Today I discovered that a young man I once mentored in reading was murdered last night, shot in the head. I was shocked and reacted angrily after learning that news. There was less than 10 minutes for me to recover from hearing that and move on to the business at hand. It was hard to push the thoughts aside. His photo lay near my desk.

I thought that he was such a talented young person. I watched him graduate from grade school and move up to high school. When I met his family, it was obvious how much they meant to him and vice versa. He was a wonderful runner and I saw him win a mile race where he came down the stretch unchallenged by anyone.

During our reading sessions, I would often look for a book that had something to do with the subject of art. One special session, I pushed the books aside and gave him some drawing paper. We drew pictures and exchanged stories about growing up in our hometown neighborhoods.

This year, before he graduated from High School, I was going to find a way to encourage him to create some art and have him participate in an art exhibit. Maybe I won’t get to do what I imagined but this post is his drawing and his exhibit to the world.

Many teens are killed with handguns every year. It’s one of the most disappointing facts of life.

My heart is broken for you and the tragedy of the lost life of this talented boy. I met one of my former fifth grade students two years ago, when he was 20 years old. He was caught in the middle of gunfire and now sits in a wheelchair, permanently paralyzed. Sometimes I just can't take it. :(( mariaps · 2008-09-17: 22:53

A lovely tribute to show his talent. but so sad to think of the waste of a young boy's life. Peace be with him. ????? · 2008-09-18: 10:36

Histoire tragique ! Glad you had a chance to help him during his short life on earth. This drawing is a nice tribute ..but so sad ! ????? · 2008-09-18: 17:56

A young life cut short by violence is a terrible thing. That in his short life he impacted someone else's life (yours) is more than some people will ever do. I hope you share your story of admiration with his family and that they heal from this. Perhaps you can run your race for him. DancingDolphin · 2008-09-18: 21:03

A very nice tribute to him. Queen911 · 2008-09-18: 21:50

So sad... no word... Great tribute to his memory. JacquesR · 2008-09-19: 04:17

:( (GREAT DRAWING!) flipado · 2008-09-19: 07:07

this is a terrible story ! and for so many, it's everyday thing, until it gets to be families, friends, relatives .... we don't have much guns, but there are.... Most of the time kids get killed in car or moto accident here... It's always a painful loss... Peace and warm thoughts to the family. jendayee · 2008-09-20: 00:29