In Memory of Tyler J.
He was nine when I last saw him. A small boy, with bright blond
hair and blue eyes. He had a sweet nature. I don’t remember much else about
him. I was 21. I was awkward around kids. I never knew what to say or how to
be. He liked following around his big
brother. He loved being close to his mom and his aunt. How could we have known
back then? Back when he was nine? Were there signs? Some kind of hint or clue
that he would be troubled? That he would be depressed? Was there something
someone, anyone could have done to intervene? To help this child. He was 23,
just two months shy of his 24th birthday when he did it.
I think about my life at 24. I often consider that one of
the most fun years of my life. Just finished college. Moved in with a new
roommate who would become my best friend; teetered on the edge of wild and
reckless for… just a little while. I did
all the things a twentysomething year old does. He won’t get that year. He won’t
get that time.
I look at my son. He’s just turned two. Is there anything
that I can do now? To ensure he won’t suffer with those afflictions. The
afflictions that make a person turn on himself. No. There’s not. There's just love.
My heart breaks for the family that lost their son. Their
child. I knew him then. I didn’t know him now. I wish I could have helped him.
PLEASE reach out to someone. You ARE loved. You are NOT
alone. And people want to help.
800-273-8255
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