BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE In loving memory of my beloved son, Derek, who would be twenty-six today, October 8th.

He came to me with his skinned knee holding his breath, pretending to feel no pain, as I washed away the hurt and the dirt and put the bandage on. I knew that no matter how great the sting, this would be one of the easiest wounds he would ever have to deal with. I wished I could shield him forever from all the injuries life delivers, in spite of knowing he would never want that - not in a million years. So I raised him and embraced him and holding my breath. I sent him into the world...

And then the unimaginable happened on that mid August morning, Derek was tragically taken away from me without the slightest warning.

A life so young released to Heaven.

Left on earth I wonder why

But some are sent among us briefly.

Some have spirits meant to fly.

Loving and missing you not only today but everyday.