Tuesday, December 2, 2008

CHERISH THE MOMENTS ♥♥♥ In Memory Of...

♥ Tyson ♥

♥July 15, 1988 ~ December 2, 2005♥







Today marks the three year anniversary since our beloved Tyson returned to live with His Father in Heaven. I wasn't sure I was even going to do this post, but then I realized since this blog is partly a journal for my family, I really needed to. I knew it would be a tough thing to do, but I actually found it therapeutic in many ways as well.


There was only ONE Tyson ever born on the face of this earth. He was very unique in so many ways! If asked to describe him in one word, most people would say "funny" or "humorous" or "witty". He always kept us laughing over something. He had a way of being funny without even trying. In third grade he had to write an epitaph. His read:

R.I.P.

Here lies Tyson who was a good friend.
He met his demise by looking at too many girls.

This was a common scene at our house. His pants were always falling off and it didn't bother him one bit. If they weren't completely off, they were on their way.


He had a great love for animals and little children and they were both very drawn to him. He could always be found with his little cousins and they loved to be around him. He couldn't get enough of his younger brothers when they were little babies. He always wanted to be holding or hugging them.

(All of the pictures are much better if you click to enlarge them)


Tyson had a rough start right from day one and spent a lot of time in and out of the hospital. He didn't let his health problems slow him down or keep him from living his short life to the fullest.


He was a fan of Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, Batman, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and many other action heroes.


He had a very close relationship to each of his brothers and they were always best buds.

Tyson always had a twinkle in his eye. He was one of the most kind, caring, loving, and sensitive little guys that I have ever known. He always thought of others needs before his own even when he was not feeling well....which was a great deal of the time. Even at his sickest point, he would come into my room before he would go to bed each night and ask me if there was anything "I" needed. He was always a joy to be around. He would light up the room when he entered.


How he loved little babies...











There was never a dull moment with Tyson around. He was always coming up with something interesting to do to keep us amused. He definitely wasn't an angel at all times! After he passed away, his friend Matt told us how one of his favorite memories of Tyson was when they would be walking in a parking lot on their way into a store and Tyson would take the little yellow ribbon magnets that people had on their cars that said "Support our Troops" ... he would take them off one car and throw them onto another as he said, "That was his and now it's hers" or "That was theirs and now it's theirs" ~ that was just so Tyson. He was his own person. His trademark was wearing Hawaiian shirts even before they were popular. Sometimes he would wear them with clashing ties! There are not too many ties that go with Hawaiian shirts, but that didn't stop him from wearing them.


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Tyson loved people and they loved him. He had a lot of friends. The photo above (third row down - second over) was of him getting ready for his skit when he was running to be a class officer. He ate canned dog food as part of the skit! The entire skit was hilarious...no surprise. He won the election with the most votes and so was made Freshman Class President. It was no big deal to him. He served well, but didn't let it go to his head. He was a really picky eater and would have lived on Rice Krispies and Snicker bars if we let him.




















Tyson loved to paintball, make his own movies, ride four wheelers, go camping, go to his grandpa's cabin in Wyoming, snowmobile, fish, water-ski, wave-run, to drive (even though he could barely see over the wheel and was known by name by all the law enforcement officers in our city because he was pulled over so often for appearing underage!), hang out with his buds, watch movies, draw (he was an amazing artist), and water-color (he did that so me and him could spend more time together). He really wanted me to teach him how to sew when he was about 10. I did and he made a bunch of flannel PJ pants and other things. He was very creative and was always coming up with something to make or create. He loved fireworks...especially the illegal ones. Him and his friends blew up an old toilet (and videotaped it) in his friend's backyard (the Bishop's house!) when they were supposed to be in Sunday School. They also blew a hole in solid ice at the frog pond. He had a little bit of pyro in him!


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Tyson loved the ocean and the beach. We were so fortunate to be able to take all the boys to Hawaii in 2003. It was the greatest trip for our family and Tyson couldn't get enough of the ocean.
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Skyler was serving a two year mission for our church when Tyson passed away. Little did I know that this photo above (third row down, second one over) taken at the MTC would be the last one of them together. Tyson told his Dad once that he wasn't afraid to die. He then said, "I'm afraid of sharks, but not afraid to die."☺








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The third photo on the top....↓ is a decorative mushroom covered with a towel (NOT what it looks like!) though THAT is what they were wanting it to look like!





