TAKEN FROM A JOURNAL ENTRY WRITTEN MARCH 10, 1998:
Well kiddo, my labor started at 8:30 last night so your dad and I went to Strathmore quite excited because we were finally going to meet you - that excitement came to a screeching halt when the nurses couldn't find your heartbeat. Dr. Avramenko was called in right away and he couldn't believe it because just 4 hours earlier you had a good strong heartbeat. But alas he couldn't find one either. We were rushed to Calgary by ambulance in the hopes that an ultrasound would find your heart beating and then maybe a c-section would be preformed. Once we got to Calgary your Auntie Lona, Uncle Rob and Annie, Grandma Johnson and Grandma Thiessen were all there waiting to find out about you. But it was to late - the ultrasound couldn't find a heartbeat either - you were gone - because I was already in active labor they said it would be best for me to have you naturally. So for 9 hours I was in the first stages of labor and then I pushed for 3 hours. I finally delivered you at 09:07 am this morning - you are a boy - but of course you already knew that - you weighed in at a hefty 8 pounds 2 1/2 ounces and were 21 3/4 inches long. You have the darkest curliest hair I've ever seen. Your daddy held you right after you were delivered and then I held you. We named you Derek (for yourself) Alan (your daddy's middle name too). Both of your grandma's held you when you were still so very warm. You were surrounded by a lot of tears - but even more love.
These are some poems that I have written to and about my only child, Derek
**BRIGHT STAR**
The sky has a bright star,
**This poem has a special meaning because Within the Constellation COLUMBIA
is the star located at: RA 5 59 08.8 D -42 48 55, with the scientific name of N (Eta). This beautiful little star has officially been given the name DEREK ALAN THIESSEN. Derek's great-aunts bought this star in his memory.**
WEDNESDAY'S CHILD
Lisa and Douglas Thiessen lovingly remember Derek Alan Thiessen born still on March 10, 1998.
I am so very honored to receive the March 1999 Mom of the month
award from My Mom Is A Survivor
This award would be considered an honor any month of the year - but
being choosen as Mom Of The Month for March is even more of an honor - because
March will forever be "Derek's Month" in my mind. Thank you to all who
made this possible.
I hope that you enjoy your visit through out the pages of Derek's site: