Del

I love to see him walk into class.  He is a handsome man.  He dresses as I like to see men dress - full suit, shirt and tie, and proper shoes with a spit shine.  But he is obviously much more than his appearance.  His looks and clothes dress an unmistakably singular individual.  The way he carries himself is dignified; he walks with a sure step, head held high, a faint smile almost always creases his face.  When he says good morning, he makes it a point to touch each one.  Not a general good morning to the class; but an individual salutation to each one.  Del always gifts you with his smile and a firm handshake, a pat on the back, or a gentle caress on a child’s shoulder or cheek.

Whatever the topic is that day, his remarks are always on point; evidence that he has studied the lesson and prepared to contribute.  Sitting next to him I can see where he has taken the care to underline and highlight some sentences.  He is in no way boastful; but rather gently comments on a question or ponderable.  At the end, he never forgets to thank our teacher for the day’s lesson. 

I have had several conversations with Del after class.  We have even had lunch on a couple of occasions; but I have never asked him his age; there's no reason to.  It is evident that he is in his middle 80s if not more.  I have thought that maybe it’s all those years of living and experiencing that make Del the type of person he is, but I don’t think so.  Simply existing doesn’t make a person extraordinary.  And he is.