Charlie knew as soon as he saw his father’s body slumped in the azaleas that he was dead. That was the moment when his childhood ended. As the oldest, he had to assume responsibility for the house and for looking after his mother and five sisters. He had to go out and get whatever job he could, and say goodbye to the carefree days of his youth. While his friends continued to run around and play and be kids, Charlie moved on to another phase of his life.

He was only 48 years old.