If you would take the time today to say a prayer for Tyler Graebner and his family. The family just received the news that the doctors are sending Tyler home. Outside of a miracle, Tyler may not last long. Pray that he will have little pain, and that his family and friends will have strength. He comes home tomorrow to spend what time he can with his family and friends.

Dear God,

Please look after our little Kansas wrestler Tyler Graebner. Ease his pain and troubles. Help his family. Give them strength. Help them love each other, hold each other, keep each other in these most difficult times. Let them know that we love them. Always. That we love Tyler. Always.

In Jesus name, Amen.

For those who suffer,and those who cry this night,
give them repose, Lord; a pause in their burdens.
Let there be minutes where they experience peace,
not of man but of angels. Love them, Lord,when others cannot. Hold them, Lord,when we fail with human arms. Hear their prayers and give them the ability to hear You back in whatever language they best understand.

Amen

What had happend i havent heard anything about this so far. If he is a wrestler then he is family its the only true family sport where everyone does the same thing over and over with the same people good luck tyler.
Amen

Thanks for the update Mike, though it's incredibly sad....

Watching the posts, the culmination of the Tag Teams, the champion Sweazy, the wrestling community pulling together - it reminds me of going on ABATE rides with my dad. Toys for Tots was a ride we would always do. I didn't understand it when I was a kid. A bunch of guys just driving around with toys on their forks to some destination - it didn't make sense to me as a kid.

There would be a moment at some point in time during the day that there would be an awkward feeling of serving a purpose. A calm would surround us and we knew that we were a part of something pretty darn special, but never verbalized it. I asked my dad why he did all that he did for kids. He told me, "because I can. One day, you'll do it too."

Such simple words. Who would have thought they'd mean so much. I guess you don't realize all life has to offer until you've been bodyslammed by reality. Most of us have our health, our family, in some cases a child or children. As John Lennon wrote, "life's what happens when you're busy making other plans." It isn't till we stop and look around that we realize we're pretty **** lucky. Tyler has made us stop and realize that we are pretty darn fortunate.

Young man, I hope I get the chance to shake your hand. Allowing us the opportunity to read about your struggles has helped us immensely. Each day I go home and kiss my wife and daughter, knowing that life is not certain and that each day is a blessing. Not one day is guaranteed.

I'm going to stop......Dad in his short words gave me direction in life. It's good to see others as living testimony doing the same thing for our warrior Tyler.

Just a thought, I hope everyone comes out to the Tag Team matches before finals. I don't know about the rest of you, but I just get this gut feeling that I don't want to miss it. It's not about the wrestling - it's about the commradary (sp). I don't know how to describe it, but I know I have to be there.

God, thank you for people like brother Mike who keeps us grounded. Thank you for Tyler and his family for showing us how to come together in times of need. Also thank you for the wrestling community and for all they do to help each other. Thank you for keeping us safe.

(Oh and thanks for ice cream. I was getting too sombre).

Tyler and his family are such wonderful people. My thoughts and prayers go to the family at this time. Tyler hang in there, you are a special person that has touched the lives of so many. May God be with you and your family at this time.

Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. I hate to hear this news. Tyler please hang in there buddy and may God hold your hand if he calls you home. All our love

Why is life so cruel? Why do good people have to go thru such things? Life isn't fair, let's all say a prayer for this little boy tonight!

It has been a rough afternoon, I have shed more tears than I ever wanted to this evening, but we all have to go on, and we have to keep hoping and praying. I thank each of you, your words and prayers have touched me and I know will touch the family. I know that Tyler and his family are grateful. There are so many others to remember, his teammates, Erik and Steph Akin who have done so much, people like T.C. Dantzler who has been calling every week to check in, his friends, people like Kobi Williams who is more like a sister than a friend and the list could go on and on.

I read other threads and I wonder if people would be the same if they knew Tyler, I don't think they would. My life has changed for the better because of the things this family has taught me. He has brought those that chose to come along to a place where we are truly family. May we all learn to share the love and see our kids as kids. May our coaches learn the importance of teaching lessons that carry on past the wrestling room, may our children know that we love and care for them no matter how many matches they win or how many matches they loose. Thanks to the Graebners for allowing us to learn lessons from them, may each of us dedicate the remainder of this year to this family and Tyler.

Mike you are so right. If somebody who is on here complaining about a ref's call was going through what Tyler and his family was, would they feel that his "bad" call didn't really matter. I know I wouldn't. Learning about Tyler has made me realize that while I am worried about my son making weight tomorrow night, there is so much more in life than wrestling....believe it or not!

Tyler and family, we are all thinking about you and wish you all the best. State is for you!!!

