The Loss of a Great Life

A Note From My Momma: 

As many of you know, Leland was scheduled to be delivered via Cesarean Section on March 1st, 2011.  Leland's Grandpa Becker (Marty) was also scheduled for a simple heart procedure to correct his problem with Atrial Fibrillation.  Because of this, the C Section was cancelled, so that we could all be with Mike's Mom (Sue) during the time of the surgery.

While recovering in the Intensive Care Unit at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Pontiac, he was given a medication to regulate his blood pressure. Due to allergies to numerous medications (including the administered blood pressure medication), Sue advised that Marty’s care team call the family’s physician to obtain a current list of known allergens.  They were supposed to have called that morning, prior to any medication being administered.

Later that next afternoon, Sue arrived to see a blur of activity in Marty's room; he had coded. The staff was feverishly administering CPR.  He was a shade of dark purple.  Initially, they weren't sure what exactly caused him to code.  Later, they figured it was anaphylaxis, or anaphylactic shock.  Truly, it was all downhill from there.  After a few baby steps forward and many monstrous steps back, Marty went home to be with the Lord, 1 month and 2 days after his original surgery.

I'm happy for him.  Surely, I am.  He's no longer suffering.  However, the most painful part in all of this: he never got to meet his youngest son's only child, Leland.  Except the day of his death, the two were never in the same room.  Marty had seen pictures. He new that Leland had his eyes, and the nickname of "Mini-Mart" because he looked just like a Mini-Marty. But in life, the two never met.  I am confident now, that Marty knows Leland very well.

Marty was a great man; he was the type of person to give you the shirt off of his back, if need be.  Walking into his house, he'd instantly offer you a shot and a beer.  Even after declining, he still made sure you had a drink in your hand shortly after.  He would always ask how you were doing, and be genuinely interested in your answer.  Marty was up for a challenge, unless it was physical. I think he secretly liked when his kids had car trouble...if it meant spending time with them in his garage.

He was a funny man. Marty loved to laugh. He liked his beer, his cigarettes, working on cars, and being outdoors. He liked dirty jokes, but he loved to tell them more.  He loved his neighbors and co-workers; he considered all of them to be friends, not just acquaintances. He sincerely loved his wife and his children, but he truly and deeply cherished his grand children.

Toward the end of his life, even with the challenge of his illness, Marty would tell you life was good.   He overcame so many obstacles during his short life time, I guess he finally found one, he simply could not conquer.

Rest in peace Marty. You are forever in our hearts.

(My favorite picture of Marty. circa 2006)