What would we do without him?

Utah Mountains July 2010

Bryon and Tyler Repelling

Lately I've been reflecting a lot on the gratitude I have been feeling for our Son Tyler. A recent experience is the cause for the reflection as it has made me realize the fragility and blessings of life itself. Tyler has been extremely busy this summer between all sorts of camps, hired yard jobs, friends and EFY. He's been happy busy. Anyone that knows Tyler knows how much he likes to be busy with things of value, whether strengthening relationships or doing jobs or service of worth. The experience I referred to recently was on the High Adventure camp the Young Men from our ward went on. They were planning and so looking forward to this event for weeks before it happened. The plan included hiking none other than Mt. St. Helens, river rafting, camping out and fishing. It sounded so fun even I wished I could go! They set off early Wednesday morning not to return until late Saturday as they were planning to finish the trip by going to the temple for baptisms for the dead in Portland, Pizza at a member's Pizzaria as they often do after a temple trip, and ending with a Tri-Stake dance. Upon returning the boys seemed quite tired and related that the event was less than what they expected, to say the least, as one of the leaders had experienced car trouble that required a mechanics help and waiting for that part to be delivered to the autoshop where the car was being serviced. Obviously this was not anticipated by anyone and was a real dissappointment. However, they kept busy with what activities they could. Following is the story as related to Steve and I late Saturday night upon the boys return home. The account that follows is exactly as recorded in Tyler's journalc. He gave me permission to share it. Unfortunately the computer isn't working with the scanner properly so we had to type it out instead of just scanning the account straight from his journal. Here is the account:

Sunday, August 15th, 2010

      I  feel the need to write about a life changing experience I recently had.

     Our church had a youth high adventure camp where we planned to go to hike Mt. St. Helens, explore the Ape caves and go witewater rafting. We had car trouble and took the car in to a shop nearby to get it fixed. Well, it was Wednesday and it wasn't supposed to be fixed until noon on Friday. We stopped at a camp where we would stay till then and our spot was next to the Louis river (Southern WA). There was a great swimming spot there to do a little rafting and on the other side, there was a cliff that you could jump from into deep 20ft. or so water. 

Tyler's drawing of the cliff

The others went rafting a short distance away while me and another boy decided to stay by the beach and just swim. 

     We started to swim and got very close to the cliff when he started to panic. I thought we could make it but then I noticed signs of unconsiousness. I told him to grab my hand and he did, but then quickly lost strength and went under. I thought he was gonna pull me under too. It was the scariest moment of my life. The closest people to us were on the beach about 60 yards away. 

     I reached down and grabbed him from below the water and put my arm around his chest and knee below his spine (as was taught in lifesaving Merit badge). [The week before at scout camp!] I had about 40 yards to swim till shore while fighting to keep not only him but me as well, over water, knowing later I was very tired, weak, lightheaded, and dehydrated, I thought we were both not going to make it.
     I gave loud shouts of help but felt like no one was listening. Just when I thought I was going to drown, I felt added strength. It felt as though I had a life Jacket under me keeping me afloat and I know the boy recieved added strength as I was able to push him a ways then grab him then push then grab him, as soon as we could touch, he went to the beach and lay there for several hours. This experience has greatly impacted my life because I know that Heavenly Father is always there to protect and watch over me. As well as my testimony being strengthened in knowing that the Lord's hand is in all things. I realize I participated in saving a life.

After learning of this account I recognized the Lord's hand in all the previous events of the Summer that led up to preparing Tyler to be physically and spiritually ready and the reason I continually felt I needed to have a prayer in my heart for the boys safety anytime they went anywhere. The freshness of having earned the lifesaving merit badge the week before, the strength given to Tyler in the most frightening and life threatening time in his life, and the knowledge that he yet has an important work to do on this earth is sobering and very felt by Steve and I. Oh how blessed we are to be alive! What a testimony I have of the gospel of Jesus Christ and how grateful I am to have it in my life. Every day is precious and I pray we don't take any of it for granted but feel it all and live it well! We are so thankful for Tyler's safety and determination and love for others. What would we do without him? I have an idea, but I'm grateful the Lord sees fit that I don't fully know. Thanks to God for Him!

August 2010

Tyler swimming with Alyssa at Amazon Pool. (They just went down the slide)

Amazon pool, August 2010

Tyler helping little brother Justin learn to go under water