Today I was deeply saddened to learn that Dr. DS had passed away early this morning. Dr. DS was a very special and loved man, who I'm sure will be missed by many. I know my family will sorely miss him, including me.
As my mom put it tonight, Dr. DS was one of my "biggest cheerleaders." I think he sincerely thought more of me than I ever thought of myself. I can still remember how impressed he was that I went to Amherst. While most people back home didn't have the slightest clue about Amherst, including those who thought I was going to community college in a nearby county, Dr. DS seemed to hold my accomplishment in attending and graduating from Amherst in the highest esteem. He would often observe something to others about my talents or intellect when I was home. This was coming from a man whom I was always humbled to be around - a man who had many accomplishments to his name, including a PhD, and the presidency of several colleges to boot. And that dear man always seemed mystified that I didn't have a young lady to bring home.
Dr. DS was a close friend of my grandfather, and thought very dearly of my mother. When I last saw him this past Christmas holiday, he took my mom and I out for lunch at the restaurant at which I used to work. At some point in the trip, I made some error in my manners regarding holding open the door for my mom. He chastised me, but later apologized, and said that he simply couldn't stand to see anyone mistreat her in any way. When I got back to Princeton, I wrote him a short note thanking him for taking us out to lunch and his movie recommendation (Doubt - as a theater man, his tastes for the stage and film were impeccable). He was so proud of my letter that he showed it off to my mom and then, as best I can understand, actually gave the letter to my grandparents.
Dr. DS, you will be missed. I am truly humbled to have had you believe in me, and I thank you. God rest your soul.
No comments:
Post a Comment