Dear Derek, I thought I would have joined you by now. I know it is all in God's hands and He knows best. One day at a time. I have help from Hospice and that is good. I thank God for His tender loving care. I miss you so much! Your birthdays are always special. You are blessed to be home with our Lord!
I am weak and have pain. I am grateful for the little I can still do and one day God will call me home and I will be with you again. Love you, Grandma K

Dear Darek, Another year has passed and you continue to be in my memory daily. I remember how passionate you were about brushing your teeth and rinsing with mouth wash. I picture you walking back and forth while rinsing as you counted 30 or 60 seconds. My health isn't good and I am anxious to join you in Heaven, but I must wait until God calls me home. Yesterday we released 2 balloons with notes. and had Chinese carryout because I can't go out to eat and your Dad wanted me to be with the family. He is good to me. Love you forever! Grandma

Dear Derek, Life has so many restrictions, it is a little over a year since the coronavirus spread throughout the world. And then there was dishonesty with the election and racial violence. Great to know God is still in control. I am in too much pain to get dressed today so that special shirt is hanging in the closet. I will wear it another day in your memory. I am grateful for so many great memories of you Derek. I plan to watch the DVD of your Birthday today. Will always miss you. The Chicago Peace Rose Bush has a special Rose blooming for you today. It had one for Uncle Jeff on Saturday. Didn't make it for Grandpa in February this year. Lots of love, Grandma

8 years have passed and I miss you so much! Your Dad and Brenda are away so Briana and I got a balloon in your memory and as we sent into the sky we talked to you. It was so beautiful as it floated away. The memory rose bush is not looking so good but it has one small rose for you. I continue to thank God for the good memories I have of you Derek! Grandma K.

Hard to believe you would be 24 today. Your Dad said Derek would be out of college and wondered what you might be doing. Your Dad and I wore our Trojans Shirt. Because of the coronavirus, all Chinese Restaurants are closed. Some other restaurants are open for carryout only. Brenda was able to get an ice cream birthday cake. We also had 2 balloons Briana and your Dad wrote a note and we watched them float into the sky. We are experiencing very uncertain times and we are grateful it is all in God's hands. Each day brings us closer to joining you in Heaven. We have a Chicago Peace Rose Bush in memory of Grandpa, Uncle Jeff and you. It has a beautiful rose blooming for your, Birthday. Derek, I love you and miss you so much. Grandma K.

Derek, I think of you daily. God blessed me with such a special Grandson. Our relationship was so special. It was great to see you grow in your spiritual life and to know you were ready to meet the Lord. I have so many good memories! The day I will join you is getting closer. Your Dad is taking good care of me. Your Dad, Briana and I went to Church this AM. Brenda is sick so she stayed home. Briana and I wore our special shirts and your Dad put his on after we got home. He got "take out special food" in your memory and we wrote a note on a balloon for you. Briana released it in the back yard. We watched until it was out of sight. I miss you so much. Grandma K

Derek, it doesn't get any easier for us down here. You Dad and family went out to eat and bowling. I didn't feel up to going. I was planning to watch your birth DVD. Couldn't get it to play. Maybe Ryan can help me play it tomorrow. He continues to be so kind to me. You were such a good example to him. Your Dad is taking such good care of me. He got me a Chicago Peace Rose Bush in memory of You, Grandpa and Uncle Jeff. It has 3 buds that should bloom soon. That reminds me over there the roses never fade. I love you so very much. God blessed us with 16 short years with you, until we meet again in Heaven where we will be together forever with our Lord. Grandma

Hard to believe you were born 22 years ago today. Your Dad bought an ice cream cake to remember your Birthday. So thankful for you and the wonderful memories. Knowing you were ready meet Jesus is a comfort but you will be missed for ever. I love you Grandson. Grandma K.

Derek 5 years have passed since God called you home. I have so many good memories of you and I still miss you so much. I remember so many things we shared on the phone and in person. Our special times at Roxbury will never be forgotten. Wore my Trojans Shirt today. I continue to give to Gospel for Asia in your memory. Also contribute to the scholarship fund in your memory at your church. One day I will be reunited with you. Love you so much. Grandma K.

