Passing Of A Childhood Friend - Derrick Miller

You ever have a friend that you grew up with that everyone used to tease for one reason or the other? Well, I had such a friend growing up in Neptune, NJ named Derrick Miller and we did a lot together. Derrick was different in that he had a head that was shaped different than most people and it was that shape that was the subject of much ridicule by others.

I don't know why the Lord made our friendship so close but we were like brothers. He was always at my house fellowshiping with my family. He was the kind of friend that would be in our playroom watching TV while my family was eating dinner. When other children wouldn't play with Derrick or include him in activities, it seems we always came together and did something. Many a summer day we spent at the Boys Club in Asbury Park swimming, shooting pool or playing table soccer. When I worked at Camp Winaukee in New Hampshire a couple of summers in the late 70s, I invited Derrick to join me up there to give him a chance to see another part of this great country.

I learned this evening that Derrick passed away last week (thanks to the beauty of information sharing via Facebook) at the age of 48 and my heart is heavy. Childhood teasing can be something that is brutal and tough to overcome as an adult because it whittles away at one's self esteem and confidence. That teasing as a kid never really gave Derrick the confidence to excel in life (in my opinion). He spent some time serving in the military and got out with some skills as an electrician. When I last saw him in NJ a few years ago, he didn't look too good but I was sure glad to see him and reconnect with my friend.

I'm still seeking details about his passing. He didn't even have an obituary in the Asbury Park Press (our local newspaper). Can you imagine that? To be on this planet for 48 years and not even have an notice in the newspaper about your passing? I hope that rough living was not the cause of his transition from time to eternity. One thing I do know: our time on this planet is but of a few days! If you haven't prepared for eternity through the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, now would be a good time to get right with the Lord.