Poem from Reily

Posted this on Facebook, but I didn't want to lose it so I thought I would share it here.  Reily, my soon to be 12 year-old granddaughter wrote it about her brother, Andy.  It made the whole family cry.  It is especially poignant due to the fact it is one day before the fourth anniversary of the death by suicide of her cousin, Tyler.  Both grandsons are missed and hold a special place in our hearts. 

He sometimes is sad
He sometimes is mad
But always smiles
Sometimes he laughs
Sometimes he cries
And the world never dies
When you get to know him
He is the best...
At least when he wants
When he is sad he frowns
When he is mad he scolds
When he is happy he smiles
And when he smiles it goes on for miles

When he smiles it is warm
When he is sad everyone is there
When he is cheered he is fair
He has a kind heart
And a warm soul
That is better than silver and gold

You will love him from day one
Well I did and I had fun
His time on Earth now is through
But no one could forget you

I still love you
I won't deny
Always since the sparkle in your eye
Even though you aren't here
You are as special as you were when you left

Thank you, Reily, for being who you are.  Love you.

Buddy

Today was a very sad day.  Dave took Buddy to the Vet to be put to sleep.  The house seems so empty already. Both of us decided no more dogs or pets of any kind.  The funny part of Buddy was I didn't like him at all at first.  He was my son's dog and every time we would go over to his house, Buddy would pee on me. He did that cause he was excited to have visitors.  When he came to live with us, he stopped doing that. Whew!!!  Just before he left for the Vet today, he was sitting on my lap and since his bladder was failing, he dribbled pee all over me.  I wasn't mad at him at all.  Just kept hugging him. 

Buddy...we love you dearly and will miss you immensely, but take some comfort from knowing that now you are playing with your best friend, Tyler.

Tyler Neral - 3 years gone, but not forgotten.

I wish I was a genie in a bottle and could grant my family three wishes...One would be that Kaely didn't have hydrocephalus...she is such a lovely child...The second would be that Andy didn't have spina bifida and hydrocephalus...he is so smart and loving...and the third is that Tyler wouldn't have died by suicide...his death three years ago today has affected all of our immediate family, plus his friends, who are now adopted family and very important to all of us. Tyler was full of life and love. He cared so much about the state of the universe and wanted to protect us all from hurt. As he did in life, he does so in death - protects us all, walks beside us...I feel him here as I write this. I can't explain it. The crows in the sky appear when I am really sad. I am sure I will see them today...I love you still and forever, Tyler, as will all the people whose lives you have touched, even some you didn't know. Again, I wish I was that genie in a bottle and not just Jeanne, your grandmother.

 

I left my other grandchildren out seemingly, but they know, I hope, just how much I love and adore them.  I miss the ones far away, but that doesn't mean they are loved any less.

 

My favorite pics

 

Out of Darkness Walk #3

Yesterday was the Out of Darkness Walk.  It is the third year for it.  I did reach my goal of $150 even though my page for the walk does not show this. I handed in pledges that I received in person. 

Thank you to all who donated. It is greatly appreciated.

I don't know the statistics yet for how much was raised or how many walkers there were. It was absolutely freezing in Youngstown yesterday morning.  I laughed at Dave when he got gloves out to take.  I was glad he did in the end.

 Here are a couple of pictures from the walk:

Team Neral
But at least 12 are missing

Everyone writes messages
This is mine to Tyler.

Metalsmithing Class

Anita talked me into going to a metalsmithing class this Spring. It was at the Appalachian Rock Shop  in Harmony, Pa. Our instructor was Jo and there were a bunch of ladies and one gentleman in the class.  I learned quite a bit about sawing, filing, and soldering.  All things I never was interested in before.  I signed up for the Summer class, but after starting one project, I couldn't finish because of my muscle spasms in my neck.  I am supposed to have a Botox shot in that muscle in December so I am hoping I can return in the Spring to classes. 

Anniversary gift for Amy -
Tyler's crow design
First Project
 

Second Project - Cut pieces out and solder -
then form ring - don't stop portion



Arrow portion



Entire ring symbolizes - Don't stop, keep going

Third project Sterling silver ring -
Amy was given this too... 

Out of Darkness Walk

Tyler has been gone almost three years. October 13, 2012 is the date. Mill Creek Park is the place.

This will be the third Out of Darkness walk our family has participated in. Death by suicide is still considered a stigma in some circles and the world needs to realize that is not the case. Help me get the word out. Come walk with me. I need donations, but to me that isn't the most important thing. It is spreading awareness that is what I hope to accomplish. This disease can happen to any family. One needs to recognize the signs. Even then, prevention may not be possible. Thank you to all who have helped me cope through the years with this tragedy.

You are loved and missed by all who knew you, Tyler, and by some who haven't even met you.