Introduction To Our Family
Welcome to our page in dedication to our son Derek. Our names are Brandee and Steve Lendosky and we are the parents of Derek, and our children’s names are Lucas and Peyton (and we can’t forget our mini-schnauzer Sage). Throughout this page, you will read comments by either Brandee or Steve, referring to things we are doing in Derek’s memory, ways of paying it forward to others through the Acts of Kindness campaign. It is a wonderful, and something near and dear to our hearts, and that of our family’s and entire community here. We hope that this page inspires you to spread those same feelings of love to others, not just in our son’s name, but because it feels so good to give, knowing that you will not be receiving anything in return. Now to tell you a little about our son.
Derek Stanley Lendosky graced the world with his effervescent presence on August 7th, 2003 and unexpectedly walked into Jesus’ arms on Sunday, August 4th, 2013 — three days before his 10th birthday. He was going to be a fourth grader in a month. Derek is a light that can never be extinguished. He loved everyone, and everything. He was smart, talented, kind, handsome, and one of the best angels God created. Though he was with us for too short a time, he impacted everyone around him, especially his parents, and his younger brother and sister.
Derek lived to play. Baseball, basketball, football, board games, card games, video games, WWE wrestlers, cars, his overabundance of stuffed animals, he loved it all but his favorite thing to do was pitch for his little league team. He kept statistics on anything and everything. He played piano with the hopes of being in a band someday. He was a green belt in karate and getting ready to test for his next level the month he passed. He loved to read, and was just finishing up the second Percy Jackson book so he could go to the movie with his mom on his birthday.
Derek had so many goals for his life. He wanted to be in a band with his friends, he wanted to write like his mom, he wanted to play sports as competitively as his dad, he wanted to travel the world, and work in the family business. He even talked about when he was older and he had a family, how fun it was going to be. We know he walks beside us still, but we carry on his goals in the lives that we touch when we spread his message to others.
People ignited the fire for the movement to get Derek’s message to the world. Random Acts Of Kindness with no recognition needed began happening in some of the most creative, inspiring and touching ways imaginable. Schools across Wisconsin started telling students how to spread on the message to “Do it 4 Derek” and how to think of others first. Derek’s spirit is bright and alive thanks to everything people continue to do in his memory.
His message is simple — do something for someone just because it feels good — do it just to make them smile. Thank you for helping us live Derek’s message, and we hope you’ll take the time to tell us your story of how this impacted you.