Dear Derrick

About

Age: 08 years

I grew up in Dallas Texas, life hasn’t always been easy for me. I was just a poor kid with big dreams and high goals

When I was in elementary school they made several suggestions to my mom to place me in special ex because I couldn’t read. I would see the words backwards. Once I got into junior high they were adamant about placing me in special ex. Back then they didn’t have a name for it. Now years later we know it is called dyslexia. I can still remember the days the teacher would have reading exercises where she would randomly call on the students and have them read out loud. I was sweating bullets hoping she wouldn’t call on me – and she did every time. When it was my turn, my classmates would make fun of me They would bully me and laugh at me. I was often ridiculed because my shoes were worn or too small. My clothes were all hand-me-downs. I know what it’s like to be afraid. I know what it’s like to feel alone. I know what it’s like to be humiliated and antagonized.
But I also know what it’s like to conquer every loser who tried to break me. Yes, it was very difficult and humbling. However, though I had a hard time reading I had great comprehension. I never thought about giving up. I would never let them win. Through that I became a great listener and through God’s grace, I became a great problem solver. Now here I am today – I’m not ashamed anymore. As we grow, we learn to compensate in areas where we are weak. Despite the fact that I had this disability, my mother always believed in me and always encouraged me. She gave me the will to do it all over again the next day and never give up. I fight every day to achieve my goals – I have never given up. I have written several books. I’ve never used a ghost writer ever in my life. I have written every single word in every book that I have created.

Age: 16 years

In junior high – I grew big…fast! When I turned 14 years-old I started defending all the kids around me who were being bullied. It didn’t matter who they were. If I saw someone bullying anyone, I would stand up for them and intervene. That would cause me to get in trouble and often I would get suspended or expelled. My mother couldn’t understand, why I had so many fights. I explained to her that I defended the weak because I didn’t want anyone else to feel the pain that I felt … if it took me getting in trouble for standing up for someone who didn’t have the courage for themselves, that’s what I did. Guess what? To this day I am still standing for those who cannot or do not have the courage to stand for themselves. I’m not condoning or encouraging violence, I am discouraging bullying in every way. I am trying to give encouragement and guidance. I want people to know that where they are today is only temporary. It’s not their final destination. I want them to know that they just need to hang on and not give up. This point will pass. I am 6‘4“ and 275 pounds. I’m not a bad ass but, I have been fighting my entire life. It hasn’t been easy, but it has been worth it. Join my efforts to help those who can’t protect themselves. Stand with me!!
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