Picture a young teen, full of promise for the future, who loved life and lived each moment as if it were his last. Picture a teen whose High School graduation was only two months away. Picture a teen whose ambition was to be an engineer with plans already in place to attend the University of Kentucky. This was Tyler..

Well known for his smile and "skip", Tyler was always happy. His joy not only radiated from his smile, but he walked with such a bounce that it appeared as if he were skipping. People of all ages were drawn to him like a magnet because he sincerely loved people. The most contentment he found was to be with someone, anyone! Tyler saw no difference in people..

Tyler was an encourager. His positive attitude was contagious, and his zest for life spilled out to everyone around him. He was a beloved soulmate to his dearest friends. He loved having his friends come and go as if our home was their home. And, as parents, we were delighted with our identity as, "Tyler's Mom and Dad".

At the age of three, Tyler fell in love with four-wheelers and got his first one when he was four. "Riding the trails" was his lifelong passion, especially if he had someone to ride with him. He also enjoyed video games, fishing, camping, and hunting, but he wasn't content unless he was sharing these with a friend. So, it is obvious that his favorite past time was hanging out with his friends. We believe he continues to do this in spirit..

At the end of this first year without Tyler, we are still frightened beyond words to think that a future without him continues to be our plight. Each holiday, birthday, and anniversary date serves as a reminder of what we had and what we have so tragically lost.

Part of us died when we were told that Tyler was gone. Our hearts were ripped from us leaving us with an enormous emptiness. Not only was Tyler our only child, he was also our best friend, and our reason for living. Our sweet and beautiful boy who captured our hearts and brightened our lives for sixteen and a half years is gone!! We have
never before encountered such a crisis and challenge as the struggle to get through each day continues. The passion to see, touch, and hear him again is heart rending. Yet, unable to fully comprehend what has happened, we go on. We wait with hope

We ache with hope
We hold on with hope
We let go with hope
Cause we believe..