The Dreamer
California was where he started but South Carolina was where Derrick Samuels grew up. The southern twang in his voice makes itself known when he is sarcastic, but most of the time you would not notice it.
Derrick was in the military for a number of years, the military is what brought him to Alaska. He lives with a missionary family who ministers to military members and their families. He became friends with them, and they invited him to live with them.
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It is their large house he lives in. It seems to always be bustling with people. Derrick says it is different from how he grew up. The family is different, a mom, a dad, a brother, two sisters. His voice gets quite as he talks about them, his expression softens.
Staying in Alaska probably is not in the future but with a slight smile Derrick says, if he met a woman who calls Alaska home, he would be okay staying. He would like to get married, have his own home. He dreams of being happy.
It is hard to be around people so frequently. Derrick says, “Adults are hard.” He loves children; he likes how happy they are. He says kids are easier. He smiles bashfully and says, “I’m a sweetheart.” He describes himself as salty but sweet.
Derrick explains his sweet side further, admitting he probably spends too much on causes. He fondly recalls that he gave a softball team money, and a player remembered him. Last time he saw Boy Scouts he spent about $100 on popcorn. The Girl Scouts get him. He loves lemonades but cannot stand Samoas. He hates coconut.
Derrick stands up from his seat, grins and heads up the stairs. He begins grabbing puzzle boxes, placing them in a very particular formation. After a few minutes, he steps back and grins. He stands next to the puzzles, they read, “This is me.”