A Day of Rememberance...

Tomorrow, December 6th, marks the 2 year anniversary of Derrick's passing. Not a day goes by that that I or Derrick's family do not think of him, and miss him terribly. Now that it has been two years after the devastating loss of a remarkable husband, son, brother, and friend, I can look back and not focus completely on my anger and grief about Derrick being taken from us far too soon. I can now look back at the positive memories that I will carry with me for a lifetime. I once again can feel blessed. I feel truly blessed for the 5 years, I was able to spend with Derrick,just as I know all of you feel blessed for having the extreme priviledge of knowing one of the most caring, free- spirited, and loving people to ever grace this earth. I for one am a better person thanks to Derrick and the short time I got to spend with him. I will forever be grateful for the many life lessons and unconditional love he showed me in our 5 years together. Tomorrow, I will not look back with saddness, but with great joy about the positive impact Derrick has had and continues to have on my life and so many other's life. So many people's lives continue to be enriched thanks to Derrick. Derrick was loved by so many that people continue to support his Foundation to help families battling cancer. Thanks to Derrick, 12 families to date have been helped, with donatiosn nearly totalling $40,000! This is a true testament to the kind of person Derrick was, the kind of person that inspires other people to reach out and help others who are battling cancer.
For those of you who personally know Derrick and have read his blog posts, you know just how inspiring his words can be, so I'd like to leave you with a few messages that Derrick wrote in our daily devotional "What I learned from God Today".
-Make everyday Count. Focus on what matters. You can't be fake to God as you can be to other people.
- Everything on this earth is temporary, all the materal possessions are temporary.
-Small acts of duty and kindness throughout the day mean more to God than prayer.
- Being in God's family is the greatest gift of all.
- Life is about love. Relationships need to be first priority. You can make more money,but you can't make more time. The best way to show love is through time.
- Learn to be a servant. Servants often go unrecognized and don't do things for fame or to be seen, but for the glory of God.
- Got to win one more for Jesus should be the focus of my life in bringing one more soul to Heaven for Eternity.
- I should share my life lessons with others, and I should listen to the life lessons of others (mission accomplished Derrick as you continue to share your life lessons with all of us).

The last message I'd like to share is a question Derrick wrote... "When I stand before God on judgement day, what will he say about my life?" * I think we all know the answer to this question Derrick, and thank you for sharing your life with us.



SHMILY