Oh Skagway, you have my heart. This has been a long time coming, and I don’t know if I have the right words, but I’m going to try. 

Thank you all from the deepest part of my heart. Thank you for saving me during the worst storm I have ever had to weather. For protecting me and holding my soul together until I was able to start picking up the pieces. 

To all the first responders and clinic staff, I know how far and above you went to keep Scott with us. To those of you that were there when it happened, I know it was awful, but you did what needed to be done with everything you had. To everyone who sat with me, fed me, checked on me, made a donation, hiked with me, cried with me, made the necessary phone calls and arrangements, and finally started to laugh with me again, I owe you everything. 

To everyone who helped with the memorial, Scott would have been so proud. He very much loved a big party with all his people together having fun, eating good food, and listening to great tunes! To everyone who kept us in their hearts and prayers, THANK YOU. 

I know he’s still around us all the time. I see it in every kindness, with every joke, every laugh. Every time I hear a long story turn longer, I think of him and smile. Every night that turns into an impromptu dance party. Every time you sing along to his favorite songs. Every time I see you living your best lives, he crosses my mind. Thank you all for keeping him alive in our memories. 

Let’s keep all this up, in his honor. Keep taking care of each other. Keep laughing and loving life. Kindness echoes far beyond what we may see. It’s a beautiful thing. Life is fleeting. Make it count. 

Finally, thank you for being my people. 

With all my heart Skagway,

Tyler Marie