Five years ago today I lost a dear friend.  His name is Charles L. Gruner but I always called him Charlie.

Charlie and I met in 1982 when I made a move from the East coast to the Midwest. The company I worked for was headquartered there and I was given an opportunity which I couldn’t refuse.

I really can’t remember how I met Charlie and his wonderful wife. I think it might have been a gathering at a neighbor’s house. Charlie lived a couple of blocks over and so it must have been at one of the neighbors. All I know is we hit it off immediately. He is one of those guys who you immediately like. He had a laugh that could be heard across the room. So, if you didn’t know Charlie you knew of Charlie.

Our relationship became closer as we both went through periods of challenge.  I…