May 15-2 0201

This is our rescue dog Capone (the middle one), Currently he misses Tyler terribly, but has seen fit to steal his bed with no indications of returning it.
It dawned on me, there are multitudes of well wishers who don't really know anything about Tyler and his relationship with all that's around him. These caring souls are just beautifully compelled to be part of Tyler's healing process, and we thank G-d for all. At the risk of seeming sentimental, or even a bit self indulgent (like I could really give a crap), I want to share the Bar Mitzvah speech I wrote for him almost 4 years ago.

From the moment you were born, I knew we were in for a unique experience. You are truly an elemental child. It is no secret how much the earth and our environment means to you. The earth, air, water, and fire…. Are all part of you and your concerns… especially fire. We will be keeping a special eye on that one.
I cant’ tell you how proud we are of your wonderful humor, and gentle caring heart. The effort and discipline that has seen you to this day, however not always voluntary, is none the less impressive. You have honored your family and friends with your determination to see this part of your spiritual education through. The most impressive part of all this, to me at least, is that “you get it”. You understand the reason you’re here is not merely for the joyous celebration, but for your ancestors, your faith, and for the countless numbers that came before you that never got the opportunity to see this day. You understand the concept of mitzvah, selfless deeds. You are a peacemaker and a genuine good and caring soul.
We always go to the outdoors on Thanksgiving to appreciate nature and instill some reality to what should be a thought-inspiring holiday. One early morning sitting on the rocks near a waterfall in Enders State Forrest, I told Tyler and Josh of the Native American belief that all objects had a soul, and if you listened carefully, you could hear the earth singing. I looked at Tyler who had his ear to the rocks and he said, “Daddy, I can hear the earth singing… and it’s a sad song”.
Not everyone knows the day in your high chair when you ate almost a full lb. of pasta or the unbelievable way you have of turning a phrase, there has never been a dull moment around the Moogy. Tyler gained that nickname after we read Jungle Book. Tyler waddling around in his diaper reminded us of the character Mogli. Thus the nickname was born, and stuck.
Tyler was generally fearless growing up, which was both a blessing and a terror. One year his brother Josh got a Big Jake motorized riding truck. Josh was a bit leery of hopping on, and the noise the motor made. While I was talking to Josh about it, we hear the motor fire up, and there’s Tyler, having hot-wired the truck, he was taking off for the family room.
I get the feeling you sometimes surprise yourself with the amount of discipline and sticktoitiveness you posses. You learned to play the saxophone, you are on the verge of achieving your black belt in karate, and you’re a master video fiend. Your abilities come as no surprise to those of us closest to you though. We can see your potential in all you do or desire.
We pray that you maintain your distinct and occasionally bizarre sense of humor, and never lose touch with that wonderful, sensitive, and caring soul you are so lucky to posses. Always know how deeply you are loved, and how rich our lives are for you being here. Maybe someday it will be you that helps our earth finally sing a happy song.