Blackie's Wake

UNCLE CHARLIE

It was just before Christmas 1988

The phone rang out it was quite late

Mama sat us down on the edge of the bed

To let us know that uncle Charlie was dead

As her words sank in ‘n tears filled my eyes

I looked out the window t’ward heavenly skies

The room filled with sorrow ‘n breath hard to take

I thought of Aunt Sheila ‘n my little heart ached

In Irish Wake style with stories ‘n laughs

Tea cups ‘n whiskey we drink from the flask

‘N we gather to celebrate a man well loved

Here’s to Uncle Charlie now resting above

At the end of the day family gathered at home

The women drank tea while kids played ‘n roamed

But the men eventually descended the stairs

To share a few drinks cigar smoke filled the air

Deciding to sneak down the old basement steps

I heard Grandpa’s voice above all the rest

We’ll miss you dear brother he said with a sigh

Then raised his glass with a tear in his eye

In Irish Wake style with stories ‘n laughs

Tea cups ‘n whiskey we drink from the flask

‘N we gather to celebrate a man well loved

Here’s to Uncle Charlie now resting above

In Irish Wake style with stories ‘n laughs

Tea cups ‘n whiskey we drink from the flask

‘N we gather to celebrate a man well loved

Here’s to Uncle Charlie now resting above

Here’s to you Charlie now resting above

INSPIRATION

The first time you face the loss of a family member as a child, it can feel overwhelming. I was fortunate enough as a young girl to have a family who showed me how to navigate that grief by celebrating a life well lived. Although our ancestry leans heavily Scottish, the spirit of an Irish wake was never lost on us.

So it was, at a young age, I learned that giving yourself permission to laugh, share stories, and celebrate someone so deeply loved is what got our family through the hardest times.

Anchored by the soulful sound of the bagpipes, a staple in both Scottish and Irish tradition, "Uncle Charlie" is a tribute to family bonds, the healing power of storytelling, and honoring a life well lived. You are missed, Uncle Charlie!

P.S. - The "poor fedda" says hello!

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