One I Never Thought I Would Need To Write

As Jackie and I set off for a drive this afternoon I received a phone call informing me of the death of Michael, my eldest son.

This was not expected. I can write no more now.

270 comments

  1. Oooh ? nooo…

    So so so sorry ? derrick..

    Nothing is more worse than losing a child ?….

    Please try to stay strong…

    I’m crying ? as I write this..
    Feeling your emotional pain right now….

    Words have no meaning right now…

    But I know you will get through this because you have no other choice

  2. Derrick and Jackie, we feel your pain, and our thoughts and prayers are with you, and your son Michael. A tree will be planted here on our farm in your son’s memory, as we did for GP Cox’s son Michael.

  3. With sincere condolences Derrick, from both of us. Wishing we could express our true heartfelt shock at your unexpected, unbelieveable news. Our thoughts are with you and all your family members whom we’ve come to ‘know’ through your wonderful writing. Alan & Annette

  4. I don’t know what else to say, Derrick, except that I’m truly sorry for your loss. Something that no parent should ever have to write. I wish I could do something for you and your family. . .I know nothing except time will lesson the grief, but I will be thinking of you.

  5. Dear Derrick, I will keep you and Michael in my thoughts. My condolence to you and the family. Lots of love and hugs, Mx

  6. Oh, Derrick. That’s just devastating. I can’t imagine what you and Jackie, your whole family, are going through. Nothing is more important than the people we love; we are lucky that they came into our lives, and stayed awhile. Look after yourselves, old chap… Mike.

  7. Oh my. Not sure any scribble here helps but i can understand how stunning and ghastly this news must be. I just add to everyone else’s thoughts and condolences in the small hope that their aggregation might help in some small way.

  8. No words…. carrying you and yours in my heart, Derrick. No parent should have to experience this – ever… I’m so very sorry for such a tragic loss. Hugs to you and your family.

  9. Terrible news – What a parent dreads. Condolences – take care of each other. May your family find strength in each other.

  10. Oh Derrick, I was so shocked to read this post. Sending you, Jackie and the rest of your family my sincerest condolences on the loss of your son Michael. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I am heartbroken for you all x

  11. I am so sorry Derrick, I have spoken to Becky this afternoon. Was devastated to read about Mike and still so shocked. Sending lots of love to you all.

  12. Where’s the sad button when I need it? I can’t click “like” obviously! It’s impossible to imagine your pain. Surely there is no pain worse than that associated with losing a child. My heart ❤️ goes out to you. ? ? May the love of Family and friends and the beautiful memories of happier days sustain you. Have faith. You shall meet again! ???✨

  13. Lavinia Ross just commented on my site to inform me of this horrendous event. I know words will never fill the void you are feeling, but please know I’m here for you. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.

  14. Oh Derrick. Adding words to this list of those who love you seems not nearly enough. If I could just hug you both right now that is what I would wish most to do. Words fail me as they must you. You are very, very loved by so many here, including myself. I wish more than anything to take away your pain. You are without doubt one of the very kindest, most merciful and good souls I have had the pleasure to know these past years. I believe in love, and I believe in you. I am so very, very sorry Derrick my friend.

  15. Oh, no! 🙁
    I so very very very sorry to hear this, Derrick! 🙁
    This is so shocking and so terrible! 🙁
    Please know that you, Jackie, your Mum, Elizabeth, and all of your family members are in my thoughts and prayers. Many of us love and care about your family and we stand by your side, we cry with you. You are not alone.
    (((HUGS)))

  16. That is such a devastating blow to you and your family, Derrick. May the love and support of your family and friends bring you safely through this terrible time.

      1. hey as a retired social worker you know all the jargon but nothing prepares you for this .. take are of each other!
        Sending you love and light <3

  17. I’m so sorry, Derrick. Losing a child is the hardest loss no matter how old they are. My heart is heavy and tears fill my eyes as I pray for you and your family.

  18. Derrick I am devastated for you. Bill and I have also experienced the loss of a son. There is no sense in our children going before us, and it sounds as if, as it was for us, that the news has come completely out of the blue. What a shock. You and Jackie are in my thoughts in this terrible time.

