 | Derek Available Now $15.95  | "Readers of this book will get a glimpse into the perfect communication between a mother and her son that most people would not think possible given the physical circumstances. |
| My book is the story of my first son – Derek Michael Aiken. It is the story of a boy who some doctors thought might not even have a brain, yet he could communicate! His eyes, his smile – his occasional tantrum – said loudly and clearly what he couldn’t vocalize or sign. Derek couldn’t hold his head up, couldn’t control his movements. He was deaf, he wouldn’t ever be able to speak or sign. When I saw him for the first time he was tiny – weighing much less than he should have at four months old – and spastic. His breathing was so labored I could actually feel the noise he made as he inhaled and exhaled. In the 14 years we shared, I learned from him about love, acceptance, joy, and the strength of the human spirit. |
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Can’t wait to read your book. Derek was an amazing little boy. Marian loved him so much and because of her care and love for him he was one of the happiest little guys I have ever seen. I miss all of you so much.
Mary Ann, your family helped make Derek’s and my lives a bit easier when we were neighbors. You filled in as a babysitter many times when I needed someone quickly and your children came over to play and entertain Derek. Thanks for being wonderful neighbors and yes, I do miss my friends in West Virginia.I hope you enjoy the book and I know you will recall many of the stories in it. ~ Marian
I located your website – such wonderful information, photos, and history of your amazing journey! I’ll have to spend more time exploring this website but just seeing photos of your first guys – Derek, Rusty, and Ben – brought back so many memories of when they were in our classes in Romney. We wish you continued blessings and all the best to you and your family – please keep in touch! Barb Stein
Hello Barb, thank you for taking the time to look at the website. I’m sure seeing the three boys when they were much younger would bring back many memories when they were in your class in Romney. I always felt they were being served well under you expertise, given the different levels of communication and physical care they needed. I’m sure you’d be impressed with the level of communication Ben has reached. Thank you for giving him the foundation when he was a little guy. ~ Marian
Oh Marion…I loved all your boys, but Derek was special in so many ways. The most beautiful eyes and always a smile on his face! I remember when you were sewing your wedding dress we placed him up against the leg of the table that jiggled when you sewed…and as you sewed he also jiggled…and giggled! Such a happy boy! I also remember the night light in his bedroom that reflected on the ceiling with colors and movement. Though he could not hear, he could see the movement and colors as he drifted off to sleep each night with a peaceful joy…and remember how he also loved to watch the fish in the aquarium by his bed. Such special memories and such a wonderful MOM! Cannot wait to read your story…
With love and hugs,
Karen Winger
Thank you Karen for visiting the family on my webpage. I’m glad you have so many fond memories of Derek and many of the other boys too, I’m sure. We appreciated when you and your entire family came into our home to volunteer and sometimes to bring meals and help with everyone. Your family was one of the first I met when I moved to California and it’s nice to still be in touch when we cross paths at church. ~ Marian
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Hi Marian, I got your book this week, opened it and read the whole thing in one day. Now I want to go back and read it again. It made me smile and it made me cry. In fact, I am having a hard time writing this with tears running down my cheeks. The picture on page 80 of the two of you sitting in front of the fire just melted my heart. I had seen you hold Derek in your arm that way so many times. You would be smiling and talking and signing and he would just smile back. I kept flipping back to look at that picture as it brought back a flood of memories. Learning of Maureen’s dream was my other favorite part. I always believed that Derek had a gift of knowledge that the rest of us did not have and that he just knew things. The way that you wrote the book was just beautiful Marian. Thank you so much for sharing it with us.
Susan, I know this book brings back so many fond (and maybe sometime not so fond) memories. I’m glad you enjoyed reading but I also hope many of your tears have been wiped away. To be honest, I still have tears when I read parts even today. What a strong little guy he was and you were able to share much of his earlier years with us. Thank you for writing and making positive comments on the book Derek. He’s a child we’ll never forget. ~ Marian
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