“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted: he rescues those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

These words never meant more than on the night of May 11, 2008. We were already in prayer because our 17- year-old son, Tyler, was much later getting home than we had anticipated, and he was not answering his cell phone. Then our phone rang and on the other line we heard the words that every parent fears.... accident... hospital....get there quickly. This was not the Mother’s Day that we had expected. Tyler had been in McDonough visiting his mother, and was returning home when the accident occurred, less than a mile from his mom’s house. After many painful hours in the hospital waiting for news from test results, the shocking truth was revealed the morning of May 12th.....Tyler was gone. The trauma to his brain was too much to sustain life.

As we stood around Tyler’s bedside the days that followed trying to find the words to say goodbye to the one we loved so much, we knew it was not just us in the room; the Lord was there too. How do we know that is true? Because there is no way that we would have been able to make it through without him. We were crushed in spirit, brokenhearted, BUT not broken. The Lord did that for us. He allowed us to choose life after death.

Tyler was a junior at WRHS. He was a soccer player, an all A student, older brother, friend to many, beloved son, Christian, but he also something else. That something else has proven to be his legacy–Tyler was an Organ Donor. He had made that decision when he turned 16 and got his driver’s license. We were proud of his decision, but of course, never thought it would become a reality. The head injury Tyler sustained was deadly, but his organs were life-giving!

Lifelink, an Organ Donor Program, was able to work to match Tyler’s organs with multiple organ receiptants. Within 48 hours, Tyler’s organs were harvested and placed in needy individuals. Because of Tyler’s gift, many people live today. I remember thinking about Tyler’s “gift” the day we left the hospital. It made me real ize that Tyler was always a giver. He gave hard work to his teachers at school, dedication to his coaches on the soccer field, respect to his parents, time to his brothers, laughter to all who knew him, and an easy-going attitude that we all learned from.

We have the pleasure of being in contact with one of Tyler’s organ recipients. She received one of Tyler’s kidneys, which was a perfect match for her. Before the transplant, she was on daily dialysis. Her life now is a full one. She is so sweet to remember Tyler on his birthday and the anniversary of his death by sending us a note of appreciation for the gift he gave, his organs. She understands the significance of the gift she received, her life in exchange for another.

I read a quote one time that said, “We must be willing to allow God to interrupt our lives.” Tyler’s death, as sad and tragic as it was, has given us a different outlook on life, one we never would have experienced before. We see family, friends, our community, and the significance of a church home in a whole new light. It’s not that we didn’t appreciate these things before, but through this interruption, the death of a child, we definately love more, appreciate more, laugh more, study God’s Word more than we ever did before. This interruption has allowed us to be moved by God’s Holy Spirit and accept love and care from others in way that has touched us beyond words.

One such act of love came this May from our home church, Christ United Methodist Church in Warner Robins. They dedicated a blood drive in memory of Tyler. Hundreds came out, and a new record was set–121 units of blood were collected that day. I know how proud Tyler would have been to see the Fellowship Hall full of willing donors. It was such a joy for our family to work the blood drive and visit with those willing to give. After Tyler’s accident, he received blood for his injuries. Even though the blood did not save his life, it did allow his body to be strong enough to donate his organs.

To a community who loved Tyler and has loved us and taken care of us through the most painful time in our lives, we thank you! It is wonderful how everyone has helped to keep Tyler’s memory alive. And to our church family we say, BLESS YOU! Tyler grew up at Christ Church, and so many members of our church family were a part of making sure that an unsuspecting 17-year-old boy trying to get home to have Mother’s Day dinner with his family was ready to meet his Maker. There is no greater gift than that!

Tyler’s death was sad, but the good news that Christ offers is that his story had a happy ending. Because of Tyler’s faith in Jesus Christ, he rejoices in heaven today. 2 Corinthians 6:10 tells us this, “Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything.”