It wasn’t the first time Derik Davis read a story to students at Eastern Elementary School, but it was the first time he was a part of the lesson.
Davis, a former teaching assistant at the school, returned to teach kindergarten students to be kind to people with disabilities.
Davis suffered a stroke three months ago that affected his speech, continues to cause seizures and left him walking with a cane.
“It’s just a part of giving back now that I am able to get out,” Davis said. “So that they would gain an appreciation for all people, no matter how they look or sound.”
Davis met with one kindergarten class at a time, reading “Just a Little Different,” a book about a child in a wheelchair and his friend. The children liked the same things and had a lot in common.
Davis periodically stopped to share his story and answer questions.
“Do you know, I spent my 40th birthday in the hospital?” he said. “Sometimes we have accidents, but we’re so fortunate to have places to go to.”
He told students he had suffered a stroke and talked to them about the forms of therapy he had. Davis built his strength up by swimming and learned to type while a patient at Vidant Hospital in Tarboro.
Davis said he woke up without the ability to speak. He communicated using his iPad and regained his speech in a way students found amusing.
“Singing,” Davis said. “I could sing when I couldn’t speak.”
Students sang with Davis and shared stories of their emergency room visits. They introduced Davis to a classmate who wore a brace.
Davis ended his presentation with a request.
“If you see someone who has a cane, has a wheelchair or has a cast on, open the door for them or get something off the shelf for them and be their friend,” he said.