Hello my beautiful son.

It's been 5 years today since I lost you.

How can it be 5 years already?

And yet it seems like a lifetime.

My son, my best friend, my hero.

I love you. I miss you.

I will see you again.

With all my heart,

Mom.

Hi Tyler, it's been four years since you've gone and honestly you're still very much missed. I am writing to you because I want to thank you for being my friend and making me laugh. I miss your teasing, I miss learning about Star Wars from you.. Speaking of Star Wars, I went to Galaxy's Edge in Disneyland and it was amazing. I thought of you the whole time, I kept wondering what you would think of it. I'd like to think you'd have loved it. Thank you so much for getting me into Clone Wars, I still have the seasons you helped me download on my computer and your special episode guide. I think of you when I see new Star Wars stuff, I think of you when I see Abraham Lincoln (remember that funny accident that happened on Imgur and someone called you that? lol), I wonder about what your opinions would be on new shows (Ahsoka is getting her own, isn't that awesome?). Because of you I have been able to connect to more people about all things Clone Wars, especially during the pandemic. For me, the passion you started within me has helped keep me afloat during these hard times, and I am grateful to you. I even built my first LEGO set (it was of the Siege of Mandalore)-- I think you would be pretty impressed by my LEGO building skills. But anyways.. I know the time we knew each other wasn't that long, and I wish we had opportunity to talk more, but you left a huge impact on me, my life, and I want you to know that. I hope, wherever you may be, that you know you are well missed and not forgotten. I am so grateful for having known you, even if our time being friends on this plane was short.

My Son,

I lost you one year ago.

The pain of losing you has never subsided. I know that it never will. I have just learned to adapt. Time does not heal all wounds.

There are very few moments that I am not thinking about you. You are never far from my thoughts.

I have gone through many “firsts” without you…and seconds and thirds…very difficult. And there are many more experiences to come – you were to be here with me to share them. So now I do them without you. For the rest of my life I will be without you son.

I often think about your incredible sense of humor, your compassion for the vulnerable and your love of animals. I think about you with happiness when I see something “Star Wars”, or a food that you loved…well my boy with happiness in everything I see. And yet also with the searing pain of loss.

I also remember what adversity you had to deal with in this life. This is the only solace I have, knowing your body is now healthy and your mind clear. How I wish you were able to have that down here with us.

There are so many that miss you and love you. I know we will see you again.

You left this life too young and too soon son. I love you, I miss you.

You were my boy, my best friend, my hero…. and you always will be.

Tyler and I haven’t known each other for long. But during the talks we shared over the last 6 months, here’s what I can tell you about him. Tyler had a big heart. He loved his mother and his new shelter kitty more than anything in the world. He liked helping out people in need, in the community we were part of. When one of his other internet friends disappeared for a bit, he would be concerned and ask for help to find them. He had ups and downs, but overall, he was optimistic about his future. He was a kind soul and I will miss him, dearly.

Tyler, although we did not know you well personally, we did get to know you well through your Mom. We had many conversations during which she would comment how very proud of you she is. She was so happy with the man you became even with the countless procedures and challenges you faced. She often said you handled things like a rock with immense strength and that you were her Hero.

Your Mom was your Guardian Angel and now you can return the favour and be hers forever.

May you rest peacefully.

The Walkers

Hi Carol,

I have tried twice to read what you wrote about your son but tears engulfed me.

But I am happy you know that Tyler is happy and in good hands. No amount of essay I write here will make this situation go away, but know that Tyler is watching over you and will never let you fall apart. That’s all I can say to you Carol for now. Take care good friend.

Our prayers and thoughts are with Carol and her family at this sad time. Our condolences.

Ken, Debie, Joe and Jaclyn Babey

Carol, it was with such profound sadness that we heard of the passing of Tyler.

Tyler loomed larger than life in your eyes and we hope it gives you some comfort knowing there was never a more devoted mother, faithful friend and loving caregiver.

Please know that we are thinking of you, sending you love and hugs and are here for you if there is anything at all that we can do for you.

Love Leslie, Ken, Colette, Melissnt and Simone

I am Tyler’s uncle who along with my wife Marilyn live in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Tyler had some health concerns for which we all wish did not exist. He was however not one to complain despite the countless appointments and procedures he endured or the fact that he was not able to do some of the things that we all take for granted. I think as a result of this that Tyler knew more about life in the short time that he was here than many of us knew at his age. Tyler’s mother Carol continues, even at this time, to be a pillar of strength. Tyler was very, very lucky to have her in his life as she was indeed very lucky to have Tyler in hers. We are so grateful that Tyler would spend time with us during our visits to Calgary. Tyler you will certainly be missed. Rest In Peace young Jedi. With our love always, uncle Ron and auntie Marilyn.

I am sorry to hear about your loss. I met your son Tyler sometime ago, and even though our conversations were few and our friendship brief, I can tell you that he was a lovely friend. He had a way of making someone laugh with his witty humor and a way of lighting up whenever he shared and talked about something he enjoyed. I will look back fondly on the memories I have with him. He was a very funny, caring, smart individual and he will be missed by many.

I am really sorry for your loss. I never met your son but just want you to know your in my thoughts. Please take care of yourselves and know if there is anything I can do to help please feel free to ask.

I’m so sorry for your loss. Your son touched my son all the way in California, USA. My son has been very worried about Tyler as he hadn’t heard from him for 4 days. I did some looking and found this. Matthew is very upset by this news. Your family is in our thoughts. Sincerely, Lisa Perdue mother of Matthew Gillis

Hey Tyler. I’m going to be frank. I simply don’t know what to say. Words escape me. You have been one of the closest friends I have ever had the honor of knowing. We may have never met in person, but damned if that means anything. We spoke almost daily. We knew almost everything there was to know about each other. We spoke of the things that kept us awake at night and of the things that made us happy. I am sorry that I didn’t say it more than I already did but talking to you was always a core part of my day. I’m going to miss you. And to his family, that may or may not read this, I offer my deepest condolences. Having known Tyler very well I know how this loss stings. If there is anything I can do, please, feel free to let me know. I know that may not seem like much coming from somebody who never saw him in person, but I mean that with everything I can muster.

I am Tyler’s step father of twenty years. When he was two he would be in a diaper with a cowboy hat and an air guitar, and would jump off a small table and rock to guns and roses. He couldn’t say Dave so I was Beeve. I saw the difficulties health wise for many years. Carol was incredible at caring for his health needs. Tyler became more familiar with his medical needs and would question what was best for him. Tyler had an incredible sense of humor. We had many chats over the years which allowed me to understand his trials. Tyler was fantastic on the computer, had several collections which he cherished. Tyler knew what his mother had done for him throughout his years and loved her dearly for that. It was a privilege to know him almost his whole life. God bless you son. Go see your Grand dad. I love you. It is with many tears I bid adue.