The sun is just starting to rise, and as the city begins to stir, the cheerful sounds of morning television fill one cozy kitchen. Over a warm cup of coffee, mother and son, Tacklon and Derrick, are already deep in conversation about last night’s episode of Jeopardy.
Derrick, a beloved individual in Laradon’s Adult Day Program, is known among staff and friends as a social star. He can make anyone laugh until they cry, but also knows how to listen and be a good friend. Laradon was the key that opened doors for Derrick after high school, allowing him to continue to grow and thrive.
“Laradon was a huge blessing. It has kept his social skills sharp and allowed him to have friendships,” Derricks mom Tacklon shares with a smile. “Laradon also helped him find a job. He worked at Little Caesars for 10 years and was always praised for his work. I am so thankful for this place.”
“Day program is great. I get to see my friends like Antoine and go to Metro Caring. That’s my favorite place. I want to try and work there,” Derrick says.
When Derrick is not at Laradon, he spends time at home with his mom. They enjoy quiet rituals such as cooking meals, cleaning the house together, and simply talking.
“We like to mainly sit out here in the living room first thing in the morning and have a cup of coffee together and just talk,” Tacklon says.
It may just be the two of them, but neither would change it for the world. The profound love Tacklon has for her son is unmatched and Derrick loves her right back.
“I love my mom,” Derrick said. “She always picks up the phone when I call and lets me rent movies as long as they are not scary.”
Tacklon has been Derrick’s caregiver since he was born, ensuring he is set up for success every step of the way.
“It can be hard being a family caregiver, but I wouldn’t trade my son for anything in the world. I love the person he is. Patience and respect is the key to raising a child with developmental disabilities because you never know what’s going to happen,” she shares.
While Tacklon wouldn’t change their bond, the reality of aging means planning for the future. The question of what comes next for Derrick is front of mind, as it becomes harder for Tacklon to manage all the responsibilities alone.
“I have to start thinking about who will take care of him when I am gone but Laradon’s Community Living Services has been great with helping us figure out what’s next,” she expresses.
When the time came to film Laradon’s 2025/2026 feature film, there was no question who should be the star: Derrick.
He is the perfect representation of what Laradon is. Someone who has faced adversity but has never let it hold him back. He embraces who he is at his core. His kind soul and fierce loyalty to his friends are qualities instilled by one person, his mother, Tacklon.
This month, we honor those like Derrick and Tacklon who truly emulate the meaning of family and community.
Now, please enjoy Laradon’s new film: “Community Is.”
By: Katey Lewicki, Communications Coordinator
