Before there was Charlie the Camper Van there was Charlie Ayer. Paul had the idea to name our 1978 VW Camper Van after Charlie and it was such a good idea I couldn’t believe I hadn’t thought of it before! Charlie has been the best Pen Pal I’ve ever had. We met when I was a Junior in Photography Class in high school (I was 16 at the time) and Charlie was a friend of my photo teacher who used to visit our classroom to hang out with us shutterbugs.
Charlie became my Pen Pal when I was volunteering at an orphanage in Cuenca, Ecuador the summer between my Junior and Senior years. I remember receiving his first letter so clearly. One day my host mother Natalia told me that I had a letter. She handed it to me but I didn’t recognize the return address.
Even after I opened it I didn’t know who the sender was. Enclosed in the envelope was a photograph of a young girl and the note said that the photographer had been inspired by my images of children. Even after I saw the signature I didn’t know who it was. Charlie? Who is Charlie? I thought. Then, it dawned on me. Charlie from Photo Lab! He had gone out of his way to find my summer address and to write me. We’ve been Pen Pals ever since.
For 15 years we have corresponded sending letters, poems, songs, photos, and cards back and forth. Charlie has been there for nearly every major event in my life since we met.
When I presented my undergraduate honors thesis exhibition and lecture at Brown University, Charlie was there.
When I hosted the first big fund-raising party for Starting Artists in New York City, Charlie was there.
When Paul and I got married last July in Martha’s Vineyard, Charlie was there.
Now, Charlie will be there in spirit as Paul and I embark upon our road trip adventure this spring and summer. No doubt when we’re abroad serving in the Peace Corps, Charlie will reclaim his title as Best Pen Pal Ever.
We love you Charlie!