a Life well lived....
This is a great picture of a great young man...lifted up to heaven too soon.
We still live across the street from the home where Tyler was born and grew up. Our family knew him pretty well. In fact, there were times when it felt like Tyler lived at our house, he knew he was always welcome.
There is a part of his story that is hard.
His memorial was last Saturday and was beautiful.
The weather was beautiful, the sky was clear and the sun was glorious
location was ideal, lots of patio and many open doors
for standing room only
as many friends and family gathered to Celebrate Tyler's life
Jan, his Mom, was the first to take the stage. ( she is an actress, but her message was "for real" )
She shared from her heart, some of the hard things that Tyler endured. Early in his life he developed a brain tumor. He lost his hair. He did not look like the other kids. His vision was severely impaired. Kids can be cruel. And they were. Actions that we never want to hear, but, they took place and were good for us to remember
Jan also told us about his accomplishments...some that even those of us with full vision have not done, but he was ready to try just about anything. He excelled in many things
Jan read a wonderful message from Pastor Katy, Holy Spirit Lutheran Church. The church, especially the women ( that was repeated, so it must be true) loved and welcomed Tyler. They welcomed him into their church and into their hearts. Since it was just across the street from his next address, I can only imagine how many times he entered their doors.
I say that because during those years that Tyler lived across the street, he was in our home and in our life, like family.
Tyler's family was strong Catholic and our family was strong Protestant. One day Tyler and I had a conversation... We agreed, we believe in the same God, the same Jesus and that He is the way of salvation. So I know that I will see him again.
But...until then, we have memories.
Yes, Tyler was like part of our family. He seemed to know when a party was going on, and he was there. He knew his way to the front door and the back, he might even come in without knocking...he knew he was always welcome.
A memory from Mimi, in his class " I remember that school year ( 5th grade I think?) being keenly aware that he might not make it through the year. And he did. And every year following just felt like a gift. A constant reminder of life, it's frailty and the existence of miracles, walking among us "
Tyler was a fighter. Many hard times were ahead, but he stayed positive. He was a hard worker and kept up quite a pace even when life got more difficult.
He stayed happy and content with life.
There is still a little bag by our front door where I slip key chains to add to his collection
He had over 4,000 !
But more than key chains, Tyler collected friends. There is a verse in the Bible that says Jesus was no respecter of persons...that was Tyler. He did not care about your background, your status, your age, he cared about You !.
After he moved away, his connecting was on the phone. Along with remembering every birthday and some anniversaries, he kept us up to date on his family.
He loved his family. He was proud of his family and eager to share what was happening in their lives.
He would also let us know about the neighbor or friend he ran into at a husky game, or just out and about.
His hearing was amazing. He could pick up a familiar voice anywhere.
His memory was amazing.
His laughter was amazing. That little ( and sometimes not so little ) chuckle, so Tyler, so connected to who he was
Tyler had a style all his own.
Just a few more reflections from our family.
Steel trap memory.
His hearing was shocking. It was impeccable for sure
He was never at a loss for conversation
His laugh was uninhibited, in fact he seemed to have lived uninhibited
He just lived.
He was comfortable in our home, he would just walk in like he lived here
He was part of the family, always
Next up was Scott. He lived right around the block and was also in Tyler's grade. In the past few years they spent valuable time together. Scott would pick him up and they would enjoy a meal or snack together and then... Tyler loved telling jokes. Sometimes the same as before, but still bringing laughs.
He also shared the memory of hard things that Tyler had to overcome. They stayed friends till the end.
A coworker from the Lighthouse for the blind. Dana had also heard Tyler's jokes. They had worked side by side for quite a while
Mazzy Eckel, Tyler's niece, loved her Uncle. She had visited him on his very last day. She had skipped school to be with him.
We closed with the Prayer of St Francis of Assisi
It was a sweet time of sharing
Each of us were privileged to take home one of Tyler's key chains
I took two... The Seahawk..we are fans
and the simple blue band.
It reminds me that simple things can bring pleasure
for Tyler and for us all
we were not ready to say goodbye to Tyler
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