Destiny allowed our paths to cross through Minor Tinsley's interest in continuing his education, and as the Multicultural Admissions Representative for Palmer College of Chiropractic at that time, it was my responsibility to keep in contact through the Admissions process to Matriculation. With each call Minor responded ever-so gleefully when he answered my call, and in addition to the Admissions process, he had many questions about what his life would be like in such a culturally deprived state as Iowa—and the harshness of our Winter of which he was completely unfamiliar coming from San Diego. Thankfully, I was able to calm his concerns as I answered his every question. Then with his Letter of Acceptance Minor came for our Campus Visit and he was completely sold! He couldn't wait to get here. His concern for housing was taken care of since I had a report with property owners who only rented to Palmer students. Minor's building was just across the street from the Campus and he loved his new home. Once classes began and throughout the course of study, he laid aside all folly since the curriculum was crushing. Then the season changed, and the bitter cold winds of his first Iowa Winter came—and then the snow and IT TOTALLY BLEW HIS MIND! I'll never forget Minor's reaction—for one never walks slowly when “The Hawk is kicking!”
Throughout Minor's stay in Iowa, as he kept on top of his studies, he cultivated friendships not only with classmates, but with local residents as well. Even now when I am out-and-around, there are still those who ask about Minor, for not only was he liked, he is still held with high regard, and the vibrancy of Minor's personality has not been forgotten. Then there were occasions when the group of students Minor hung with would socialize—and party, and when I could I joined them. Minor often said he intended to “Squeeze every once of happiness from his time in Iowa” for he was young and eyes full of vision. He knew that he was blessed with opportunity and he sought to honor it in everything he did. In justifying his statement he would then say “When it’s over, I'll know that I kept my vow, and I stopped to smelled the flowers along the way—I have no regrets.” In my reflection, Minor knew he was living a dream, an adventure where he spread his wings! How beautiful It was to share that experience. When Minor graduated, he said his goodbyes knowing he was boldly heading towards a more promising future, and that he would never return.
Minor Tinsley was like a beautiful flower, plucked from his life back home, and the gentle breeze of God's love brought him here to his Palmer family. But now his wings have grown strong, and as he always knew, that they would fly him away to a Heavenly Home! And so knowing God's love, take your rest Minor Tinsley and know that even though the stories are too many to tell, we love you and miss you as well.
To the family of one as dear as Minor Tinsley, I offer my deepest condolence for I know your pain is great. May God's tender love comfort you in your time of grief. AMEN
Please click the link below for it contains a message that Minor Tinsley, Doctor of Chiropractic, truly lived.
Sincerely,
Laura Fitzpatrick
https://youtu.be/970fSDr8gjo