RIP Karl F. Bowles ♥

THERESA

I just found out this morning that one of my childhood friends passed away from a heart attack on Sunday. I am really sad. He had such a kind heart. We met when we were about 3 years old. We lived in a small town called Castile. I have some random memories of Karl that I am going to share.

One day when I was about 3, (I know I had to be under the age of 4 because my dad died 20 days before I turned 4) my mom and dad dropped me off before work for his mom to babysit me. I remember his Mom told me I could pick out what cereal I wanted for breakfast. They had about 15 boxes (maybe less but to me at that age it looked like that many) I chose one and his mom kept telling me that I probably wouldn't like that kind. I kept insisting that was the one I wanted. She said if I didn't like it, I had to eat it. I assured her that was the one I wanted. She was right, I must have picked out something like shredded wheat with no sugar or something equally awful and I hated it. I thought his mom was the meanest lady alive because she wouldn't let me pick out another kind of cereal. Of course as I got older and Karl and I became really good friends. I found his parents to be two awesome parents. They were very nice.

Karl and I were each others first kiss. We were about 8 years old at the time. We used to go to each others house to play all the time. He was one of my best friends growing up. For his 8th or 9th birthday I was invited to the party. My mom and I went to a store called Ames to pick out his present. I chose a toy rifle that shot ping pong type balls. I was so excited to give it to him. When he opened it up, his sister pointed out that it was broken. I was devastated. I jumped up from the table and ran over to the sliding glass door where they had long curtains in front of it and hid behind the curtains and cried. Karl jumped up and ran over to where I was standing and put his arm around me and said, "Don't cry, it's ok, your mom can get me a new one." He was so sweet.

Karl had diabetes for as long as I can remember. I remember one day my mom and I were going to pick him up for a play date and he got into the car with a small bag of peanut M&M's. He said that his mom checked his blood sugar and it was low so he was allowed to eat the M&M's. For him that was a big deal and he selflessly shared his treasured treat with me without thinking twice.

When I was about 25, I went back to visit family and Karl was coming out of a convenience store as I was walking in. We passed each other in the parking lot and our eyes met. His eyes lit up like a Christmas tree as we both exclaimed each others names. He gave me a huge hug and we exchanged small talk and then went our separate ways.

I talked to him on the phone not too long ago. I wish I had said more to him about what an awesome friend he was to me when we were growing up. He was such a kind soul and had such a good heart. He was so sweet when other kids could be so mean. I was a chunky kid and he never picked on me, he could always be counted on to be there for me. I will always have sweet memories of him. We NEVER argued or exchanged unpleasant words. He will always have a small spot in my heart. I love you Karl. I will always be honored to have been able to call you my friend. ♥

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~THERESA~Can I get a hero shake with that, or are you all out?

Big Dan

That's a sweet story, T. RIP Karl.

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@DanHutter | Big Dan | DJ Talk

THERESA

When I am gone, release me; let me go

When I am gone, release me; let me go
I have so many things to see and do.

You must not tie yourself to me with tears
Be happy that we had so many years

I gave you love, you can only guess
how much you gave me in happiness.

I thank you for the love each have shown
but now it is time I traveled alone.

So grieve awhile for me if grieve you must,
then let your grief be comforted by trust.

It is only for a while that we must part
so bless those memories within your heart.

I will not be far away, for life goes on.
So if you need me, call and I will come.

Though you cannot see or touch me, I will be near
And if you listen with your heart, you will hear.
All of my love around you, soft and clear.
Then when you must come this way alone,
I will greet you with a smile and a welcome home.♥

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~THERESA~Can I get a hero shake with that, or are you all out?

Aishia

r.i.p karl

THERESA

Thanks everyone here on DNY and on FB. It has been a very sad day for me. ♥

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~THERESA~Can I get a hero shake with that, or are you all out?

Sulu

That's so sad, he must have been quite young for a heart attack. It's great that you can write these memories here Theresa. RIP Karl.

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Don't wait for the light to appear at the end of the tunnel ... stride down and light the thing yourself!

THERESA

Well one of my friends that initially told me said heart attack. I just found his sister on FB and it looks like he had a lot of health issues going on. Either way, he was way too young. I'm not really crazy about this song but it's fitting. ♥ U Karl!

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~THERESA~Can I get a hero shake with that, or are you all out?

thefivepoints

sorry to hear that, I am sure he is in a better place. As we get older we lose these friends its just imporitant to remember the good times that you shared

phoebe1966

thats a very sad tale Theresa, but you do have the memories and they can never be erased

THERESA

This song is so much better. It contains all the lyrics. It's really awesome.

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~THERESA~Can I get a hero shake with that, or are you all out?