Karen Beckwith
KB DW

I met “Debra” Nichols when I was 15. Back then, she was known as Debbie and she quickly became the sister I never had (we often played spades at my parents’ kitchen table). She married my brother, although I don’t hold that against her ^)^,… and was the mother to my niece, whom I spoiled endlessly as a child. Debbie was by my side as I grew up; she advised against some stupid decisions I made, and taught me the fine art of drinking wine, when we were poor and would make our wine selections according to the alcohol content vs. flavor so we could get more bang for our buck.

In the 80’s, I ended up living with her for two years which really cemented our relationship as “sisters”. I went through some hard times, she went through some hard times, but she finally ended up meeting Roy (HDW), the man who would provide her with the life she was meant to live. Unfortunately her bliss didn’t last nearly as long as she deserved.

I see her every day of my life in someone’s smiling green eyes, cheerful smile, fantastic sandals, miniskirts, or a glass of chardonnay. Her legacy lives on for me through the great friends she introduced me to. She would be so thrilled to know that I am playing spades and drinking with the DWs … although in my heart, I wish I was playing with my sister, Debbie Gault.

~ Karen Beckwith