Welcome
to the personal website
of
Wilma Derksen

..... a writer, mother of a murdered child, coach/therapist, accidental artist, forgiveness practitioner, responsive life writing teacher, and spiritual pilgrim.
​If any of these interest you, feel free to stay for a visit.

​This is how it all came to be.
* Even as a young child, I've always wanted to me known as a writer and pursued journalism as my career choice.  It was my greatest thrill to become an author. 
 * I'm probably best known as a mother of a murdered child when in 1984 our 13-year-old daughter, Candace, was murdered here in Winnipeg, an event that changed the direction of my life completely together with my identity.
*  This new identity brought a new awareness of the suffering of others. To prepare for this and manage it professionally,  I went back to university to study. I now work at Oakville Wellness Center, as a coach/therapist.  
* Along the way, I became an accidental artist painting "White on White," and am presently a member of the Theotrinsic Art Group.  This  has been for my own personal therapy.
* I'm also considered an expert on forgiveness having given presentations on this subject  since the murder of our daughter.
I admit I love to talk about forgiveness.  I believe in it - but I am still a novice and always will be. However I am a devoted forgiveness practitioner which means  I am engaged in the art of forgiveness, the discipline required in forgiveness and identification with forgiveness. Since forgiveness always bumps up against justice issues, I continue to remain interested in creating  a more satisfying justice for all. This has become my secondary cause in my pursuit of forgiveness. I have recently joined the board of the Victim Assistance Community Grants, Inc.
 * Five years ago, I became a proponent/instructor  of "Responsive Life Writing" (RLW)  Course a new passion of mine, hoping to  help others to release their personal stories through responsive writing exercises.
  * Lastly, I see myself as a spiritual pilgrim a traveler, who is on a journey to a holy place. I have joined other pilgrims at the Maplecrest Church. It has been a lifelong pursuit of mine to know and experience God fully. 
​

---

..... and yes - I am alive! 

​*****
​And there is more - I have an a wonderful husband, Cliff Derksen and five amazing children and children-in-law, Our first born, Candace, has passed. Our daughter Odia married Larry Reimer, our son, Syras, married Natasha Fay. They have brought into this world, three fascinating grandchildren, Simeon, Anna, and Georgia.
Oh yes - and I have a secret garden.  This is the view from my bedroom patio. Love it! Cliff is the gardener. Thank you - Sweetheart!