Among life blessings, Children are the greatest blessing of all

Only a parent will understand how hard it is to put down into a few paragraphs the love, the joy and pride you have for your children. Please bare with me here, as I try to do the impossible, and tell you just how precious my children are to my heart.

Derek Charles

On August 19, 1991 we welcomed our first born, a son, into the world and truely became a family. With Derek's birth both Carl and I learned what our own parent's meant when they spoke of "unconditional love". There is nothing in this world you would not do for your child. Derek brought much joy and laughter into our lives, along with many of sleepless nights. Whomever said colic was not a real problem was so wrong! But we survived, thanks to alot of help and support from Derek's Grandmas. Both of our families live close by, and since Derek has the honor of being the first born grandchild, he never lacked for attention from his Grandparents, or Great Grandparents.

As Derek continues to grow and explore the world around him, it was obvious to those he comes in contact with that he is a very energetic, intelligent child. He has a love for the outdoors, for animals of all kind, is full of energy and he always has a question to ask. When Derek was 3 years old, he asked me, "Mommy, what's a dell?" (Not as in a Dell computer, but as in The Farmer In The Dell) I had never, ever in my life questioned what a dell was when I had sung that song. But leave it to my little man to ask that question. So being the good Mom, I got out the dictionary and learned that a dell is a small, secluded wooded valley between two hills. So proud of my efforts, I proceeded to tell Derek the answer to his question, and what did I get in return? "ok, thanks Mom" and out the door he went to play. To this day, Derek and I will still ask eachother "what's a dell?" and just laugh at the answer. I have no doubt that someday Derek will find his own dell to settle in and raise his own family.

The years continue to pass and Derek has grown into his own person, with his own likes, his own ideas and his own paths to travel down. What path that will be is still uncertain, altho I have no doubt that it will be the path Derek has choosen for himself. He can be quite the stubborn child at times, but I keep reassuring myself that is a good quiality to have in life.
Every week Derek will come in with a new goal for his life. Whether it is reading a new book, learning how to call in a turkey or how to play ice hockey, if Derek has put his mind to achieving that goal, there is no doubt that he will do his best to see it achieved.

It has always been very important to both Carl and I, that our children grow up with respect and compassion for the world around them. We have tried to instill in Derek, and his sister, that they can make a difference, in one life or in the world. If the desire is in their heart, there is nothing that can stop either of them. Anyone who knows Derek well, will agree he is one of the softest hearted, most generous little guys they know. As he continues to mature and reach more people in his life the possibilites for him will be endless. But no matter how old he is, or how far he travels, or how many lives he touches, I will always treasure that little boy inside....reguarless of time, he will always be his Mom's "sunshine".