It's been a year and I still can't wrap my head around the loss of Tyler. My thoughts are so jumbled from such deep sadness to anger to confusion to happiness and hope. How could such a wonderful boy approaching manhood and full of potential be taken from this earth? His smile, sense of adventure, willingness to find the best in every situation, and his lovingness for all his family will forever be missed. I speak of him often so even his youngest cousin, who may not remember him physically, will know him. When the air disappears from my lungs and the tears stream down my face, I only need to think of all the loving and fun times we all experienced with Tyler and I can slowly start breathing again. I'll never forget the countless hours in the pool, playing games to all hours of the night, crab hunting, drinking mixed up sodas of every kind at the ball fields, camping, listening to loud music in the car, and Uncle Dave trying to scare all the kids (and me) with ghost stories. I have so many memories with Tyler that are etched into my mind. One particular memory makes me smile every time and I feel like it was yesterday. Tyler was a young boy and we went to the store Best Buy. He picked out a CD and ran over to show me. It was Brittney Spear's very first album and I can picture the jacket cover even though I've probably never seen it again. He held it up and told me that's what he was buying and I ask if he liked her music. He said I don't know, but I think she's cute with his big trademark grin and giggle. It feels as though there is no explanation for the loss of Tyler, but I am full of hope and faith that we just can't see it yet. Someday we will all be together again. Until then, Tyler is forever in my memory and I hope to live each and every day with Tyler and his love for life in my mind and heart. Love, Aunt Carla