Goodbye, My Friend

Now that I've thought about it a little bit, I have a few things I'd like to say about Tyler.

I first met him when he came to Pioneer in the first grade, but I really don't remember getting to know him until the sixth grade, which was one of the few years we had class together. He was fairly shy, and he usually didn't have a whole lot to say, but if he did say something, it was worth listening to. That's pretty much the way he was the whole time I knew him, although he became more outgoing in high school. As the years progressed, we talked more and eventually became better friends. We were never best friends who hung out all the time, but he was definitely someone who I enjoyed talking to at school. He was a good-natured guy who was always quick with a smile and a laugh. What I remember the most was seeing the relationship he had with his best friends, who were really like brothers to him. Where one was, the others usually weren't too far behind. Tyler was a good friend, and I will miss him.

Saturday morning, before I knew anything about what would happen, I just happened to look through the senior pictures I had received from some of my classmates. I'm not sure why I decided to do that, because all of that stuff was in a box at the top of my closet. I read through some of the things people had written on the back of their pictures, and Tyler's picture caught my eye, for some reason. I thought about him and wondered how he was doing, because I hadn't seen or talked to him for quite some time. I never would've guessed that things would end up this way. It never fails to baffle me how these things happen, so sudden and inexplicable.

If you happened to read my last post, it seems that the story I gave wasn't fully accurate. I apologize, and please know that I meant no disrespect by that whatsoever. In this day and age of instant communication, unfortunately, there still are communication lapses that can lead to misinformation. However, all that we really do know is that James was injured and Tyler has still not been found (that I know of), and the best thing that we can do is pray for them and their families. To all of Tyler's family and close friends, especially his mother, Brenda, I cannot begin to imagine the intense grief and sorrow that you all are feeling, and know I am sending you my thoughts, prayers, and love. If there is anything at all I can do, I am willing to do whatever you need to make this time easier for you.

We love you, Tyler, and we will miss you.