One of the reasons I enjoy the derpy character so much is because.. To be blunt.. Derpy is what most would refer to as retarded or slow. I think that having Derpy in the cartoon openly sends a message of sorts to children watching it. Something to the sound of equality. Can't put my finger on it exactly. Perhaps acceptance is a better word.

I grew accustomed with both portrayals of Derpy and I don't think they must be mutually exclusive. Since she has no background we know of, anything might be possible. She could even be a loving, caring mother who happens to be rather clumsy since she is very thoughtful and easily distracted at times but pulls herself back together when her daughter is around her, so that nothing ridiculous or dangerous might happen to her. So Derpy would be perfectly capable of being an awesome mother for her daugther, since she insanely loves and cares for her, despite being a moving desaster area for anypony else... Well, works for me...

Love you, Derpy.

I believe you have captured what I love in Derpy the most. There's a bit of her in all of us, we may not feel the smartest or the quickest at times, but I like to believe she's true to herself with a heart of gold. That is part of the reason she holds a special place in my heart

I lovelovelove Derpy Hooves! I figure you captured her perfectly here, at least in my headcanon. I always pictured her as being clumsy, not very bright, maybe even a little "retarded" in the most correct sense of the term, as in with genuine learning disabilities. But very loving, gentle and kind, always happy to help (or try, even if she just makes things worse the poor thing) and constantly well-intentioned. And a great mother.

I hope Hasbro makes this whole fan made family relationships between them canon

Cute as all get out...