing Chuck was loved by many.
God bless,
Sugar

Anonymous said...

Hi There Chuck.. I am one of the many lurkers !! and I am only sorry I aint actually written in but I do know that you have so many mnay friends and they are all wishing you many blessings. Can I please be included. You have helped so many folks without sometimes realising it and now is the time to take your rewards..not that you ever did anything for reward...But it will surely come to you in due course.  God Bless Chuck...Take plenty rest..Be at peace/xxLove Sybil xx

Anonymous said...

Hi Chuck.  I wanted you to know that I am so glad I have gotten to know you.  It has been a pleasure.  You never wrote that coffee table book, so do not let anybody delete your journal, as we can use that for your book!  Perhaps Kate will put it into book form, because you are so interesting!  I want you to know you have done so much for so many people, from showing a good example, teaching others how to do wheelchair art, and teaching them the art of loving grits the right way (with butter and salt and pepper of course!).  Now from one of your soul mates, I am telling you it is okay to pass over if you want to.  Just cry out to Jesus and place yourself in His arms when you go.  It is your choice when you go.  God bless you Chuck and take care,

Krissy

Anonymous said...

Dear Chuck, How I have enjoyed reading all your humorous entries. I have been missing your updates. I pray that your time will be an easy time. The Bible says  come to me all that are burdened and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. I pray that you will find that rest with God my dear friend. Love and hugs to you. Helen

Anonymous said...

PS, Thanks Kate, for updating us on your dear Dad. I pray that you and he both along with the rest of his family will find peace and comfort in the days ahead. Helen

Anonymous said...

Hi Chuck,  Actually, my first time at your journal, but I wanted to say may God Bless and keep you in peace.  My prayers are with you, I'm even envious, I can only imagine what it will be like to be in His presence.

Joann

Anonymous said...

My dearest Chuck, I didn't get a chance to know you very well, I would read your entries from time to time. I'm so sorry to hear you have taken a turn for the worse. I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers on the smoke. I know you have a lot of people here who love you and respect you. You can let go dear friend it's ok that you can't hold the world up on your own. May you have a safe journey and find yourself no longer in pain. (Hugs)Indigo

Anonymous said...

I have been a reader of your journal from time to time Chuck and you have been a great asset to our community. Chuck, follow your heart, deep inside you know what you want and it is o.k. if you want to let go and fall asleep.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and with your family.  God bless you.

http://journals.aol.co.uk/jeanno43/JeannettesJottings/

Anonymous said...

Chuck -- Thanks for sharing your wonderful stories and lively observations all these years.  I remember when Jeff Comedy discovered you and was so awestruck that anybody in assisted living could use the internet. Or type, for that matter. I hope you can rally to lead the parade or at least wave a flag during Chuck Fest on the fourth. You've touched many lives and this much deserved tribute from your friends is certainly in order. But go easy on the potato salad this year.  

All the best --  

Mrs. L

Anonymous said...

Hi Chuck~
we don't know each other
but, I have tears...
I don't even know
if you're a christian
if not...
it's never too late
I'll say a prayer for you

Anonymous said...

Chuck, I followed your journal off and on over my years of journaling, but every entry I read from you I truly enjoyed; you have a way with words and you sound like a wonderful man! I know you have touched a lot of people in J-Land.

hugs to you and your family

betty

Anonymous said...

Well, if he is good to wait until Friday, then great, but gosh if he's not, perhaps they can hold it sooner, instead.

When is the right time, to go?  May Chuck know he's surrounded by love, may YOU know that, too, Kate, that you've both been special in this world, and that if his physical self needs to just let go, that his spirit will live on.  God be with him, and with you, and the rest of your family as well.

-- Robin

Anonymous said...

Kate can you keep us posted and let us know when he pass, thank you.

Anonymous said...

Chuck, I don't know you .....I was sent here over "Sugars" journal.
Kate's entry brought tears to my eyes.
I will keep you in my prayers and my thoughts. Of course I do wish you the best.
And wanted to share a little bit with you and Kate:
I've lost a loved one last February and the doctors told us that we did great by "letting him go" and especially by letting him know that it is OKAY to let go and to let him make the transition into another world. It is so hard to let go of a loved one, but it really sounds like you have wonderful people caring for you. My heart goes out to you Chuck and to your loved ones.
I wish you all the best that can happen to you. Big hugs, Maria

Anonymous said...

I have been a reader of your journal from time to time , you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!

Sharon

Anonymous said...

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((CHUCK))))))))))))))))))))He will be very missed.He ws a very nice man and I always loved reading His Journal.You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss. May God sustain you at this time.

Jody

Anonymous said...

Coming from Sugars site, my prayers are with you all--May God Bless you all and watch over you and keep you in His care. God  Bless..Carolina

Anonymous said...

 I just heard that Chuck has passed on, I am so very sorry--with heartfelt sympathy,Carolina

Anonymous said...

sugar sent me here.  Your family is in my prayers at this time.

Anonymous said...

So very saddened for your loss.We here in journal land lost a good friend.Know that he was a wonderful friend to us and is sorely missed.
As his artwork stated -He was a stand-out guy in the crowd.
connie
http://journals.aol.co.uk/specialadyfink/Anyway...../entries/2008/07/02/sleep-well-sweet-prince/1652

Anonymous said...

Kate.

I am so very sorry to have missed this alert before.
My heartfelt condolences go out to you and the family at the passing of Chuck.
I have not been reading his journal for very long, but he cerainly seemed such a lovable character.
Chuck........... RIP my friend you are now free from pain and suffering and ready to start all over again wherever that may be

Jayne

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