Derek Shin Hoffman

Happy Birthday, Derek! You are 29 years old now. Amazing. Mom and I are guessing that you are celebrating with Grandpa and Grandpa Stan and Grandma and probably a whole bunch of other wonderful people you have met. Speaking of wonderful, I know you would be (or, are...) proud of the many amazing things that Ashley and Eliza have achieved. This year will be filled with choices and both Ashley and Eliza will be making very important ones, at that. Eliza is graduating from high school soon...

Derek, Even though so much time has passed, the memories I have of playing with you as kids still are some of the best. I am now married (even though as kids I am sure I told you I never wanted to) and have a daughter Katherine. I sometimes imagine what life would have been like if you were still here. I know we would have still been very close; you would love Drew (even Kevin approves!) and would have adored Katherine (she is crazy, like me!). You would have also been the best brother to...

Thinking of you, Derek - and your family today. Looking forward to one day that we will all meet, "face to face". With Love, Carfagnas

Happy, happy birthday to my "bestest" son. Can't call you boy anymore since you are now officially 18. Grandpa and Nana got a b-day cake. Your sister blew out the candles for you; Eliza got a bit huffy because Ashley blew out more than her. Jennifer is getting closer and closer everyday of fulfilling the promise she made to you, ...you already know that, I'm sure. Daddy misses so much of the "boy" stuff that he looked forward to when you were born. Instead, he entertains Eliza's...

Yoon,
I think of Derek, you, Tom & family often. Lots of time has gone by, but I'm sure it's never easy and that you miss him just as much. We are thinking of you.
Mary, Rick & the girls

I miss my "Bestest" boy. With every breath I take, I miss you even more.

I am an old friend and colleague of Derek's mother, and I have just come across Derek's obituary and the stories leading up to his passing. I know this is years late, but I express my heartfelt sympathy to Yoon and her entire family. My warmest wishes to you all, and my hopes that all is going well for you.

Hi Derek,
You probably already know that you have a new baby sister, Eliza. She looks so much like you. Her facial expression reminds me of you alot. Although you are not physically with us, in spirit, your warm and gentle smile was present when baby Eliza finally arrived.