Dereck was only 15 years old when he left this worlld. He did not leave us due to injury or illness, Dereck lost his life here on earth at the hands of another. He was at home babysitting his then 3 year old brother while his parents went to finish some last minute Christmas shopping. Cheerfully reminding them not to forget something extra he had wanted. He always loved christmas, it wasn't about gifts it was about FAMILY and that is something he dearly loved.

Dereck would have wanted everyone that loved him to know that he didn't leave them because he wanted to, it was out of his hands. Two young men, who were over 18, came to his house and shot him, leaving his little brother there with no one else to care for him. Almost 15 years later they are still free.

Justice will be Derecks one day, they are reopening his case and we believe with all our hearts that finally Derecks death will be solved. These two young men have gone on to have a life that we can only dream of for Dereck. I don't sit here and cherish the thought of what will happen to them, but I do grieve for what it will mean to their families.

Not a single day goes by that Derecks family does not think of him, miss him and love him still. Every holiday is a little less bright without his shiniung face in the crowd. And each of his neices and nephews that have come into this world since he went on, know just who he is.

Dereck was a precious gift from God, and I know that he is up in Heaven looking down on each of us, watching and protecting us as only he can. Until the day comes that we can join him, I know that Derecks smile and laughter still ring in all our hearts. We love you DWreck, and will be with you when our time comes. Until then know we keep you with us always.