leanneslife.com

To my friend Derek Peterson

Derek,

I want you to know how much you meant to all of us. You were sweet, innocent and the nicest person I’ve ever met. I sit here with tears streaming down my face because I can’t believe you are gone. I didn’t even get to say good-bye to you. I think our last hallway conversation was a joke about our unexpected “couples massage” in Beijing .  You and I always had that to laugh about. 

I sit here and think back about all the great times we shared and the occassional ”year-long” meetings we had to attend. Remember the 12-hour Day in the Life in Hong Kong? Holy Cow! 

You were such a bright spot in all our lives.  Your glowing spirit and sweet personality made you a friend to everyone.  No-one could ever say a bad word about you.

It’s just not fair that God took you away from us so early in your life.  Why can’t he take the evil people?  Why does he take you at such a young age?  I guess if there’s any consolation, your illness happened quickly so you didn’t have to suffer for a long time. Still, it hurts.

I’m glad I wasn’t in the office today when word spread about your passing.  I just couldn’t have handled all of the emotions and tears that I’m sure were present. Everyone loved you – everyone adored you – everyone respected you.

I think about all the wonderful things you have given us.  My life is better because you were a part of it. I will miss you dearly. I will miss walking by your desk and shooting you a quick smile – just to say hi.   I will miss you smiling back. 

Rest in peace Derek. 

 

Derek at the Great Wall of China – 2005

 

 

 

 

Our tour group in Beijing in 2005.  Derek is bottom row, far right.

  

 

Rick, Derek and me at the Great Wall of China

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derek and I shared a wonderful post-event dinner at Disneyland Paris at the 15th Anniversary celebration

 

 

 

 

One of my most favorite pictures of Derek – watching fireworks in Hong Kong with Angie.