Death, it's one of the few things in life that's truly unavoidable. I know everyone has their time, but your’s came too soon, and it's not fair. My uncle always said that nothing is fair, fairs are for elephant ears and carnival rides, and that nothing-especially life-will ever be fair. I have tried to twist the situation a million different ways to make sense of why you were taken from us so early in your amazing life, but I can't find an answer. That's the problem when life’s cut too short; you ask “what if” and “why” over and over again, but never seem to find a solid answer. No one will ever understand the struggles you faced, and through all the pain we are facing now with your loss, at least your pain is gone.

It's so comforting knowing you are finally at peace, the peace you have always deserved. This wasn’t supposed to happen, you were supposed to live a wonderful life, and I wish I knew why. My mind will forever have the “what if’s” and “why’s,” but this is what I do know. You had the most contagious smile and laugh that lit up even the darkest of rooms. You made everyone in your life so grateful to have you, and now we all get to hold you in our memories. You never made anyone feel bad for the cards you were dealt, which wasn’t an easy deck. You took on life the best you could and you truly left your mark. You always found a way to make your mom, your little brother, and your father so proud; family meant a lot to you, and you made sure they knew that. I would give anything to bring you back, to give you the full life that you deserved. You had a purpose here on earth, and even though that was cut short, your memory still serves a purpose to those who loved you.

They say “only the good die young” and losing you made me realize the harsh reality of that statement. You may have physically left us on earth, but as clichè as it sounds, you will never leave our hearts. I will see you in every sunshiney day and rainbow in the sky. I will proudly celebrate you with stories of your youthful antics and your selflessness. Send me a whisper, visit me in my dream, show me you haven’t left. I will hug your mom extra tight for you and watch over your brother. I could use your help with that too, he needs you as close as possible. I can't wait to see you and your smile again, so hold down the fort up there until the rest of us meet you in heaven. Love you forever TB.

In loving memory of Tyler Scott Bain 1992-2016