Thursday, February 14, 2008
I am always at loss for words in a time like this but when I think about Dennis Manning, I have a good memory I would like to share. Thinking back to a late spring day in 1964, give or take a year or two, school had just let out for the summer and I was going to stay over at Chee Chee’s house. I couldn’t wait to visit with Susie (my best friend) and the rest of the gang. It was exciting for me because there was so much to do for fun and you had plenty of kids to play with. I must have been about seven years old. Susie was about a year younger than me and Dennis was a year older. One particular day stands out in my mind… It was a beautiful sunny day, the morning air was crisp and fresh, and everyone was getting their day started for a new encounter for the next episode of what life had to offer. I am not sure where Chee Chee lived at this time but there was plenty of countryside to conquer. A creek was near by where we could explore treasures, play in the water, or do whatever came natural. The three of us were talking, laughing and playing outside. Billy, Eddie, and Rusty were leaving the house and walking down the wooded drive that led out to the main road. We ran to them in hopes to go on an exciting venture with them but they made us turn back and go back home. Susie had another idea for her and me. It was then, Dennis wanted to be a part of our day and he must have felt that he should do something nice for Susie and me. He pulled out of his pocket two small packs of tissues and wanted us to have them. Strangely as it sounds, I could feel in my heart as I looked into his eyes that he wanted us to see the good in him and to accept him into our circle as a brother. He smiled and looked at us as if he was waiting for an answer. We paused and must have thought that he was giving us a gift of the only thing that he could offer for our companionship. Of course we told him to come along and we had a fun day as we always did the following summers that lied ahead. I thought about this particular day throughout my life and have wondered why it has always stayed with me. Today I know why I hold onto to that memory and here is my theory: When we are young, we have the opportunity to learn from our peer’s important things in life and to hold on those memories to help you learn. Dennis made me think of what kindness can do and I learned from that. Giving is one of the main things that God wants us to do. I think Dennis knew God because in his heart he was good and he had a way of showing it throughout his life. Dennis taught me to accept people for who they are and to have compassion for those who are in need. He showed me to enjoy life to the fullest, no matter who it is with. Most important, Give a token of love for companionship because you may need someone or something to cry on. My Sincere Sympathy to the Manning Family and May God’s Peace Comfort You All Love Beverly Orr
