Charlie Schulz
My son, Charlie, was an inspiration to many during his 19 years on this earth.
When Charlie was in 5th grade, despite what we learned later was severe social anxiety, their strong sense of what was right led them to circulate petitions among their 5th grade schoolmates and write and present a statement (through anxious tears) to the school board, insisting they reinstate the theater program that they had taken out of the schools. Because of Charlie’s efforts, there are now still theater and arts programs back in the district's schools.
Charlie was transitioning from female to male prior to his suicide. He was brave, and a trailblazer to all who watched and supported him as he fought the anxiety, depression,and gender dysmorphia, and other illnesses, that plagued him. He went to counseling, took medications, and did extensive research to learn how to confront those demons.
Even while quietly fighting these battles, Charlie spread his love and compassion freely. He fostered over 30 sick and feral kittens from the local animal shelter, nursing them back to health until they could be adopted.
He arranged a walkout in his large high school protesting gun violence. When told by the principal the walkout was not supported by the administration and he might not be able to walk at graduation, Charlie took that risk and did it anyway.
Charlie created a bot on the discord chat for his high school robotics team. Every photo sent there was automatically marked "valid". One of the kids suggested a bot to respond "invalid" and Charlie responded "absolutely not. Nothing is invalid. Except bullying, invalidation and pineapple pizza." That was Charlie, validating everyone and every idea.. ❤
Thoughtful, brave and altruistic; Charlie inspired many of us during his time on this earth.
He will always be my hero.
Submitted by Anonymous