Happy 21st Birthday Derek. I miss you so much. I was blessed to have such a special Grandson. Shades played a special role in your life and it is always special to talk with them, your Dad, brother and sister about our memories of you. God gives me strength for each day as I am alone since Grandpa joined you in Heaven. With God's help I will join all of you one day. Love you, Grandma

Wore my Trojans Shirt today. Grandpa's is in the closet since he joined you in Heaven. I guess you showed Grandpa around and now you can sing in the Heavenly Choir together. I miss Uncle Jeff, you and Grandpa. God is taking care of me and your Dad, Brenda and Ryan call to check on me. Also Aunt Tina, Austin and Tyler call. I will join you when Jesus calls me home. BV is such a good place to be. Love you. Grandma

Derek, you would be 20 today. Grandpa baked a Birthday cake, I iced it and will decorate it with green icing, to celebrate. We will always miss you, but thank God for the good memories we continue to cherish. It is getting closer to our reunion in Heaven. You are so blessed to be there with your Lord. You don't have to deal with the trials of this fallen world. It hasn't gotten any better down here. God continues to give us grace for each day. Miss you beyond words. Grandma & Grandpa K.

3/26/2015. Derek you would be 19 today. Grandpa and I have the Trojans shirts on in your memory. Made 123 cake in the microwave. We are enjoying watching the DVD from your birth and have reached 10 months. Will watch more tomorrow. We have so many good memories. We know you are with the Lord and we will join you one of these days. You will always have a special place in our hearts. Grandma & Grandpa

Derek, 2 years have passed since you went to be with Jesus. The pain is still there and words can't describe how much you are missed. We are getting closer to our reunion with you in Heaven. We miss you so much hear on earth.
  Grandpa and I are wearing our Trojans Shirts in your memory and the throw, your Dad gave us, with your soccer team (You in the center) hangs on our bed room wall. Your Dad called and he will watch the Steelers Game tonight in your memory. Life will never be the same for any of us without you & Uncle Jeff. Love both of you for ever. Grandma

You would be 18 today. I know you are with the Lord and happier then I can imagine. I will always miss you and be grateful God allowed us to share your life for 16 short years. Your life lives on and only eternity will reveal the lives you have influenced for the Lord. We visited your school for the spring musical "Wizard of Oz". Nicole was the lion and did a splendid job. We wondered what part you would have had. It was good to talk to others that still miss you. I will ware the shirt created in your memory by your soccer team, today. Ryan is struggling and trying to be more like his big brother. We pray he will accept Jesus as his personal Savior and Lord of his life. Your Dad's life has been changed and he continues to miss you very much. Remembering the day your were born. I was privileged to be there. Love you for ever. Grandma

Derek even though a year has passed since you left us I miss you so very much! I know you are in Heaven and happy to be with Jesus. I am reminded of your many words of wisdom daily and I have many happy memories. Your Dad gave us a 8X10 great school picture and it sits in our tinny living room looking at me daily. Love you and miss forever! Grandma K.

Happy Birthday in Heaven
You would turn 17 today (3/26) if you were still here. You are so far away, our hearts have kept you near. The pain has eased a bit I guess, yet has not gone, It will still stay a part of us until we join you one day. We send our love to you, from all our hearts to yours. Just think your Birthday in Heaven with the Lord. Love,Grandma

Derek, You were a special Grandson and will live on in my heart forever.
I thank God for sharing you with us for 16 short years. Miss those bright spots you brought to my days. I have many special memories and look forward to seeing you again when God calls me home. Love you forever. Grandma

I knew Derek through church, youth group, and through Nicole. He was a very smart and outgoing guy to be around. We got closer through church and youth group and could see his desire to learn more. I've been praying for family, friends, and everyone who has been affected by this tragic occurence. R.I.P Derek You will be missed greatly by all.

i didnt know you but i pray the angels have you along gods side you will truly be forever young r.i.p sweety

I didn't know you too well, Derek. But, you seemed like a great kid. It kills me to know one of my classmates is gone :/ My heart goes out to all who were close to you , and your family, and Nicole's family. this is just so sad, but just know that you're in a better place. Fly high buddy <3
RIP Derek <3

I didn't know Derick but since I heard about the accident, I have been thinking and praying for the family. There are not words to express how sad I am for your family. May God give you the strength, peace and comfort you need through this very difficult time.

i knew derek though my granson david gas away. he was a wonderful child and a good friend too all that knew him. i will miss him but now he's with god and the angels .watching over his dear friends  you well be missed  with love laura and denny cain [david gas away granpartents