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September 15, 2005
The Surprise
Today I put the finishing touches on a book I have written about Tylor Lauck, an inspirational fourteen-year-old cancer patient who has changed my life.
As I write this entry, the sun is setting very quickly on Tylor’s life. He is no longer conscious but resting comfortably with his family at his bedside.
A few months ago I went up to Ohio to visit Tylor and we talked briefly about his funeral.
Tylor is incredibly quick witted.
“What should I wear at my funeral?” he asked me.
Tylor is really good at trying to disarm people with his wonderful dry sense of humor. I was ready for him this time though.
“I don’t know,” I said. “Let’s look at your clothes and see.”
He took me back to where his clothes were and showed me a nice shirt.
“That’s cool,” I said. “Which pants do you want to wear?”
He pulled out a pair of shorts and held them up to me.
“You can’t wear those,” I said.
“Why not?”
“Dude, you’re going to meet God for goodness sake. You can’t be wearing short pants!”
“Oh yeah,” he said, and burst out laughing. The look on his face was priceless.
He had that same look on his face last weekend when I flew up to Findlay to say goodbye to him.
He had been telling his mum and dad for weeks that he thought I was going to surprise him with a visit.
After hearing from his parents that he was not doing very well, I decided to make the surprise visit come true.
And what a surprise it was.
Tylor’s mum and dad took him to his favorite restaurant. This was a tough task though because Tylor has lost the use of his arm and he only has one leg so he could not move around very well. And because of the tumor pressing on his brain, words were hard for him to find, which frustrated him terribly.
Through the window I could see the hostess seating the family. Once they were settled, I called Tylor on his cell phone. I could hear in his voice that he was frustrated at not being able to form words very well. He had a hard time speaking to me.
“Hey Tylor.” I said. “How are you doing?”
“Okay I guess.”
“What are you doing?”
“Outback. Umm.”
“Oh you’re at your favorite restaurant. The Outback steakhouse.”
“Yeah. Yeah.”
“When should I come and see you, buddy?”
“Anytime,” came his reply.
“How about now?” I said, tapping him on the arm.
He turned and looked over his shoulder and saw it was me. Although he could not smile very well because of partial paralysis, his whole face lit up and his eyes sparkled as they danced with excitement.
I will not forget the look of joy on his face as long as I live. It was one of the most memorable moments I have ever experienced.
We could not stay for long because Tylor was too weak, but he held my hand for the rest of the meal and kept on looking at me and shaking his head with smiling eyes. I know if he could have found the words he would have given me all kinds of nonsense spearheaded by his incredible wit.
I spent a heartwarming, loving, wonderful weekend with Tylor and his family.
It was so incredibly hard to say goodbye to Tylor because I will probably not see him again until I surprise him once more, this time at the Pearly Gates.
As they say in Zulu, “Hamba kahle, ubhuti!” (Go with love, my brother.)
Posted by trevor at September 15, 2005 05:41 PM
Comments
Good for you Trevor. Not many make things that matter happen for people the way you do. Rough entry to read as usual but filled overwhelmingly with demonstrating and teaching what is worthwhile about life. Thank you.
Posted by: Shelley Noble at September 15, 2005 09:18 PM
I find that this letter is one of the most heartbreaking letters that I have ever had to write, I just left my nephew's bedside and the prognosis is not good. Tylor has been fighting cancer most of his life. But this battle seems to be coming to an end, Tylor has slipped in to a coma and is sleeping comfortable. I ask that you please find the time to look at your life through his eyes and with his thoughts. This young man has never faltered and has always given every day of his life 100%. Tylor has shown that life is truly a gift, always.
A while back Tylor met an inspirational person in his life named Trevor Romain and through this website you can come to know my nephew as many others have. Follow the categories archives from February 07, 2005, to the present and I think that you also would agree that these two people Trevor and Tylor are one of a kind.
T and Trevor you have my love always, God bless, Uncle Andr'e
Posted by: Andre Grotrian at September 15, 2005 10:13 PM
What a difference you make in the lives of so many. You are such a role model to me while I deal with a 'difficult' step-daughter. You're my hero.
Posted by: Hashi at September 15, 2005 11:58 PM
Trevor. Hey its Alisha, (Tylor's sister) Heather's friend, I just want to thank you for the phone call when you were in town. Thanks, Heather and I started talking again shortly after you called (Well I think the next day), You were right I dont want to think back and wish it never happened. But we are all better now thanks to you. I cant wait for the book!! You have truly made Tylor a happier person and his time with you really made a difference to him and his family. It was so incredible to meet you, thanks and I hope to see you again sometime!!
-Alisha
Posted by: Alisha at September 16, 2005 06:26 AM
I have heard so much about you and how happy you made Tylor and his family! You are a great inspiration to families going through the same thing! Thank you for helping them and giving them the courage they needed! I have heard all about the great times you had with Tylor and I just wanted to thank you for helping out other people! You are an incredible person and a great role model to anyone! You have changed so many lives and I can't wait to see that book about Tylor.
Posted by: Kim at September 16, 2005 06:33 AM
Trevor. Hey its Alisha, Heather's friend. I really enjoyed the phone call while you were in town! You really made me realize that Heather is going through a tough time and i should be there. And you have really made Tylor a better person, you brought Happiness to his life and to his whole family! He would always talk about you. You were truly like a older brother to him and Heather! Your an amazing guy! Thanks. hope to talk to you and see you soon! *and i cant wait for the book, im so excited! -Alisha
Posted by: Alisha at September 16, 2005 06:50 AM
I met Tyler several years ago, when his uncle Andre brought him out to our home to fish in our pond. Andre, and Lisa call and keep me updated. When I heard you were helping Tyler, I was delighted. You have to be an "Angel" in disguise.
You remind me of the T.V. show Highway to heaven.
Posted by: Loralye at September 16, 2005 08:44 PM