#HelmetsForTyler
On Sunday, June 10, 2018 the cutest red head I ever met headed out the door for his first party as a senior in high school. He had his skateboard in hand but no helmet in the other. It breaks my heart to type this, but he never returned home.
I've been blessed to have known Tyler Wendorf his entire life. I was living over seas when his mother, found out she was pregnant. I came to visit them and force fed Angela Bojangles and Chick Fila. Because that's what you do for your pregnant friend. Even if she only ate the skin of the chicken. I was super excited she was having another baby! Would this one have red hair? A boy, a girl? Oh my! Red hair, red hair!!!
On March 1st, 2000 Tyler came into this world gorgeous and looking just like he should. Perfect.
With Red hair!!
With Red hair!!
Who Remembers that couch? Look at Martin's long legs.
I moved to NC when Tyler was 4 months old, at 7 months I moved next door.
Tyler was stuck with Martin and I. He was so tiny. I remember him walking at Christmas and I couldn't believe someone so small could walk so fast. He was a stinker. One time when Tyler was about 3, I came home from work and saw some jewelry of mine in the living room. I could not figure out why. Until I made my way down the hall and saw a trail. He poured my jewelry box across the entire house. Who knows what went down the dark pits of the heating vent. I could not get mad at him. What else is a 3 year old to do? I did rig my bedroom door so he could not get back in. I had to set booby traps along the way. He still tried. He never gave up. He was smart and strong willed. He had his own name for me. He called me Shiloh. We all thought it was funny. I answered to it and everyone knew who he was referring to. My husband was Mar-Mar. He loved him some Mar-Mar. They played constantly. He even let Tyler and Ian destroy his PS2 because he loved them. For Christmas we wrapped a teeny tech deck, under the tree we all shared that Christmas. On Christmas morning Tyler was already trying to do tricks on it. I was blessed to have Tyler and his family live with me.
We lived together for about 6 months one winter. We would eat dinner as a family. Our favorite food to order was Tai Fried Rice. It was so spicy and good. Tyler's little red head would have a matching red face when he ate the rice. He loved his "hot rice"! I think we ate hot rice more than once a week. Tyler always tried new foods that I gave him.
In 2010 I was blessed to spend a week at Tyler's house. It was fun spending time with him, his mom, and his brother. We went for a hike and Martin and Tyler did some fishing. They had fun. Those two were always two peas in a pod. They had their own bond.
Even if it was putting Tyler way up in a tree hole.
Just Kidding, but he sure loved having fun with him.
Most of all he had something special with Buddy. If you do not know who Buddy is, you do not know me very well. He was my first kid. Tyler and Buddy were the same age. Buddy loved playing fetch. Tyler was afraid to grab the ball from Buddy's mouth. After a while of them attempting to play, Tyler just throwing the ball, Buddy realized the problem and would instantly bring the ball back and drop it so Tyler could throw it. I watched these two teach each other to play where Tyler felt most comfortable. They were ball playing pals! Years passed and we got to spend a week with Tyler. Buddy was right back by his side. This time they played video games.
We lived together for about 6 months one winter. We would eat dinner as a family. Our favorite food to order was Tai Fried Rice. It was so spicy and good. Tyler's little red head would have a matching red face when he ate the rice. He loved his "hot rice"! I think we ate hot rice more than once a week. Tyler always tried new foods that I gave him.
In 2010 I was blessed to spend a week at Tyler's house. It was fun spending time with him, his mom, and his brother. We went for a hike and Martin and Tyler did some fishing. They had fun. Those two were always two peas in a pod. They had their own bond.
Even if it was putting Tyler way up in a tree hole.
Most of all he had something special with Buddy. If you do not know who Buddy is, you do not know me very well. He was my first kid. Tyler and Buddy were the same age. Buddy loved playing fetch. Tyler was afraid to grab the ball from Buddy's mouth. After a while of them attempting to play, Tyler just throwing the ball, Buddy realized the problem and would instantly bring the ball back and drop it so Tyler could throw it. I watched these two teach each other to play where Tyler felt most comfortable. They were ball playing pals! Years passed and we got to spend a week with Tyler. Buddy was right back by his side. This time they played video games.
A dog never forgets his first friend.
Tragically Tyler suffered a traumatic brain injury. As soon as his Aunt told me what happened and had her flight booked, I did not hesitate to take my family. The story of Jonah and the whale from a kids book I read Sadie kept ringing in my ear. "When God says Go, you Go!" I knew that was Gods way of saying GO, book the flight, be with your friends, they are your family. I prayed I would make it there to be by Tyler's side. Unfortunately, after a few days of attempting to get the swelling in his brain to go down and an unsuccessful brain stem test, his Mother and God"FATHER" made the hardest decision any parents had to make. They decided to donate Tyler's organs. In their loss they shared their loving son with so many families. It was a very honorable and courageous decision.
Tyler is the Hero to these families. I hope one or a few will reach out over the next few years. I know it would be comforting to Tyler's Mom and Aunt. Recently a letter arrived and it had a little story on each person who received an organ from Tyler. A few were very young and a few now have life and will live on carrying his gorgeous smile.
Your smile went for miles Buddy, I miss you and I wish we spoke more the last time we video chatted.
You are loved by so many. You will be with us forever and I hope your Mom and God-Dad find comfort in the days ahead. So many people loved Tyler. He will be always in our hearts.
I promise to bring honor to your memory and name. I bought my helmet today, just for you. I have said I'd get one for over a year. I told the sales lady all about you. She told me she was going to consider buying a full face helmet. At the Rodeo Parade a few riders had helmets. I urge all parents to make sure their kid(s) are wearing proper helmet while doing any high impact sport. It only takes a second and a short journey on your bike, scooter, skateboard, or horse to cause a major tragedy.
PLEASE WEAR YOUR HELMET!
PLEASE WEAR YOUR HELMET!
If you would like a #HelmetsForTyler Sticker drop me a comment and I will make sure you get one in the mail.
Check out Tyler's Memorial Blog page at https://helmetsfortyler.blogspot.com/?m=1
