Quinton.

Quinton called me his "fat lady" all summer. Though I loathed it the first time, by the twentieth and twenty-first time it was endearing.

Quinton laughed all summer (well, winter for Namibia) and was never without a sarcastic comment, usually directed at Tasha or myself. His sense of humor was dry and ridiculous and wonderful.

Quinton was the Namibian I would, at the end of the summer, said I grew closest to. He was always at the house. And I mean always. There was never a day when he wouldn't poke his head in the sliding back door and tell his "fat lady" to make him some coffee. Our last day in Reheboth he told me I had better remember how to make him coffee so I can do it when I come again. I promised I would. Three scoops sugars and cream until it is just darker than the milk itself. See Quinton? I do remember.

Quinton doesn't like to climb sand dunes. The day we climbed the second highest one in the world (yeah, I did that!) we had to coax him to the top, stopping for a smoke every few feet. Oh, Quinton.

The day the soldier tried to pull me into his truck, I told Quinton. Heehee, I laugh just remember the scene. "What was he wearing," he asked. "A brownish shirt with brownish pants with little circle badges on the front," I told him. After a thoughtful silence he said, "I know where he is. Don't you worry about a thing. Quinton will take care of him."

I received this email this morning as I returned from my work-out:

Hi guys

We regret to inform you that Quinton sadly passed away early this morning. He was involved in an accident on Saturday afternoon and received two operations on Sunday afternoon and evening. He suffered injuries on his liver and mild and it were removed during the operations. We are very sad but God knows best and we are experiencing His peace. We trust that God will also give you peace. Thanks for the value you added to his life for the time that you were here.

God bless you

Your family in Rehoboth

Quinton, why did you have to go Home so soon? I was already missing you so much.