Derrick Gordon

I knew our cousin Derrick since I was a baby, but I was three when he came into focus. That´s when he (18), came to live with our family in Kingston for a time. I do remember that far back, especially just his clear presence, the sweet, fun, safe brother we´d always wanted. Perhaps this early bonding is what laid the groundwork for us to become such cherished friends in our latter years, even across thousands of miles.

As I try to articulate Derrick´s outstanding, even unique, qualities for this tribute, these come to mind:
He approached everything and everyone with the fascination and rapt attention of someone who had suddenly gained sight for the first time. He was foremost an explorer, an archeologist, eager to exuberantly show, in the moment, whatever he uncovered. And I mean whatever. It could be something inside the Familia Sagrada, under his kaput dishwasher, or a detail in a photo others scarcely glanced it. And off on another adventure we´d merrily go...
Possessing a seemingly ideal balance of Yin and Yang, his masculinity came across in quiet, solid strength. Derrick lived grounded in his own power, making him refreshingly, not a bulldozer of man, but a creator. He had such an innate sense of permission (vs entitlement), it was as easy for him to stand up for himself as a child as it was to carve his lovely path in life.
Not once did I hear him blow his own horn. Ironically, he easily promoted and credited the achievements of those around him - especially God.
I can´t imagine anything pleasing Derrick more than sitting around his dinner table with his entire family.

Derrick fooled everyone by being so active, alert, ostensibly healthy, making it easy for his actual age, or associated vulnerability, never to cross our minds. Consequently, his sudden illness came as a shock to us all, no less himself.

Derrick was as kindhearted as he was stimulating and inspiring, so many will feel his absence. I send condolences to every person who was blessed to be in his flock.

Derrick:
"[I] can be. Be and be better. For [you] existed." Safe in the Universe. Safe in my heart. Thank you for choosing to play with me from my earliest to recent memories. I will always miss you and the precious time we spent "in each other´s orbit", as you would say.