In June of 2022, we had the privilege of honoring the Wilson family from South Central Michigan with their Beck’s Day Ever. Keith and Cindy Wilson live in Onondaga, MI, where they farm nearly 2,000 acres. They’ve been married for 41 years, with three kids and three grandchildren.

The farm was a dream they shared early in their marriage, and they made that dream come true. While Keith farmed, Cindy was the backbone of the Wilson family. Not only did she help on the farm, taking care of the books and paperwork, but she also worked as a registered nurse, was a dedicated mother, and an amazing grandmother and friend.

In May of 2020, a tragic accident devastated the lives of the Wilsons and left Cindy fighting for her life. It was a bad day that continued to get worse as Cindy faced a multitude of setbacks that have kept her in the hospital and various care facilities for over two years.

But thanks to a lot of faith and an outpouring of love and support from family, friends, and her community, Cindy continues to persevere.

Not only is the entire Wilson family excited for the day when Cindy can finally come home for good – they are hopeful that she will be able to return to some of her favorite things; like spending time with her grandkids, listening to Jimmy Buffet, and working in her garden on the family farm.

For the Wilson’s Beck’s Day Ever, Scott and Shantel Beck and a special team of Beck’s employees surprised Cindy with a custom, wheelchair-friendly raised garden and a Jimmy Buffett-themed welcome home party.

Other than short day trips to see her family, Cindy hasn’t been home since the accident. And while our Beck’s Day Ever crew wasn’t sure how she would react to the surprise, we worked hard to make sure it was a special day for the entire Wilson family.

The details of what we had planned to bring to life were kept under wraps for months while preparations were made and supplies were ordered, but as family and friends began arriving on that warm July day - a feeling of excitement filled the air.

“We do look for ways to recognize farmers and their families that are doing the work in America to feed people,” said Scott Beck. “There are many times when hardship is part of that. So, if we can come alongside and be part of their story during those difficult times to help lift them up and help them through and let them know that people care - that’s who we want to be and how we want our employees to rally around each other and our customers.”

It was a beautiful day for everyone involved, and our team at Beck’s was honored to play a part in the Wilson family’s story. Getting the chance to witness Cindy coming home for the day, to spend time with her family, and feel how much love and support is still around her, speaks volumes of the person she is and the family she raised. It is a day none of us will ever forget.