I have many ‘favorite’ memories with Kareem. But I’ll keep it to a few.
My first is the very first time I met Kareem. He met me and a few of my friends at a Steeler’s game and we hit it off and he fit in perfectly with us.
While inside the stadium, he noticed a vendor that had a pack of moldy hotdog buns. Kareem proceeded to enter their space and analyze their ‘bun situation’.
There were multiple bags of unopened buns that were moldy and he started to pick through all of them and throwing the moldy bags out. He announced himself as ‘QC’ (quality control) and the manager of the stand didn’t say anything to him!
My second favorite memory was planning Dexter’s 1st birthday party. Kareem and I’s enthusiasm matched and it turned out to be a perfect day.
My third memory is broad. Dexter started soccer at the age of 4 and Kareem was unofficially coaching him from the beginning until he officially became ‘Coach K’ for Dex in 2nd grade at Canon Mac. I could tell it lit a passionate fire in Dex, he loved having his Dad as a coach as well as the other kids.
Kareem would stay well past the end of practice to allow Dexter and any other teammates to enjoy additional practice.
He always had the right words of encouragement before and after games.
In everyday life he always had the right words to say to Dexter and at times, to me.
We love you, Kareem. ❤️