I agree with you Mike, if they could just meet Tyler or his family maybe they would feel different. The reality of the situation really hits you when you know the people affected by the disease. My son, Trey, and I got to meet Tyler one evening when we delivered shirts to their house. Tyler was shy at first, but you just knew that he was a special child. When we left that evening I vowed that I would do whatever I could to help with their medical bills. Every shirt sold was another pray said for Tyler. And every button made was made with love for him. Tyler has brought many people in the wrestling community together. I personally have met some great people that I wouldn’t have had the chance to if it weren’t for the shirts and buttons. God be with the Graebner family in this time. And with those of us touched by their struggles.

Cindy, you gave me a thought, I know that some teams are having special shirts made for the tournament, some with recognition for Tyler and we will leave it at that. But, there are many others that have purchased the Taking It To The Mat For Tyler shirt. As a sign of support people can go out of their way to show support for Tyler. All of the refs at the Wichita Classic had Tyler Buttons that they wore during the matches, others can wear their shirts, and even if you don't have those things there is something that I think we are going to try and do this year. So many paint thier car windows, it is really pretty cool when they do that. This year when painting your car windows, say something about Tyler, or just paing Tyler. All of those things are like prayers because they show that we remember, and that we care.

That's a great idea Mike. I'm painting our car!
How's the quilt Cindy?

When I talked to Mike yesterday and got the news, I was very upset, and just kept wondering "why", "why,does this have to happen to him?". I cried a lot of tears, and wondered if I had the strength to go see him one more time at the hospital. I called Eric, told him the news, he was very sad, he couldn't talk and told me we would go see him. When we got to the hospital, I just looked at Tyler, and hugged Christina and I just broke down crying, it was very hard. Christina and James have been through so much, with hope and then with bad news. They are strong, wonderful parents, and I am glad to have met them and become friends through this. I really believed Tyler would pull through, and I am so sad for his outcome. He is so sweet, and was talking a little last night, but he is in a lot of pain which makes him tired. I hope and pray he will be comfortable and happier at home around his friends and family. We need to pray for him not to be scared and have little pain. Eric and I are so honored to have him in our life, he really is a true hero.

God has done mighty work through this young boy. I haven't responded until now, but have been blessed by Mike's posts and many others. I pray that Tyler has trusted in Jesus Christ. This faith will insure his salvation forever. We are the ones that will continue to struggle in this life. Tyler, we love you and will continue to pray for a miracle healing. Lord, please hold him and his family close to You. Amen.

What a day, I am making my last post for today and won't be back for awhile. I really need to spend more time alone today, because to be honest, I am having a pretty rough day. I just came on and saw the last couple of posts and wanted to post what I have been sending to the many people who have been emailing me from across the country from the posts they have observed here, in Oklahoma and on the National Forums. The question is always, Why? I'm not saying I have the answer to that question, the answer is something we all have to search for, it is one I have searched for and am going to include in part my answer here.

Before I do that though I need to make a comment here so please allow me that. Kansans are blessed, blessed, more than we will ever know. After living here and attending college in Hillsboro from 1978 to 1985, we were moving to Greenville South Carolina for me to work in the music business. My family and I always knew that we wanted to come back to Kansas, my wife and others will tell you I called Kansas home even though I was never born here. I am so ever glad we did. Steph, yesterday it was tough talking to you and sharing the news about Tyler. I held it together for as long as I could, but this morning after speaking in length with Eric and Christina I couldn't hold it anymore. Kansas is so blessed to have such wonderful people and getting to know them through Tyler has been incredible. As I spoke with Eric this morning and he told me what he told Tyler last night, I couldn't help but start up again. I am so honored and pleased that my son's favorite wrestlers on this planet are Tyler Graebner, Eric Akin, and T.C. Dantzler. Thanks for going to see him last night, thanks for all you, your children, and your wonderful husband have done. Now my response to the question of Why? It is a little lengthy, but what is new? Right? Here goes and I hope it helps. It is not meant to be “the” answer but it is “my” answer, by the way SoonerMom, hope you don't mind, you inspired me put this down on paper, and while it was our conversation, I have found myself using it quite a bit this morning. I know one thing from all of the emails and response from across the country this morning, Eric was right last night, “Tyler you are famous.”

Why?

I just got off the phone with Christina and before that with Eric. To say the least, I don't want to cry anymore. I, like you, am having a tough time with this and while I think I know the answers in part as to why, I don't like that it was done on the back of Tyler.

I get angry with God at times, but this morning I realized that I am one in part to blame. I am a part of the blame because I haven't done enough to show my own children, or the children I am honored to coach that I love them. I in part am a part of the reason because I have at times been so caught up in me that I have forgotten about God's Great Commandment.

