"Seize the particles of Kindness"

There was a kind and gracious individual that I had the privilege to know and have conversation with over the past few years. His name was Derrek Palmer and he was one of the kindest individuals I've ever met in my life. He walked with a crutch and cared for his two small children. I would see him at the local elementary school as a parent volunteer. For a time, he was an officer in the PTO. He was always well dressed and he always took the time to speak. He would go out of his way to come up to me and engage in conversation. He would thank me for some of the things I was involved in through the school. His kindness always had a positive impact in my life.

While traveling on a road in south Georgia, Derrick was involved in an automobile accident. The word came that Derrick had died. I could hardly believe it. This 45 year old man who was so full of kindness, vitality, and caring, was now taken from us. I will truly miss my conversation with this fine gentleman.

It is easy to assume that everything will be the way it has always been. Sometimes it is difficult to deal the the "stones in the road" of life. The future is often uncertain and we are called to rise and meet the new challenges of the day.

As I drink my coffee today, I will remember the legacy of this fine individual. I am thankful that he has shared particles of kindness in my life. I believe that he has made a difference in the lives of many people. We would do well to seize the moments of kindness in our lives. Maybe today, we can have a positive impact in the life of someone we meet.