Death is an event for which we are never prepared. When our time is up, it is difficult to let go of control. It is hard to leave loved ones behind, sometimes worse for the survivors. No one deserves to die, based on their behavior or their lot in life. The Reaper finds us all. Life is not fair. Death is not fair. Angels are sometimes snatched from Earth before we are ready to let go.
In the 1990’s, Accelerated Reader was a program utilized to encourage students’ comprehension of written material. Children read books, then tested their knowledge of those books. Depending on positive scores, points were awarded. There was a heated competition for the top spot on the ladder. Derrick Dendy and I held the top two spots. He was always a few points ahead. I began to consider him “Reader One,” and resigned myself to “Reader One Too.” That kid did nothing but read. I imagine he had a book in the bath, on his lap on the toilet, in his bed with a flashlight long past bedtime. He must have read books during breakfast, lunch and dinner. He probably took ten books on vacation. Derrick Dendy did nothing but read. I could never obtain the top spot, no matter how I tried.
When my family moved, I lost touch with Derrick. Then, years later there was social media. I became curious and reached out. When I found Derrick’s account, I asked him how many books he had read over the summer. Six. I was halfway through my fifth. Even then, I fell short of the top score.
A number of years ago, Derrick passed on. He had a heart condition and was unable to receive a transplant. Though my friend is no longer with us, he will never be forgotten. “They” say to “Write what you know.” I know that Derrick is enjoying an endless selection of books. He is reading, because it’s all he ever does. May Peace Be With You, Reader One.
–SJB