My Tribute to Dennis Player
Although each of us establishes a legacy during our lifetime, we measure the value of our legacy from experiences. I share this statement because of the value that I placed in the memories of my cousin, Dennis Player. Dennis is ten years my senior, and I have admired him from my youth. Since I have no brothers, he became my surrogate brother, who unfolded an unique avenue of gaining independence. For instance, as a teenager, he allowed me to drive his Volkswagen Beetle with a Roll Royce hood. Although I had to wash and polish the car before driving it, the freedom of driving his car was different from driving the family vehicle. Mainly, it adapted more of a teenager's style and design. When my friends saw me driving his car, it put me on another level and made me stand out. These experiences overcame my intense laboring in the LA (lower Alabama) summer sun of washing and buffing wax off his Volkswagen Beetle with a Roll Royce hood.
However, the most valuable experience with Dennis was an event that I cannot remember, yet he reminded me each time we met during a family event. When I was a toddler, Dennis taught me how to walk. He would vividly explain my actions and reactions in detail. Unbeknownst to me, Dennis laid my foundational support toward independence by instilling confidence that I had the necessary tools to walk. As expected, when a toddler began walking, his ability to explore widen to a different world than ever before. So, I can only imagine the rewards of having this confidence to stop crawling and start walking. Similarly, I gain the same independence when I drove his Volkswagen Beetle with a Roll Royce hood as a teenager all day long after cleaning it. Such memories have permanently implant a legacy.
The Apostle John wrote, "let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and truth." (I John 3:18) My memories of Dennis Player exemplified this Scripture because his love always followed actions. As I reflect on my life, I know the experiences with Dennis enabled me to accomplish significant life achievements, and I will credit him for the foundational support dating back to teaching me how to walk. Subsequently, my memories of him equate as timeless treasures that I will ponder for the remainder of my life. Please understand that the small things we do for each other will create treasurable memories as they evolve into a legacy.
So I thank you, Dennis, for my independence at toddlerhood.
