Never have I seen an effort equal in magnitude. In the end the cold did him in, and the decision was an easy one to make.
Months ago, Charlie and I had a quick discussion about why we do the things we do. Why do we choose hobbies that are aspirational in nature? Why do we pick big dreams that sometimes we dominate and sometime dominate us. Because in the end, we don't always want to win.
The answer to why we do it, why he jumped in cold water under cloudy skies at 9:30 this morning, is we want to see how far we can push the limit of human endurance. Charlie found it today. And he will go looking for it again.
And that's why he is my best friend. And I am lucky to know him. A true American Hero.
Just so you can breath deeply. Chuck is sitting next to me, laughing and doing fine. His temp is now above 95 again (it was under 92 two hours after we pulled him out).