  19. Derrick and Jackie, this very sad news breaks my heart and my tears immediately flowed. . . So very sorry to hear of this, dear friends. Sending hopes, hugs and prayers your way.

  20. Amidst the chaos of work, I thought of you, and what I’ve just read shatters my heart into pieces. My most sincere condolences to you and your lovely family, Sir Knight. ❤️

  21. I hesitated to join the ‘Like’ list, but know you will take it as an indication of support.
    This is dreadful news, and you have my most heartfelt sympathy. Condolences to you and your family.

  22. That is a terrible thing and one we could never be prepared well enough for.

    My sincerest condolences to you and Jackie and all your family, Derrick.

    I wish you all the strength you may need to best deal with such grief.

  23. Oh, Derrick – it was such a shock to come from hellebores to find this. I have a tear in my eye writing – I can’t imagine how you all must be feeling. I’m so very sorry.

  24. Oh My God Derrrick. Just saw this post (missed it yesterday). I am so sorry to her about the sudden death of your dear Son. My deepest sympathy goes out to you and the rest of your family. It’s hard enough to lose a loved one, but more difficult when it is one of your offspring. May God watch over your son Michael in his new journey to eternal life in heaven. I know Michael’s spirit will remain with you always. Again, so sorry Derrick. My thoughts and prayers will be with you. God Bless.

  25. It really is true, no parent should have to bury their child. I will put a candle on my altar for you and Jackie, and all who held your son lovingly in their hearts.

  26. This is not the natural order of things, Derrick. So sad to read this news and my heart goes out to you and your family. You are in my thoughts.

  27. Losing a child can only be described as one of life’s greatest tragedies. I’m so very, very sorry you have had this happen in your family. My thoughts are with you, Derrick and Jackie.

  28. The situation every parent fears is now upon your family. I’m so sorry for your loss and can only pray for your strength to face the coming days. A hope too, that your pain will eventually be replaced with fond memories.

  29. I am so sorry about your eldest son. This is every parent’s worst nightmare. All I can do is add my sorrow to your own. I do not know you save through your blog, but , all the same, I feel for you and your family. I am sorry that you will have to go through unbearable grief. My thoughts are with you.

  30. I cannot imagine how you and Jackie must be feeling, and dread the thought of having to go through it myself. I’m sorry to hear of the loss of your son, it doesn’t seem fair.

  31. First I’ve seen your post Derrick, only heartfelt sorrow at reading of your son Michael’s passing. I’m heart broken for you and your family.

  32. Derrick, I am so so sorry and sending huge condolences and will be praying for all of you and especially that you find some sense it everything.

  33. Derrick,
    I can’t believe you have lost your son. Of course, you cannot write. I feel so sorry for you and for Jackie. My most sincere condolences. Love to both of you. ❤

      1. Derrick,
        It so saddens me to know that your son died. Allow me to express my deepest condolences.
        I will be thinking of you and Jackie. It’s a tragedy in your life, the life of a good father, and in Jackie’s life, the life a good wife and dearest companion. X

  34. Derrick – I have no words to tell you how sorry I am for you and Jackie. Just yesterday I read one of your latest posts where you mentioned the freckles. I was somehow prompted to go back and read more of your older posts, and here I found this heartbreaking announcement. Sending love and my deepest condolences. Through your blog, you and your family have become dear to me.

  35. Because I have not been able to read too many blog posts in the last few weeks I missed this tragic event. I can’t tell you how bad I feel for you and Jackie, Derrick. May Michael rest in peace and his memory be a blessing to you. Many hugs from Arizona.

  36. Derrick, I just read this and I apologize for the late remarks. I can only offer my sincere condolences, Derrick. We have become friends thru IG, and friends grieve for each other I’m certain moments. This is one moment when my heart feels your sadness. Please stay strong as you and your family work through your own grieving. Take care, Steve

  37. Derrick and Jackie, I did not read this until today. I was catching up on all I had missed over the last several weeks. I have no words that can help you bear the loss. I send you love.

      1. Busy and under the weather. But I am better and back at the exercising. Had a couple of weeks off of singing which helped. My thoughts are with you. I send on (probably badly paraphrased) Joe Biden’s words: One day the smile will come before the tears. I found them to be very true. Peace, my friend.

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