Poems, Memories and Well Wishes for Charlie

June 27, 2006 — -- The time has come to bid farewell to one of our favorite "Good Morning America" anchors, Charlie Gibson. He's done it all -- from playing in the snow with Diane Sawyer to reporting during the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

We asked you, the viewers, to write in and tell us about some of your favorite Charlie memories. We received an outpouring of replies -- thousands, in fact. Many were funny, some were sad, and some even rhymed. Take a look at a few of the best Charlie moments, according to you.

Sent in by Eleanor in Tucson, Ariz.:

Charlie, you're the natural choice,
To be "World News Tonight's" voice,
But GMA can never replace,
A man of your enormous grace.
We'll miss your wit, your charm, your style,
The void you leave will be a trial.

You were our rock, our guide, our reason,
Through joy and turmoil in every season.
My son was born as you began;
Three dogs have died, the husband ran :-).
But always Charlie, there on my screen,
To inform and delight, a housewife's dream.

Now rest assured, your fans will follow;
But in the a.m. there'll be a hollow,
Where once you joked and teased your co-hosts,
And rocked the new grandchild you love most.
From north to south, east to west,
Charlie, you are: 'Simply the Best!'"

Sent in by Susan in Stillwater, Okla.:

'Tis the wee hours of the morning, and all through my house
No one is stirring -- not even my spouse
The coffee is brewing in the pot with great care
In hopes that someone with a cup will soon be there.

My girls are all quiet and snug in their beds
With visions of their future dancing in their heads.
My husband rolls over and hits the alarm
I quietly get up -- it's time for Charlie Gibson's charm!

I rush toward the coffee and turn on the TV.
It's time for GMA, Charlie and me!
I settle down for two hours of bliss
I never have trouble getting up for this.

GMA begins with Charlie, Diane, Robin and the news
Their commitment is obvious even when I don't agree with their views.
And often to my wondering eyes does appear
Some personal comment by Charlie that makes him so dear.