User:Andrewjames1369/sandbox

Charlie Hinkle was born April 24, 1999. Charlie enjoyed watching TV, swimming, sleeping, and eating. His favorite foods were prime rib and mashed potatoes. Charlie spent his days guarding the house while his parents, Jennifer and Andrew Hinkle, were working. He spent his nights lying on the couch cushion watching TV. He usually headed for the bedroom first to establish his place in bed. Jennifer and Andrew were at Charlie's mercy when it came to bed space. Most nights, Charlie would sleep sideways in the middle of the bed pushing Jennifer and Andrew to the edge.

Andrew drove home everyday at lunchtime to visit with Charlie and let him take a short walk outside. Charlie was usually waiting at the back door or staring at the front door in anticipation of Andrew's arrival.

In May 2014, Charlie was diagnosed with lung cancer. He remained happy and active until June 4, 2014 when he stopped eating. He would not even eat vanilla ice cream, one of his favorites. Andrew arrived home for lunch at noon on June 5, 2014. Charlie was lying on his bed asleep. Andrew gently woke him up and let him out the back door. Charlie walked around a few minutes then stopped. He stood rigid for a minute. Andrew sensed something was wrong so he walked over to Charlie and asked him if he was okay. Charlie did not respond. He just stood there in the grass.

Andrew picked Charlie up and carried him to the back door. In one final deep breath of air, Charlie died in Andrew's arms. Andrew knew immediately that Charlie was gone. He placed Charlie on his bed and covered him with a small blanket. Minutes later, Jennifer arrived and knew immediately something was wrong. Andrew told Jennifer that Charlie had passed in his arms a few minutes after noon.