He was always grateful for every act of kindness shown to him. He would always say thank you to the nurses, doctors, RT's, and even phlebotomists who inflicted pain! He had a reputation for being the most polite patient in the hospital, but when armed with a either a 100 cc syringe full of water, silly string, ice bullet in a straw, or some other surprise, he was ruthless! Most of them got to know him pretty well and said he was their all time favorite patient. He called himself "The King" because he knew when he was in the hospital he could eat anything he wanted whenever he wanted. We once smuggled in his bunny Bandit for a visit at Tyson's request. He kept him hid under his covers and no one was the wiser. The most amazing thing about Tyson was even though he went through so much and was really sick so often, he NEVER complained. And I mean NEVER. I am constantly amazed that he was able to do that. He was always okay with whatever needed to be done no matter how much pain was involved and had the most incredible attitude through it all. What an example he was for us all.























I have always had my boy's write a FAVORITES list in their journals periodically. The last one Tyson wrote had some great insights.

Greatest physical attribute: I'm bigger than a midget
Worst physical attribute: I'm almost as small as a midget
Things I miss about Sky: Our drives
Greatest talent: Picking up ladies
Favorite thing about home: It's home
Favorite thing about the hospital: Hah hah funny
Favorite thing about school: Social life
Favorite thing about Skyler: He understands
Favorite thing about Bryce: He's a funny kid
Favorite thing about about Taylor: He's very nice
Favorite thing about McKay: He makes me smile
Favorite thing about Mom: She does so much and she loves me
Favorite thing about Dad: He always know what to do and he loves me
Favorite thing about Grammy: She's a cool Grandma
Favorite thing about Grampy: He's funny
Favorite thing about Grandma Jo: Cookies
Favorite thing about Grandpa Jo: He loves me
Favorite thing about Bandit: He makes me happy
Talent I wish I had: Athletic
Quality I admire most in others: Understanding
Favorite weather: 72 degrees, warm wind, sun out
The thing that makes me happiest: When my mom and dad are happy
Greatest regret: He left this one blank...that says a lot.
I am most thankful for: Medicine



The above is the yearbook page in his memory. I wrote the poem in hopes it would comfort his friends.







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His brother Skyler wrote this amazing tribute as part of a letter he sent to be read at the funeral.
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Words cannot convey how much we love and how much we miss this amazing young man. He was such a bright light in our lives and though he is now gone from us for now, his spirit and memory will always remain deep in our hearts. He taught us so many things, the least of which is to cherish the moments we have with those we love. I am so grateful that we did that very thing and we have no regrets. I am also so very grateful that we got to spend the time we did with him. I will treasure and cherish each and every one of those moments of that 17 years I was able to spend with such a noble and amazing young man I was fortunate enough to call my son. I am most grateful for the gospel plan and the unwavering faith and knowledge I have that we will one day be re-united. What a grand blessing it is to be able to know I will one day see him again.

Be still and know that I am God...


















♥We love you Squirt♥


22 comments:

Kelli said...

Jodi, your son is who he is because of who you are. This was an amazing post. A great tribut to him and your entire family (BTW, I love the pic of you all on the stairs with grinch pj's) this has crossed my mind since 1988 and I have had many years where I knew I would never live through loosing a son, I have come to better terms with it in the last couple years but still not where I might/should be. This helped me alot. Thanks you to you and your son! I still dont know what he passed away from. I did see RT so I am leaning towards breathing issues. All his pics he looks healthier than anyone I know. What a great man. I bet he is working hard and keeping everyone laughing on the otherside. I pray you have a peaceful day.

Anonymous said...

Oh Jodi....... this has to have been a hard post. What a tender mercy we have in a Savior that through our faithfulness allows us to again be united as families in the hereafter.

This must be the reason the spirit is so very strong with you and through you...

((HUGS))) to last the days

RoeH said...

A beautiful post. My thoughts and heart are with you today for a peaceful day of remembrance of an amazing son. I'm sure he is with you more than you know.

LarryG said...

I know you are very proud of Tyson!

The joy comes right through!

My all your days be blessed with his sweet presence in wonderful joyful ways!

karessamom said...

