Tyler Copley, the effervescent and most impressive young man

One of the terms in military parlance is over-watch, which essentially means occupying a position to provide a watchful eye for someone else, often a unit or person is moving and someone else will take the high ground or fly over head and provide backup.  Upon arrival home from Iraq, I was distressed to find that Tyler Copley, the son of one of my best friends, had a relapse with his Ewing’s Sarcoma and had entered hospice.  I know all too well that hospice home care is done with dignity and professionalism by all involved but can there be any more terrifying word on the planet?

I wrote about Tyler and his family here. Tyler started his bucket list and had been ticking off the items to include skydiving, shaving his head, and getting matching tattoos with his Dad.  I had made plans to visit Tyler but I myself had some health issues and was advised not to visit him till it was cleared up.  We did talk and I could tell it was paining him to even have a conversation. This story by Bill Sanders in the Atlanta Journal Constitution touched a lot of people and many went to Tyler’s site to offer words of encouragement.

Today at 0100L, Tyler moved to the over-watch position and now watches down on his family and friends.  He is at peace and I know as do so many that he lived as full a life on this earth as anyone could have and touched so very many. There is a popular song on the radio these days, no idea of the artist, but one of the lines is “tears on my guitar.”  Right now, I have tears on my keyboard.

May God continue to watch over Tyler Copley as he watches over us.  To Connie, Kirk, Sarah, and Todd, may God grant you the strength and peace you will need in these next coming days as you deal with the passing of your son and brother.  If you are reading this and believe in a higher spirit, please say a prayer for my friends.