Derek BOOGAARD

In Memory of our son, who left us way too soon Derek Boogaard June 23, 1982 - May 13, 2011 I MISS MY SON When the sun comes up and sun goes down. I MISS MY SON In the blowing of the wind and chill of the winter. The after game phone calls late at night, hearing his voice, just to let me know he was OK, don't worry MOM. I MISS MY SON When the buds are opening, and in the warmth of the summer. Him coming home in summer off hockey season was just not long enough. I MISS MY SON In the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of Autumn. I MISS MY SON In the beginning of the year, and through every day until the end of the year. I MISS MY SON I miss his big teddy bear hugs with those long, long arms and his lopsided grin from ear to ear. I MISS MY SON When we have joys to share, remembering how he loved his brothers and sister. How he wanted us all together. He would have thoroughly enjoyed his nieces and nephews. For everything you have missed, my heart breaks. IF I HAD A SECOND CHANCE I'd do the things that I had wished I'd had, to let him know how much I loved him. IF I HAD A SECOND CHANCE I'd hold him close and hug him tight, tell him he is our shining light. IF I HAD A SECOND CHANCE I'd let him know how proud I was to be his mother. Derek's life mattered, and hopefully because of him, and the memory of what he had gone through, will open eyes even more to concussions and CTE. How many more players need to suffer the fate of our son? As long as I live, you will never be forgotten, you are always remembered. In our hearts you will live forever. LOVE YOU FOREVER Mom, Dad, Curtis (Gladys, Logan, Haden, Molly), Ryan (Lisa, Skylar), Aaron, Krysten (Tyson)