Oh Jodi, thank you for sharing such a lovely post. What a tribute to him! What peace we have in knowing the "plan" and the Gospel! Thoughts are with you today. He will always live on in our hearts.

Mel said...

Jodi- what a touching tribute for your son! I loved looking at all the pics. What a blessing it is to have the knowledge of Heavenly Fathers plan. Have a great day!

Yvonne said...

Oh, jodi, what an amazing post. He sounds like an amazing young man. It's times like these we are so incredibly blessed to understand the plan of salvation.

Hugs.

Anonymous said...

My heart goes out to you this day. Time seems to have gone by so quickly, and yet it seems like an eternity. Only truly beautiful people are blessed with such a truly amazing person. Although I did not know Tyson well, through you he has touched my life, and I have become, am, and will be a better person for the inspiration that he gives to you for it helps me. You and Dave are amazing!!!!!

Da Bergs said...

Oh, Jodi, thank you for sharing! I really enjoyed reading about this TOTAL boy of yours! He was darling! What a blessing to have had him... and for him to have been in YOUR family! Families ARE forever!

Chelsea said...

What a nice post. Thanks for sharing.

Karen said...

What a wonderful mom you are. I pray you can have peace today for know what a hard day it is for you. I am grateful I knew Tyson He was truly an amazing guy! The life he led was an example to all of us.

Love, Karen

Tina said...

Wow, Jodi...What great memories and pictures you have!! I can't imagine what it's like to lose a child...the greatest pain ever, I suppose.

God Bless...

Anonymous said...

Jo,
Thanks for the memories. Thanks for being there. I miss him a lot. I know that you do too. Days like this can be hard, but what an honor for having had the opportunity of being his parents. He truly touched every life he met. I know how much he loved you. As one who shares that sentiment please accept my deepest appreciation for all that you do and all that you are.
~Dave

Unknown said...

A beautiful tribute to your son. My heart aches for you and your family. I cannot imagine what you must feel. The Gospel is such a blessing. Thanks for sharing.

Jen said...

Jodi, what a beautiful tribute! I loved looking at all the pictures. What a character he is! I really didn't know Tyson well, but I feel my life is enriched knowing him through you. I admire you so much. Thanks for letting me share a bit of your life. I count myself blessed because you are my friend. He is so lucky to have your family and I know you feel the same about him. Family is such a blessing. No wonder it's central to the plan.
Love ya!

fawndear said...

Awww, Jodi. I'm at a complete loss for the right words. I hope these will do.

THANK YOU FOR SHARING!

The Hoyt Family said...

What a great tribute Jodi,
I can imagine how hard this was for you.. You have such a great family!! I am honored to know you and have you for a friend.. I didnt know tyson much either but I heard many storys and what a great person he was. And I have come to know more of him through you.. Your so inspiring and spiritual. I admire you and you qualitys. It's great to know of the plan of salvation. And know that your family will be reunited again. One of my favorite quotes "Hoorah for Israel"
God bless you and your family..

Kelsee said...

This was very touching and I am sure hard to do. Thank you for sharing. It really made me think about a lot of things.

Time to Blog It Up! said...

Your post was very touching, what a wonderful family you have been blessed with. Sounds like he was a wonderful young man, thank you for sharing your thoughts about him. He shares my birthday July 15th, what a great day!
What a blessing to have had him with your family for so long, enough time to enjoy him and learn so much from him. What a wonderful day it will be when you are re-united once again. Take care...Tamee♥

Amy Plumb said...

What an amazing post. What an amazing family you all are.
I can see you all must miss Tyson so much. I hope and prayer you and your family have comfort though knowing he is Home now and one day you all will be with him and will have more wonderful years together.
Thank you for sharing,
Amy

Jaynie said...

What a lovely post. Thank you for sharing your memories with us.

Anonymous said...

The sketch of Christ with a child caused me to take a peek. What a sad but beautiful written inspiration. All your boys look so much alike. Thank you for sharing his love of Hawaiian shirts making it easier to identify Tyler. All are so handsome with smiles I found contagious.
My simply finding this blog shows just how mysterious our Lord works. How awesome He truly is. Thank you for sharing your story. Thank you so much. Although I never met I will never forget your Angel Tyler.

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