A Mother's Journey of Heartbreak and Hope

A single mom, raising two teenage boys.

A proud mom, as her older son, Tyler, graduated high school, his whole life in front of him.

All of their lives changed less than a month after that proud moment. Tyler went to a party at a friend's and was found later in his truck, struggling to breathe.

Tyler had taken a combination of narcotics, after weeks in the hospital, in a coma, Tyler suffered a brain injury caused by lack of oxygen.

When he came out of the coma, no longer able to walk or talk. Needing care 24/7.

Tyler's mom, Angie, takes care of him. She cares for him and searches for medical treatments that could help Tyler. Angie goes far beyond the loving care at home. She looks for a miracle and reaches out to people on FaceBook. Giving updates on Tyler, and also has set up fundraising accounts online to help improve his care.

Angie is one of the strongest people I know...after the tragedy with Tyler, her younger son, Joseph was always there for her. He was there for Tyler, showing his love for his brother in so many ways. Helping him, encouraging him to learn to stand.

Joseph was just 13, but he was Angie's rock. Sharing their pain together and caring for Tyler. Going fishing, he would take care of Tyler's fishing rod. Always a smile and talking to Tyler.

Joseph took pride in taking care of his brother's truck. Washing and waxing it, looking forward to be able to take Tyler in it some day.

No one would even imagine another tragedy would strike this family.

But it did.

I remember the night I was on FaceBook and I saw Angie's post. "Going to Mission hospital. It's Joseph."

My heart sank. No, no way.

It was Joseph's 16th Birthday. He and a friend had gone fishing that day. His friend was driving on the way home. There was an accident, Joseph was thrown from the truck and died.

I knew Joseph well, he and my grandson were cousins and were the same age.

Joseph's birthday is July 4th. This year, he would have been 19.

There is no way to know Angie's pain. I know her faith is so strong, I cannot imagine the heartache, the physical and mental pain.

She goes on for Tyler, she holds onto memories of Joseph.

Angie is the one now struggling to breathe.

In the beginning of the Tyler's tragedy, people were there. As they began to fade away, with Joseph's death, people were there once again.

Well meaning people have thought that Angie should move on after losing Joseph. Others she no longer hears from as their lives and the lives of their children have moved on..

Angie's life was turned upside down losing who Tyler was, and then completely torn apart with Joseph's death. There is no sense of "time" as her life came to a stand still.

Grief, guilt, heartache, waves and waves of panic. Joseph, he's really gone. If only I made him stay home on his birthday. Tyler, if only...Yet, she holds onto hope for a miracle for him.

Angie prays, she's exhausted, she's grateful to have Tyler.

Her life is a roller coaster ride of emotions.

Comfort is found in photographs of Joseph, his precious smile and of Tyler, those eyes that sparkled.

Angie is a loving, caring mom. Proud of her sons.

Hope for a miracle for Tyler and with her faith, knows they will all be together with Joseph again. 

Happy Mother's Day, Angie. Hugs to you and Tyler. I hope you feel Joseph's Love All Around! Love, Marge   *2019*