As Morgan’s senior year moved toward graduation, I asked family to send memories, thoughts and photos for a keepsake. The replies preserve pieces of his story that I don’t want to lose.
Grandma Sharon
Dear Morgan,
I didn’t know you when you were a little kid but I hope we’ve been making up for that the last few years. One of my greatest prizes have been my grandkids. I love being their grandmother. So when I came into your grandfather’s life, I felt like the luckiest person in the world because that meant you all came into my life!
I felt very privileged to be your grandmother when you received your Eagle Scout. Especially when you put the pin on my dress. I loved it that you wanted to learn to knit! I couldn’t get a couple of granddaughters to learn!
I am so excited to be at your graduation with Grandpa Dave and your parents and Mike and Pat. I know your accomplishments are many with your studies, your musical talents, your various sports, and being a full time Scout. You already have so much to pass along to others. Whatever you do or wherever you go, don’t forget us little people! We are so proud of you. Love you so much.
Grandma Sharon
Aunt Karen and Uncle Mike
From the first time Morgan came to our house, after learning to walk, this adorable little 10-month old bundle of energy ran around the house with complete, giggling, joyful abandon. He was lightning fast! I was scared that he would get past his Mom, Dad, Grandma Pat, Grandpa Mike, and Uncle Mike and go flying off the top step of the open staircase leading to the basement. I feared that even the baby gate we had installed for his cousin, Mike, couldn’t stop him. Fortunately, the gate and all the corralling adults prevailed and fearless baby Morgan stayed safe and happy.
As Morgan grew and entered elementary school, we learned that he was becoming a wrestler. His cousin, Mike, wrestled all four years at St. Louis University High School, so we were anxious to see him in action. Again, Morgan’s speed and fearless enthusiasm for the sport was amazing to watch. He smiled through the whole match and had fun, whether he won or not. His attitude was a shining example of good sportsmanship and love of the discipline.
When Mike Jr. and Leah blessed us with our granddaughters, Olivia and Annabelle, it was such a pleasure to watch Morgan and his big brother, Tyler, follow in their Dad’s footsteps as they played with their little cousins. When Matt’s cousins Mike Jr., Krista, and Tracy were little children, their older cousin always took the time to play with them and teach them how to build cool things with Duplo Blocks or to use their toddler toys in fun new ways. It was beautiful to see that this kindness and willingness to include younger cousins in play passed down to Morgan and Tyler. During a holiday party at our house, Morgan’s creativity turned a pink medieval-style round princess tent into a rocket ship, as he flipped it on its side and used the window flap as the hatch. Five. Four, Three, Two, One — Blast Off!!! The little girls ran upstairs to get me to come see the launch.
Since Mike and Leah moved to Ohio, a few years ago, Olivia and Annabelle always ask if they are going to see their cousins, Tyler and Morgan every time they visit Grandma and Grandpa’s house. They truly miss them, and have lifetime memories to cherish of fun times spent with their “Big Boy cousins”.
We were all so proud and happy to celebrate Morgan’s Eagle Scout Honor Ceremony. Morgan and his big brother, Tyler, both achieved this high honor with the love, and support of their parents. Danielle and Matt provided so much support and dedicated lots of time and effort to help Morgan and his brother achieve the highest rank in Scouting. I think Grandpa Mike and Grandma Pat helped with projects, along the way, as well. Morgan lives his life in accordance with the ideals embodied in this honor.
Uncle Mike and I feel so privileged to be part of Morgan’s family. He is an admirable young man who lives life with kindness, humor, integrity, and love. We are confident that whatever path Morgan chooses to follow, as he graduates to this next phase of life, will lead him to his next adventure.
We love you, Morgan. Aunt Karen and Uncle Mike McCoy
Aunt Denise and Uncle Don
Morgan, everyone has followed your achievements/accomplishments in academics, scouting and sports, especially wrestling, and many will address these in their comments. For all these accolades you should be proud!
A memory I want to share with you today goes back to when you were born and pertains to your Great Grandpa Albert Oser. He was always so thrilled by the birth of grandchildren and great-grands. When he heard that you had been given the middle name “Albert,” a name he shared with his father and had given as middle name to your Grandpa Mike, well you had to be there to take in his expression. It seemed to me to be a look of great pride, pleasure and surprise.
Perhaps he saw in your parents’ naming gesture a promise not only that his name would live on, but that many fine attributes of his father and the Oser clan would continue in this newest addition to the family. And of course that is what has happened, and will continue to occur, naturally including a good mix of Beck and additional sides of your family tree.
Love and best wishes from Aunt Denise & Uncle Don
The Krammages
Morgan, you are and have always been such a light in any crowd! We are all so very proud of you and your amazing accomplishments! We know that you will go far in this world and can’t wait to watch your new journey! Love you!! Love, the Krammages
The recovered emails also included family photographs submitted for the keepsake.
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