Starvin' Marvin

I guess I was a little mischievous in grade school, and spent my fair share of time in the principal's office.  I remember being kept after school one day, but I can't remember why.  When I stepped out of the front door of the school, I stepped into a pouring rain. 

I was really dreading the half mile walk, or run home.  When I was about half way between the school and the street, a car pulled up.  I saw the window being cranked down, and my cousin Marvin smiling his usual big smile.  "Need a ride cuz?"  My Mom had called Marvin and asked if he would pick me up after school. 

Marvin was always my hero.  He was a senior in high school, when I was in the 2nd or 3rd grade.  Marvin was a basketball star, one of the hardest working people I have known, and a very loyal friend.

Marvin joined the Navy with his best friend, Buster Bell.  The Navy discharged Marvin, and sent him home because he walked in his sleep.  Sleep walking was a trait he shared with his younger brother, Joe.  Both of them would take very long walks while sleeping.  Not a good habit, if you happen to be on a ship.

After his discharge from the Navy, Marvin resumed dating his high school sweetheart.  One evening, while taking his sweetheart home from church, a drunk driver sideswiped Marvin's car, causing him to run off the road, and roll over a couple of times, in his pre-seatbelt car.  

Marvin was ejected, and pinned under the car.  My life has been a series of great times interupted by moments of sadness.  Marvin's death was one of the worst.

I can still see Marvin walking into the kitchen at my Aunt Hazel's.  He would walk in, and proclaim, "I'm Starvin' Marvin, what's for supper?"  We should all strive to Be a Marvin to someone every day.