Dexter

This Monday I got some really bad news from my friend Maryellen. When I got home, I had a message from her to call ASAP, which I knew must mean some sort of bad news. She let me know that one of our former students had passed away. He collapsed in gym at school on Monday and was in the 8th grade. I had him for speech in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade, and he was probably my all-time favorite student. He could bring a smile to my face like no other. He was not the smartest cookie out there, but if you could earn an A for effort, he would have made the A Honor Roll every 9 weeks. He was very good at fixing things and putting things together, and he always helped me out with things like that. I remember once on a Friday ( I had him right at the end of the day) he told me he wished he could come home with me for the weekend. If I could have, I would have taken him, which tells you just how much I liked this kiddo. Cedric got to meet him several times, and they always talked football, for Dexter loved to play football and was pretty darn good at it. We have always talked about him over the years since we moved back here because we think that De'Angelo Williams (the Panthers running back) looks just like a grown-up version of Dexter.

When things like this happen, I really don't know how to make sense of them. Dexter had a hole in his heart that was diagnosed after I taught him, but apparently he had been cleared by the docs to participate in gym class. I truly believe that Dexter was an angel here on earth and I guess the Lord just needed him for something bigger up in Heaven. I had planned on attending his memorial this afternoon, but due to the bad weather (it is already sleeting here and is calling for snow) I will not be able to make it. Dexter, you really made an impression on me and the rest of those who came into contact with you. Your adorable, smiling face will be missed by all who had the privelege of knowing you.