Exciting time for all of us

My partners and I are now property owners in North Dakota. Recently we closed the deal on the ‘Ueckert Building’ in Beach, N.D. The building has three commercial units on the bottom floor and three apartments upstairs.

This is an exciting venture for all of us, but it is especially exciting for me and my son Val, who is one of the partners.

I recall that while I lived in Beach, I spent many hours visiting Al Ueckert in the front office of the building. Al was an ‘old timer’ in Beach, and I, as a fairly new journalist at the time loved to hear his stories of how things used to be. He was a good man, and I really appreciated his wisdom.

Also in the building was George’s Barber Shop. Like the scores of other little boys in Beach, my son had his first haircut in that barber chair.

When my husband became ill and had to start radiation treatments, we went to see George and it was he who shaved my husbands head to avoid the ravages of the treatments.

I remember that we made it a family affair. We all went with David and watched as George shaved his head. I also recall that the session ended with hugs, and that tears slipped from George’s eyes as we left the shop that day.

George has retired now, but he shop is still open. We, Val and I, are especially pleased that this building is our first purchase.

Memories, good or bad are a part of us all. While I an a firm believer in moving forward and continuing your life no matter what you face, I am still sentimental enough to know that you need to remember. Not dwell on, just remember.

While some memories are bitter sweet, they still have a place in our hearts.

Each day that we live, we are making new memories. We each have things to do and things to take care of each day. But, over the years I have learned that we need to do at least one thing each day to help someone, or to take the opportunity to learn something new.

If we can do this, we will continue to grow, to learn and to feel as if we are accomplishing something worthwhile.

Just a thought…..

Kathy Craigo can be contacted at kcraigo66@hotmail.com