Anyone who truly knew Darrell knew he was someone not to be underestimated. He was a dynamic force with a high capacity for absorption. He often made significant impacts with lasting results.
Back when we were kids, we would have philosophical discussions about life.
One discussion in particular stood out. It stood out because it was completely unexpected. The discussion started with the question – what do you hope to achieve in your lifetime, Mark? My response was – I have no freakin idea. I’m only 9. Then he responded with – “you won’t be 9 forever.”
That was the moment I discovered the value of critical thinking. And that was the moment my big brother Darrell became the person I admired the most. Well, at least until he felt the need to toughen me up for the real world.
Sometimes he was a big brother bully, but always a big brother protector. He made sure I would never get hurt, at least not seriously hurt. I remember days we would have to fight other kids in a field on the way to school in San Diego. Sometimes there would be a gang of kids ready to jump us and other times it would be a one-on-one scenario where the kids were paired up according to size and age. He made sure I would never get hurt, at least not seriously hurt. For whatever reason, the other kids respected Darrell, even feared him at times. Yet another reason to admired my big brother Darrell the most. I have more stories but I’ll stop here.
Of all the people in the world, only a few will touch our souls in a special way. Darrell touched my soul not only as a big brother but as dynamic force.
You will be dearly missed, big brother.