I wanted to make a few comments on this last weekend. First, thanks to all involved over the last few months regarding helping out with everything related to Tyler. That is really the first thing to take notice of, it has not all been me. I simply made a post in response to Mike Juby’s original post and from there everything took on a life of it’s own. Over the years, I have learned that things like that don’t always happen. I am one who firmly believes that God had a hand in everything and that is one of the only explanations that I can give as to how this thing got to the magnitude it did with Tyler.

Those involved, I don’t think any of us can imagine what the Graebners and Team Lightening went through unless we have gone through it ourselves. Truth is, that this year, there are many who have gone through unimaginable tragedy. That is possibly one reason that the cause for Tyler took on a life of its own. If anything, there has been a reminder that something needs to be in place to provide some level of help in the future for those going through difficult circumstances. That is one reason that many of us involved with Tyler and his family over the last few months are committed to keep Tyler’s memory alive and to see to it that the establishment of The Tyler Graebner Foundation takes place.

I hope that within the next couple of weeks, the family of Tyler and others involved will be getting together to discuss the options and organization of the Tyler Graebner Foundation. That group of people will individuals within the wrestling community and family members of Tyler. There are several purposes of the foundation but the thing we want to do most is see to it that we help those in the wrestling community facing catastrophic circumstances and low-income children. There are some things that we will be able to do with the foundation to provide a small level of financial assistance to families in need, as well as some things to help wrestlers. Truth is, that no amount of money is enough to cover the overwhelming costs of catastrophic health care; however, there are ways to pool resources together to help a family out. It might include helping get a loved one home for a funeral, it could include a stay at a nice hotel for a change during treatment, or possibly assisting a person in having some fun time. We want to make sure that there is not a duplication of services. If one organization exists then we want to do what we can to work with those organizations, if it don’t exist then we want to find ways that we can help in some small way. There are many ways that people can contribute to things like this, they can contribute airline miles, hotel points, and the list goes on and on and certainly will include cash. We are currently in need of an attorney in establishing a 501 C3 non-profit status.

There are also ways to help children. Every child in Kansas should be able to wrestle if they desire. Income or lack of income should not be a hindrance. Truth is though, that often times, things like shoes, headgear, entry fees, and so forth add up and hinder some kids from participating. There are ways we can all help here. The donation of items from lost and found or items a wrestler no longer uses can help provide things like shoes, headgear, and even singlets for wrestlers. Tournament fees and other expenses related to wrestling such as a USA Card can also be assisted with through an application process. There is much to be done in the form of education but we believe that in some ways, with limited resources, we can have a dramatic impact that will not only promote wrestling among all youth, but carry on the tradition and spirit of Tyler.

Those are some of the things some of us will be looking at in the next weeks. There are already some people looking at helping with a summer camp, tag team tournaments, more clinics, and even world class wrestling matches among several world class wrestlers. The life and spirit of Tyler will carry on, because many of us in this community have learned a lesson, a lesson that we shouldn’t just talk about being a family, we should act like it.

There are so many people to thank. First is the family. They are simple and wonderful people who are as shocked by this outpouring of love as any one. I don’t think we can even imagine the sacrifice it took to share in their lives with all of us. There are so many others though. Kobi Williams, Eric Akin, the wrestling clubs of Paola, Derby, and Buhler who all hosted clinics. All of the world-class wrestlers and champions who have donated so many items, the Kansas USA Wrestling board and their willingness to pay such a fitting tribute to Tyler at the State tournament, and the list goes on and on. Truth is, there have been so many who have helped it is impossible to know them all. From people sending in money to help with tournament expenses to individuals who post anonymously and have kept Tyler’s spirit alive.

Then there is the group of High School Wrestlers who have kept Tylers spirit alive with the concept of Tag team, then Shane Koranda who graciously took part in helping with challenge matches. Then Cindy Page who has done so much with the shirts, buttons, and now the quilts for the family. Understand that each of these people made sacrifices that many of us don’t understand or comprehend. Not only time and energy, for example, the high school guys and Shane drove to Topeka and all of the other locations, all at their own expense. There have been sacrifice in other ways, that only a few can imagine. I know for myself that there are definite sacrifices required when showing another love. I need to also mention my good friend, and one we need to all keep in our prayers, Aaron Sweazy. The Swayz, is something else, he has been a constant reminder that when I get down on myself or start to throw my own little pity party, that there is a reason to keep on living life to the fullest.

Lastly and most importantly, the person exhibiting that the most was Tyler. For those that didn’t get to know him, he was a great kid. He wasn’t real talkative, wasn’t the most outgoing or outspoken kid in the world. Truth is he was a lot like most other 8-year-old kids. He was primarily, a kid, a small child who loved life and interestingly enough, loved wrestling. When he wrestled, he gave it his all, just like he did when he wrestled with life. He had fun and did his best, he was well mannered and knew how to say thank you. He wasn’t afraid to ask for what he wanted either, if it was a frozen custard or a hamburger, he would tell you. Those are all things that we can learn from. Tyler Graebner taught me and I know many others many important things including, don’t be afraid to tell those around us that we love them, and don’t be afraid to find ways to love those we come into contact with. Those are two lessons that have hopefully made me a better dad and a better friend. He also taught many like my son, to love wrestling, and to be honored to put on your shoes and compete. Always do your best and have fun. Tyler is extra special to me for that reason. To see and know the things my own son wanted to do for Tyler and his family touched me, because at that point not only did Tyler touch me he touched one I love so much, my son. My own son, in his way of paying tribute to Tyler made me cry again in thanks for Tyler. Tyler was just a kid who inspired many, many to be better. Thanks Tyler, family and wrestling community for allowing me to be a part of that this year. It has been a year that has certainly changed my life for the better. What an honor to be along for the ride and what an honor to have met Tyler. Forgive me if I share one little story from Tyler.

When we first met I was amazed at talking to Tyler. I had just taken over the computer that the Kansas family had donated, that way the family could see the web site, and everything else going on related to Tyler. It was on Christmas Eve, and one of the best Christmases ever for me because of Tyler. We were sitting around talking, he loved food, especially barbeque and he loved water sports. He was talking about going tubing and all of the fun things you can do on a lake with a boat. My wife and I still have a home on Lake Oolagah, north of Tulsa and we spoke about how we wanted to make the house available to friends and family eventually and then go down for weekends or vacations and have fun on the lake. Tyler was actually excited about that conversation, and we had a good long talk about doing things on the lake. He looked up and said, to me when I made my comment about sharing the house with friends and family, “Well, we’re like friends now, we’re like families aren’t we?” “Yes Tyler we are.” I responded. Tyler was right we are like friends, we are like family, even though we compete weekend and week out, for some of us most year round, we are still like friends, we are still like family. Tyler knew that, and told me that, may we all now, remember that.