Life for sure is not what it always seems to be> There are times that you think that this is as good as it gets and then there is a huge storm in your life and it seems as if the sun will never shine again. Today I have decided to start a new journey and discover what really lies in front of me. I have looked back for the last 2 years or so and kept thinking what if. I think the most astonishing thing that I discovered is that if one is to have a future that we and we alone are the ones that have to make it happen. There are no short cuts and for sure no detours that will change our destiny. We, I, alone shall be responsible for our, my, future and so I will begin that new journey today. Should I find someone to share it with is not as important at the moment as the fact that my new journey begins today!!!! Your welcome to ride along if you wish :)
hugs
always
chuckie ray
chuckie ray harrelson's Blog
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New Journey
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another angel
Recvd and email this evening from one of the daughters of a wonderful lady that I had the pleasure of entertaining over the last year or so. I am sure that I must be doing the right thing for whatever reason by spending the amount of time that I do with the seniors. Here's the email with names removed. Just needed to share this with you. I am for sure blessed to be able to do what I do.
Chuckie
My mother passed away on March 11th from complications of a heart attack. She thought the world of you. Your performances were the only activity that she would participate in. You provided more entertainment than she had experienced in her lifetime and I am very grateful. She had her rabbit that you gave her on her bed when she died and I now have it. Thank you very much for everything that you brought to my mother's life.
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a time to say goodbye
One of my dear friends that i have been entertaining over the last 5 years or so slipped into the night at the age of 96. It was such an honor to have shared her birthday with her and her children around the end of Jan because she was such a special special lady. I will never forget as long as I breathe the day we celebrated her 94th birthday. She and her daughter were in the room and for those that don't know I give out Teddy Bears and sing happy birthday each month in the facilities that I visit. Anyways when it came time to sing Happy Birthday to Miss Beulah I finished singing and gave her a bear. She look up and said with a huge smile you can have it back. I said but Miss Beulah its a Chuckie Bear and she then said don't care I don't want the Bear I want you. The crowd just roared. anyways for sure it will be difficult to perform this month cause she slipped into the night on the 8th of feb and I would like to share a email that I recvd from her daughter
Thank you again for the blessing you were to Mother. You, my brother and the cake and ice cream were her last "treats" and she was so responsive that day. She died peacefully ten days later on Sunday Feb 8. I played your CD along with some hymns while she lay failing. And she was lucid to the end. We were blessed over and over by the love expressed around her. Thank you again for the joy you brought. God Bless You!
Just reminds even more to try and make sure that I make every moment count and that I try even harder to make a difference wherever I go
hugs
chuckie ray -
Another time another place
It has for sure been a long time since I was here to leave a blog. Just been really busy and trying to get my world back on track. I think that without my music that I would become a total recluse :) and for sure it is my music that is the glue that holds me together. I spend quite a lot of my time entertaining and doing volunteer work in the nursing home and the assisted living homes. Many times when I think that I will slow the pace down either one of the residents or family members change my thought pattern. I will share a couple of letters that I have recv'd so you can understand what it is that I am really trying to say>
Dear Mr. Harrelson
My mother is a resident of the Community Care Center in Plant City. I recently went to visit my mother whom I hadn't seen since the beginning of her stay at the center (about 6 months). I visited her each day for about a week and each time she told me over and over and over again about your performances at the center. Her story includes the big highlight of when you came into the audience and gave her a kiss - I'm sure she was one of many that you made feel very special. She has a calendar on her bulletin board beside her bed and the only thing on it for September was your performance on the 12th, but unfortunately the show was postponed. Would it be possible for you to send a personalized autographed photo to her - her name is Helen. I didn't see any on your website for sale or I would have ordered it online. If it is possible, please let me know what the charge will be and I will send payment however you prefer. If it is not possible, I will understand. The photo would be sent to:
had to delete name because of privacy laws
Community Care Center
2202 W Oak Street
Plant City FL 33563
Thank you for your wonderful contribution to the elderly community of Plant City and beyond.
Dear Chuckie, Sorry this response is so long in coming. I had no way of listening to the recording while in the re-hab center so my daughter took it home and lent it to her son who is a music lover as well. She has just recently received it back from him and has forwaded it on to me. Most of it was familiar to me from hearing you sing at the re=hab Center but I never tire of hearing it. In fact, I usually fall asleep listening to it. Thank you so very much for your thoughtfulness in presenting me with the teddy bear with the heart on it's chest which I was able to in turn bless the distraught Vietnam vet. Until he was transfered into the alzeimers ward he was never without it. I am especially intrigued by the Russian Lady. I visited Moscow many years ago with Josh McDowell on a mission trip. We handed out bibles to people thirsty for the word. Another one of my favorites is Once a Day and full time angel. I thought my mother was pretty wonderful also. Please keep in touch, I love your work.
God Bless You!
Sincerely,Chuckie
Please don't thank me - you are the one that deserves a big thank you. In my book, you are a saint. My friend Deb and I thoroughly enjoyed your show and were amazed at how the residents love and respond to you. Even though my mother suffers from Alzheimer's, I'm sure she will always remember you coming to her room, hand delivering the signed photo and her "kiss". She was in shock and she's still talking about it. Your photo hangs beside her bed and your next performance is on her calendar. She wants to mail you a personal thank you but I don't see your mailing address on your website. Thanks so very, very much.
So now maybe you get a clear picture of what I am talking about. There is and can be no greater reward than when I am presented with emails like these. So have a wonderful thanksgiving and I for sure will spend mine doing what I so love to do, spending it with the edlerly.I'm thru
hugs chukie ray
would be a pleasure to meet you, we will ride some of the back roads in north covington,..county. Visit,, some places that both of us have ties. good luck..
Good luck on your journey Chuckie, keep the wind to your back........John..
Just as long as that "new journey" includes a stop at our place on the third Wednesday of every month! See you soon!..