poetry wednesday : let your life be a poem

Darrius I was immediately struck by the poetry in this obituary of a young man who never spoke a word and yet had such an influence in his short 16 years on earth. And so, for this poetry wednesday, a life poem (with thanks to Suzanne Deal-Fitzgerald for pointing me to this). Perhaps we can all send $5 as suggested in the last paragraph, in his memory. This is a must-read obituary:

HIGH POINT — Darrius Devon Richardson (affectionately known as "D", D-man, Munchen, and Poo-Poo), having just celebrated his 16th birthday, ran barefoot into the arms of the One who created him in the quiet of the early morning of June 11, 2010.

Darrius was born June 6, 1994, at 2:51 pm to Gerri "Latoya" Richardson and Jeffrey Marshall in Greensboro, NC. He attended Gateway Education Center where he was taught and celebrated from the age of two. Darrius loved music, being sung to by his Mom and Godparents, snuggling with his sister Reonni, and spending time with his large extended family. Darrius loved school and especially enjoyed swimming with Ms. Vickie, being taught by Crystal Berry, and during the last couple of years being special helper to Phyllis Page during Voc Ed where he was King of the Paper Shredder. Darrius loved to ride the Bus with Mr. Fred and Miss Karen and his buddy Matthew Gibson. Darrius spent vacations at beaches in North Carolina and St. Augustine, FL, where he loved to sit at the water's edge or under a canopy and feel the sand in his toes. Darrius attended the ARC of High Point summer program for the last three years where he had a blast with summer buddy Bryce and his sweet heart Sarah. Many people commented on his resemblance to Tiger Woods, earning him the nickname "Tiger Cub." Darrius is remembered as someone who taught the world about peace, really listening and about appreciating the quiet. He lived every day bathed in the loved of all who knew him. Darrius never spoke a word but touched the lives of all who met him with his beautiful smile and gentle spirit. People often relayed how they felt the a certain holiness when they were with him.

Darrius is survived by his mother Gerri LaToya Richardson and sister Reonnie Keondra Boyd of Greensboro; Grandparents Brenda Richardson and Gerald Hickman of Greensboro and Cathy and Gregory Marshall of Sedalia; Aunts and Uncles Brenita Richardson, Nathaniel Richardson, Dennis Richardson, Leslie Richardson, Willie Richardson, all of Greensboro, and Darren Marshall and Jennifer Marshall of Sedalia; and special friend Jerome Boyd, who loved him like his own; Essentra Barham who was his Best Buddy; Scenario Williamson, the Keeper of His Secrets; and his Godparents, Tom and Laura Lanier, with whom he spent many a happy day; and a host of cousins and extended family.

Darrius' life will be celebrated on Thursday, June 17, at 2 p.m. at Grace Community Church, 643 West Lee St., Greensboro, NC. Viewing will be held one hour before the service at Grace Community Church and other times at Woodard Funeral Home beginning the morning of June 16. Visitation will be at the home of his Great Aunt Dorothy Whiteside at 1508-A Hudgins Dr, Greensboro, NC. A graveside service will be held at Lakeview Memorial Park , immediately following the Church service. Friends are invited back to Grace Community Church in the Eagle's Nest to greet the family and share in refreshments directly after the graveside service. Woodard Funeral Home is providing the services for the family.

Memorial donations may be made to Haynes-Inman School (200 Haynes Road, Jamestown, NC 27282, Attention: Mr. Carr, Principal) where Darrius was planning to attend next year and finish out his High School years or to Peace Haven Farm, a community being formed to support the gifts and graces of all people to be both teacher and student. In addition, the following activities would honor Darrius' life and way of being: smile at a stranger, be quiet with the one you love, sing someone a love song, bring snacks to Pediatrics Floor at a hospital and thank the staff who work tirelessly, don't complain, hold someone's hand, take a deep breath and be grateful for it. Darrius' favorite song was Amazing Grace and that he was. Offer condolences at www.news-record.com

About Patti Digh

Patti Digh is an author, speaker, and educator who builds learning communities and gets to the heart of difficult topics. Her work over the last three decades has focused on diversity, inclusion, social justice, and living and working mindfully. She has developed diversity strategies and educational programming for major nonprofit and corporate organizations and has been a featured speaker at many national and international conferences.

2 comments to " poetry wednesday : let your life be a poem "
  • Lucille

    Beautiful.

    • Gerri Richardson

      Thanks for your input and it’s still hard to this to have lost my son and I am taking it one day @ a time sometimes some days are harder then others and I know he is in a better place and he don’t have to suffer anymore. I really appreciate that that just made my day, Gerri Richardson ( mom)

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