Derrick Tennant, a gifted athlete, was progressing in his dream for a career in sports when one evening in 1985 he laid down but did not wake up for three days.
He had undergone what doctors would later term random bleeding from point x for an unknown reason. Paralyzed and in a coma, Derrick underwent brain surgery from which he became unable to move the left side of his body. It would take years of therapy to re-learn the basics like walking, talking and simple daily tasks. Derrick is still unable to use his left arm and he walks with a limp, but he has learned a lot through this process.
Derrick credits one thing for his ability to make it through this process not only alive, but also learning and growing: LOVE. Receiving love from his family, his friends, and his God combined with learning to better demonstrate love in the midst of difficulty were essential to Derricks survival.
With years of therapy and hard work, Derrick eventually was able to return to the court. In 1993, he played basketball overseas competitively. You should have seen me when I had two arms, he says. Derrick now travels the world sharing his story and encouraging others to use obstacles as opportunities. If God were small enough to be understood, he says, then He wouldnt be big enough to be worshipped. My job is simply to trust Him and to LOVE.
Although his own personal experiences have been great teachers, Derricks family and the hardships incurred have provided lifes greatest lessons. He will tell you that nothing has taught him more about LOVE, than knowing his beautiful sister Julie. Julie is 33, successful, single and a beautiful young woman who embodies love. She has never met a stranger with her smile that literally lights up any room she enters. Julies gift is definitely something we should all learn from.
