You found your kindred spirit.

This an old gypsy woman knows. In her heart and not her crystal ball.

Tyler's mom, Denise, is my first cousin. Growing up we did not get to see much of each other. Occasionally we would see each other at a family reunion but we would go years without contact. I only met Tyler a couple of times. Usually we were at a hospital or a funeral for another relative so I never got to know him. This blog has helped me to see what kind of person he was. His attitude was truely amazing. We should all go through life with the same attitude. If a funeral procession gives an indication of the type of person you were, Tyler's was easily two miles long as we were driving to his final resting place. AMAZING!!

I am sorry to have missed out knowing such a great person.

I don't show my emotions much, so I am surprising myself to even be typing this tonight. Denise and Dean, I can't begin to imagine the grief you must feel. I was fighting back tears today at the funeral everytime I saw you. When Ozzy was singing "I'll see you on the other side", that was a huge tear jerker for me.

Denise, we can both picture Tyler running around with Aunt Darlene and Grampa Jim today in Heaven. He IS in a better place and is waiting for us.

Tyler, can you say hello to my mom too?

Trevor, I can't wait for the book. That's all I can muster right now. Take care of yourself!

Tylor was one of my art students at Riverdale. I teach K-8 so I've had Tylor for several years. There are no words to express the depth of grief I feel at this terrible void Tylor has left. He was to be in my 7th. period art class this year. That empty chair will haunt me every day. I loved you Tylor with all my heart. Not a day will go by that I will not think of you and all that you accomplished. The colors are a little less vibrant now. Remembering your smile will gradually help us find the brightness again.

Condolences to the family of an amazing and inspiring spirit...

Thanks Trevor for being there for Tylor. So far this year we have not lost any of our special ed children but the last one we lost the previous school year was hard enough since I had known Ian since grade school. I also helped coach his 'crips crawl' in Special Olympics swimming. Whenever he saw a friend Ian's expression would light up the room. I remember we were all looking forward to a party with him on Friday when we got the news he had been tucked in to bed and just never woke up the next morning. Instead he got to celebrate in Heaven where I hope to meet him again with a new resurrected and perfect body to go with his wonderful personality. The world is a lessor place without Ian and Tylor but heaven gets all the best eventually anyway.

Denise, Dean & family, my love and prayers are with you all, just wish I could be there for you. What an amazing job you both have done with Tylor and I know he is looking down smiling. I hope that the memories comfort you and I pray the pain will lesson with time. Please send my best to your mom and siblings Denise. I pray peace is with you. Love, Mary Barger-Zeller