My sincere condolences to all the Beckers.
I have a great memory of Mr. Becker ("Chaaaaarles!") and here it is: A few years back, I went to the farm for dinner and Euchre. I hadn't played Euchre in YEARS (in my experience, people in California don't play cards as much as they do in Michigan) but Mr. Becker claimed me for his teammate and we were off and running. (Truth be told, I was a nervous wreck...Mr. Becker was quite serious about his Euchre.)
Anyway, at some point, I looked at my hand and thought I might actually be able to take it alone. I spoke up and said as much, which pretty much brought Mr. Becker's eyeballs out of his head... lol... he had no faith in me. But I had a really great hand, so I stood my ground. Mr. Becker got a little twinkle in his eye and said, "Okaaay... let's see what you've got." (That really made me nervous.)
Long story short, I took it, we got our four points, and Mr. Becker could NOT have been prouder. We hooted and hollered as if we'd just won the lottery. What a great night.
And speaking of the lottery... I'll tell you when I actually did win the lottery... 40 years ago this fall, my first day of high school, homeroom, when Craig sat behind me. Craig became, and has remained, my oldest/truest/dearest friend.
Craig, you made the decision to return to Michigan to help your family, culminating with these last few months in Goodells, helping your dad and Louise. In the story of your life, I truly believe your presence at your dad's side will be one of your (and his) most cherished memories.
I'm so deeply sorry for your family's loss, and I'm here for whatever you need. See you soon, buddy. I love you. XO
-Kimberly Brown