Remember Them Wednesday

I thought this would be something nice to start. If people show enough interest in it, I'll add Mr. Linky to it.

Remember Them Wednesday is a chance to write about someone in your life who you have lost. Maybe they passed away and are now with Jesus. Maybe circumstances tore the two of you apart and you are no longer in one another's lives. Maybe you just want to write about someone who is still in your life, but who deserves to be commemorated and remembered- remembering the sweet newborn that your toddler used to be, for example.

There really are no rules. Just write what's on your heart so that we may remember them with you. Leave a comment if you are participating so that I know there is interest and so that I can add a Mr. Linky. Tell your friends so that they have a chance to remember.

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Today, I want to remember a friend and co-worker from high school. His name was Maalcolm, and he was awesome. We worked at a toy store- and you have to be a certain kind of person to last very long in a toy store. Kids screaming, frustrated parents, pre-teens with no chaperones... it can get a little overwhelming. Maalcolm took it all in stride, always happy, smiling, kind. We never spent time together outside of work, but when we worked together it was like we were old pals. We teased one another like teenagers tend to do, but it was always good-natured.

I always think of Maalcolm when I see one of those little rubber bouncy balls- bigger than the kind you play Jacks with, but not of the playground variety. He had a collection of them at the registers, ready and waiting to keep his hands busy when business was slow.

Bounce. Bounce.

Maalcolm was going places. He was in a culinary program and was an excellent cook. (In fact, there is even a scholarship fund for the culinary arts set up in his name.) He was appalled and shocked when I told him, no, I had never had collard greens.

"What?! Never?"

Bounce. Bounce.

"No, never. I don't even know what they are, really."

"I'll bring some in for your sometime. I can't believe this girl has never had collard greens!"

Bounce.

I never did try collard greens. Maalcolm was stabbed in 2007 coming off of a bus after a shift late one night. It was an attempted robbery, one that cost a 17 year old his life.

Today, I remember Maalcolm. I remember his life, his smile, and his charm. I remember the man that he could have been, if he would have been given the chance. I remember the kindness he showed people.

Please, remember Maalcolm with me.

And if you feel inclined to write a Remember Them Wednesday post of your own, comment to me so that I remember your loved ones with you.