Denise you were a wonderful mother.Having known Derek since birth he was the happiest little boy. Our 2 boys were always together but age and geography changes their paths. He is always a light in your heart ❤️ love you
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I am sending all loving prayers
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I am Alia Woofenden, Derek’s sister-in-law. I am the wife of Ken, the oldest of the four siblings. But I actually met Derek 1st (followed by Emily, Michael and finally Ken who I fell in love with and married).
Derek was dating my best friend’s sister and I was in 5th grade (I believe). I remember him clearly because he was over 6 feet tall, which was not uncommon in my life, but he also had long hair which was something I did not see much and he definitely caught my attention. But it was his laugh that I really remember. It was loud and infectious. It was fun and memorable.
A long time ago I had to make the decision to not include Derek in our life and our children’s experiences since he was on a dark life path. I know how that feels, to want to hide and escape in the dark, but I had to keep my children from seeing it. Which means they never got to know their uncle Derek.
And that makes me sad and I feel guilty that they won’t remember his laugh. So I’m sorry for that. But I believe Derek is no longer hiding or struggling in the dark and he has found the light. And I'm pretty sure I can hear him laughing in heaven.
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