My Friend Charli!! My Inspiration!!

She was the Second Life partner of my friend Jackie. She is my friend and has been for nearly 4 years. I loved our little talks and occasional dances. Our trips to the nudey beach to tan our pixels were always fun and funny. 

One day Jackie told me that Charli had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and had to take time away from Second Life. I completely understood this need for rest as I also suffer from CFS. Have for many years and am just over another fight with it.

Charli came back to Second Life just as we were starting our first Relay For Life of Second Life campaign.  Back when we were called Fey's Angels; an all girls team. Charli jumped right in and was with us every step of the way. She was a driving force on our team that year. Unfortunately it was her only year with the team. Soon after the campaign finished Charli took more time off for rest. We all assumed it was for the CFS.

Of course it was not CFS. She had been diagnosed with cancer. All that time keeping it to herself and helping us. Can you imagine how hard that had to be. Everyday hearing people talk about it. Attending every event. Standing fore front of the team and being a driving force. And all that time knowing what she knew.

Sorry; I cry when ever I think about her. I do not hear much from her anymore. An occasional email. Truthfully; I am not sure she is actually writing them anymore, They seem kind of formal.  Charli is in Hospice near the end. Funny, crying for someone that I have never actually met or touched or held. But all of us Second Lifers, and Relayers in particular, understand the feelings and friendships we make in SL.

I get kind of bitchy during Relay. I never seem to be able to do enough. I think all Relayers feel that way. When I had my first bout with CFS; my doctor would always tell me, "Lana put one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward. Not fast, just forward.".

That's my advice to my RFL team, SL Cure Chasers. "One foot In front of the other and keep moving forward." It is how I live my life.  It is how I see Charli living out the rest of hers.

Your loved Charlotte. At my side every time I attend an RFL event. Thank you for making me a better person.

Night

PS.....Baby I do understand!!!!!!