Family and friends. Some might be forgotten while others remain with us always. Despite not seeing or hearing from Roger White since grade school, he remains a friend long remembered. In addition to the good times we shared, he also shared his measles with me – a gift that kept me home from school for an entire week. I never thanked him enough for that.

Sunday School class netted another great friend, Mike. During high school and college, more time was spent with Mike and his family than with my own. A different friend, Steve, lived a block down the street. We managed to “put the band together” and played just one gig–at an elementary school, him on guitar and myself on bass. Although promised all proceeds after expenses for lemonade and cookies, we netted 55¢ each and the chance to ‘party like a rock star.’ My only other chance came when the Minot Symphony performed with the band Kansas. Then, there are other memories–like those created with another good friend, Craig Fink.

New to Minot in the late ’70s, I opened my orthodontic office. A mother brought her son in to see what might be done to improve his smile. We mutually decided to begin work with braces to iron out their concerns. Several months later, an invitation was extended to join Minot architect, Wayne Whitty, at his home for dinner. “The Finks will be here as well,” Wayne said. Although I was treating Craig’s son and had met his wife, Robbe, I had not met Craig. It seemed an ice-breaker might be helpful to meet a Minot icon like Mr. Fink. A set of crooked incisors made earlier that slipped over my own teeth might do the trick.

Upon arrival at the Whitty’s, introductions were made. A beautiful summer evening led everyone to sit for a visit outside before dinner. After a time, I noticed when glancing Craig’s direction, his head turned away. It was clear he noticed my snaggled choppers and was probably thinking, I can’t believe I’m paying this guy to straighten my son’s teeth. When Craig’s discomfort and fidgeting became more obvious, I claimed something was stuck between my teeth. Digging around with a toothpick still didn’t remedy the problem, so the device was removed to better get after it – all to Craig’s astonishment and laughter. That moment triggered more than forty years of friendship.

As holds true for friends Roger, Mike and Steve, thoughts of Craig are likewise etched permanently in memory. For example, when Craig, Wayne and I went to the Minot post office at noon on January 8, 1993. It was the day and time a new stamp with Elvis Presley’s image on it was issued. Craig convinced me to wear his Elvis costume. A line of people looking to buy the new stamp extended outside. Using my best Elvis impersonation, I mumbled, “Excuse me baby,” to a woman in line, “can you tell me where I can buy some stamps?” Passing through to the service counter area, a post office teller was likewise dressed as Elvis. I called him out as an imposter. He did the same back to me. In Craig’s car once more, the three of us couldn’t help but double over in laughter.

Chances are, we all remember special times with family and friends. Such memories offer persistent enjoyment – as mine do with Roger White, Craig and many others. It is something that feeds our souls and helps fend off worry and troubles.

It was difficult to lose Craig two years ago. Although Rita and I weren’t able join his family to celebrate Craig’s life then, we continue to celebrate it now. Like he did for many others in Minot, Craig shared far more than a gift of the measles. The good times and laughter he brought to many keep us connected even today. Hang on to those special times and merriment shared with your friends and family. They help sustain meaningful relationships forever.