I called Derek my golden boy after loosing my son Erik. Erik was so sick but lived his 10 months with all my hope and strength and love. After he died I prayed for healing for my self. After more miscarriages (even just before Christmas ) I lovingly carried Derek for the usual over 9 months ( all my kids cook a little longer in the womb). His thick blond wavy hair and healthy body were what stood out as he brought joy to my life thus the nick name, Golden Boy!. He has continued to briing joy to many. He has compassion and openness to the uniqueness of his fellow man//women ,Along with many traits, we share a love of physical challenges, Here he shows his sister Valerie his one handed pushups !
Last week Derek completed a" family and friends supported 142 plus mile ironman challenge!'Here he is near the end of the marathon part of the run,. supported by family and friends. I biked along side to add water, food and love and encouragement. At this time he had been going for 12 hours.
Here is Jake and Derek preparing at the beginnig of the day, We paddled and kayaked alongside him in Deer Creek to protect him from boats and cheer him on. But, he was faster than we could paddle, Karina and I couldnt keep up with him! We were wet and cold and we werent even doing the race!
Here he is after getting out of the water, A very happy swimmer!
The biking part was wet and windy and LONG. 
More love and support. all day long
At the begiinning of the day our group supported with prayers and love for the just under 15 hour day. It was like a day in the life full of success and trials and trying to conquer and complet goals, Derek kept my nick name the goldenboy once again.
Last week Derek completed a" family and friends supported 142 plus mile ironman challenge!'Here he is near the end of the marathon part of the run,. supported by family and friends. I biked along side to add water, food and love and encouragement. At this time he had been going for 12 hours.
Here is Jake and Derek preparing at the beginnig of the day, We paddled and kayaked alongside him in Deer Creek to protect him from boats and cheer him on. But, he was faster than we could paddle, Karina and I couldnt keep up with him! We were wet and cold and we werent even doing the race!
Here he is after getting out of the water, A very happy swimmer!
The biking part was wet and windy and LONG. 
More love and support. all day longKarina and Koki finished running with Derek in the dark at the last 5 miles.
At the begiinning of the day our group supported with prayers and love for the just under 15 hour day. It was like a day in the life full of success and trials and trying to conquer and complet goals, Derek kept my nick name the goldenboy once again. 
