Anna Pak

Derek,

We can not begin to explain how proud we are of you. You have endured so much, things that are definitely worthy of passing on to your children. We know it may seem like you missed out on significant events, however imagine all that you have experienced that no one else has. When else can you see a roll of toilet paper and laugh a little.
You were born when the world was grieving over the thousands of people lost during 9/11 and now you are graduated during a pandemic. Really, there is only a select few who can actually say that and live through it. Even though the two major mile stones that symbolizes a new beginning was stripped away from you due to these tragedies, we know you are going to come out of this a strong, well adjusted man. We are saddened by what you have had to endure, when it should have been the happiest times of your life. Just know that there are far more memories to be made in the future. We can not wait to see what you accomplish in the future. Now go out there and IMPROVISE, ADAPT, and OVERCOME! We love you so much…we BELIEVE IN YOU!!!
Mom, Dad and Brandon