Rob Thomas --- For Tyler

The whole tribute is at Rob Thomas message board. I just have to note this down as he so exquisitely expressed that combination of appreciation, honor, and grief of having known, loved, and then lost an important figure in one's life. Beneath all that emotions is one of hope. Hope comes in many forms and can be found in the most unlikely places.

"it was the single hardest moment of my 37 years.
i can't explain to someone who thinks a pet is just a pet, and i don't have to explain to those who know otherwise. everyone who met tyler said that he looked human and that he looked straight into them as if he were trying to communicate.
tyler saved our life. his passing has left a hole in our life that will never be repaired and that we will have to slowly board up so that we don't fall in. we have lost a child, a friend, and in so many ways a teacher. our life will always be "before tyler" and "after tyler".
to him i say thank you for spending your too short time on earth with us. i would never trade any of this pain if it meant not knowing you." --- Rt (I added the bolding; what touched me)