Some days settle into your soul like warm sunlight through an old windowpane. Saturday, July 19, 2025, was one of those days for Jim and me. A rare kind of day—quietly extraordinary.
Before I tell you what made it so special, let me say this: animals are undeniably part of the Becker family story, but they don’t show up in every single chapter. Just like our children or grandchildren—central to the story, but not in every scene. This story isn’t about pets. It’s about a visit that touched us in the most unexpected, human way.
Several weeks ago, I received a message from a name I hadn’t heard in decades—David, one of Jim’s students from the late 70’s when Jim taught French at Malcom Price Laboratory School/Northern University High School in Cedar Falls, Iowa. David had taken four years of French with Jim and joined us on two student trips to France as a junior and senior. He was one of those kids who, like Jim, fell in love with everything French.
His message to us was out of the blue and simple:
“If I find myself in Phoenix on a Saturday afternoon, would you and Jim be up for a short visit?” Forty-six years after our last catch-up, we said, “of course”.
He arrived around 1:30 pm and spent the afternoon with us. I assumed he had business in town and carved out a few hours to reconnect. But when I asked what brought him to Phoenix, his answer floored me:
“I came to see you—well, Jim.”
He wasn’t here by chance. He booked a flight, made the trip across the country, and spent the afternoon with us... just because he wanted to say thank you.
David’s parents had both passed away around the age Jim is now. That loss, I believe, gave David a sense of urgency. He didn’t want to wait for a funeral to tell Jim the impact he’d had on his life. He wanted to do it face-to-face—while there was still time.
And he did.
Dorothy G, Bea (David’s mom), and me at a class reunion, 2019
David now writes for The Gazette in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and about a year ago, he published a column titled “The Best Teacher I Ever Had.” In it, he writes fondly of many wonderful teachers at Price Lab but singles out Jim Becker as the one who changed his life. He described Jim’s teaching as “lifting the corner of the tent and giving me a peek into the rich tapestry of French language, culture, cuisine, history, art, and beyond.” That glimpse made David a lifelong Francophile. He may not have pursued French academically, but he pursued it with his heart—for decades. Speaking, traveling, eating, reading—all things French, all thanks to his high school teacher.
Jim and David enjoyed reminiscing about those two trips to France. Jim vividly remembered David and his friend Lee being so trustworthy that he allowed them to explore Paris on their own—a rare exception to his “groups of three” rule. He recalled finding them once under a bridge, interviewing a clochard (homeless man)—in fluent French, no less. They were exceptional young men; Jim was an exceptional teacher and they each left an impression on the other’s life. David shared funny classroom memories—what we lovingly call “Jimisms.” And he shared how much Jim shaped his life.
I recently wrote a blog about Gwen the Hen , and the impact of visiting and connecting with the elderly. In a beautiful twist, David’s visit felt like that same act of kindness. David got on a plane, flew across the country, and sat with an old teacher and his wife, simply to say, “You mattered.”
I think that matters more than almost anything.
Thank you, David. You didn’t just give Jim a compliment—you gave him a gift. A living tribute. One he’ll carry for the rest of his days.
(You can read David’s heartfelt column here)
Grateful for humans who take the time to reflect on life,
Mama Becker
-------
Warror Bites Special Offer
This week, we’re honoring those who selflessly serve with gratitude—both people and animals. From military working dogs to search and rescue teams, police K9s, and therapy dogs supporting veterans, we see you, and we thank you.
To give back, we launched the Warrior Program, in 2015—a nonprofit initiative created to support the brave dogs (and their devoted humans) who show up every day to do what’s right.
When you gift or purchase a bag of Warrior Bites in honor of a working dog, you’ll receive 15% off—click here to get started.
15% off Wednesday August 20th 2025 - Tuesday the 26th 2025 at midnight