"Love your Lord God with all of our heart, all of our mind, all of your soul and with all of our strength, and then love our neighbor as yourself. Of all the commandments there is none any greater."

Truth is that I, and we as a society kind of approach life with an, “I'm it” attitude and, “nothing else really matters approach.” When in reality, a lot things we can have an impact on matters. What matters is going out of your way to get an 80-year-old widower another dog because he misses the companionship of the one that just died. Going out of ones way to give a kid 50 cents so he can afford the candy bar and soft drink he wants. Going out of your way, to tell a kid that you love them because you haven't told them in such a long time. Taking your own child or a niece of nephew out because you haven’t done anything fun with them in a long time. Obviously, I am speaking in generalizations here, but, I think that in many ways Tyler has taught us all about that. I don't like the fact that I learned it on the back of a 8 year old child, but that 8 year old child has made so many people better because of his life and love of wrestling.

You know, I have said for years that I believe that wrestling is God's favorite sport, maybe, just maybe, it really is. Maybe God has become so hurt at what has happened in our sport that he had to get our attention in someway. Then again, maybe he allowed it to happen because he loves us enough to let us do stupid things, stupid things like putting things into our bodies that cause cancer, stupid things like creating a world that is again, more about self service than it is about the service to others. I don't know, but I suspect the answer is somewhere around those areas. What I do know is that I will try to do what I can to change my life, and change my world, not for me, but for those that I am called to love, God and my neighbor.

I grieve and I cry, this morning actually, I balled like a baby. I don't remember ever crying so hard for anyone. That to me says something about the power of the message that Tyler and his family have given. My eyes are still teary as I type, but my heart is changed. As I concluded my prayer and time with God this morning, I was crying and begging for forgiveness, forgiveness for not doing what I knew I should be doing.

I still have questions, I just have to have faith that God knows what he is doing. I still have issues, but I have to have confidence that Tyler and his family is making this a better world because of what they have gone through. I still hurt, but I know I must continue and find a way to keep Tyler's attitude and spirit alive.

I hope that at some point, in the next month that we can look at the establishment of a Tyler Graebner Foundation to assist in the needs of those in the wrestling community who have immediate serious health issues, and to provide helps to assist low-income children to wrestle by dong things like helping with costs associated to wrestling. I want to wait on that, but know that if we wait too long that the spirit, and the drive to see it happen will also be squelched. I realize the need to act quickly, to keep Tyler's spirit alive. So much more can be accomplished if we act fast, we are moved and inspired, we might be tired, but the things we feel right now pale in comparison to the battle and difficulty the family is going through.

I have other questions but those are between God and me for now, maybe later I can address them openly and publicly but God and I haven’t worked things out yet. What I will say is that it is okay to wonder why. It is okay to get upset at God. I think he understands that. I believe that God appreciates our honesty. I have found that the more honest I am with God, the more I tend to eventually understand things.

In the last two or so years, I have lost 4 very close friends and family members to cancer. I know this, God has my attention now. This disease has to be fought with a passion. I don't believe that God gives anyone cancer, I believe that our world and our attitude of serving, "me" has given us cancer. We don't care about the fast foods we put in our body and the chemicals in the foods we eat, or the pollutants we put in our air and water, or the chemicals we put on our fields that produce more and more food. We want bigger, better, and faster all because we don't have time for the important things. That isn't God's fault at that point, that is our fault. I also understand though that I haven't really fought hard for monies to go into the research of this awful disease. In reality, a great deal of progress has been made over the years, but we obviously need to go further. I will fight for that and support that.

I told my wife last night, that from now on, as long as God gives me breath I will fight and help find a cure for this disease. I will give money, what little I can, and I will give effort. The truth is that there are hundreds if not thousands of Tyler’s in this world right now, truth is though, that we were blessed to know one where God made such a difference. That tells me something about Tyler, and the strength of James, Christina, Patrick and Amber. That tells me in part that God knew what he was doing when he allowed this to happen, or when he allowed us to do it to ourselves. God is still God, and I have to find assurance in that.

I think that this email was as much for me as it was to answer your questions. Thanks for hearing me out, it gave me time to reflect on things. On a side note I will be there as soon as we get Nathan done weighing in tonight. Weigh ins are in Augusta and we will be there first thing to weigh in and then take off to Hutch. I don't know what time that will be for sure but would imagine somewhere between 7:00 and 7:45. I'll be there tonight for as long as I can and am making a point for Mary Jane and Nathan to come with me, especially Nathan. God bless and let's keep each other in prayer.

Mike

After reading this post all I could do is pick the phone up and call my son. He has been gone all week for Spring Break and all I have did each time I talked to him was grill him on his weight. "What did you eat today, did you work-out?" I just told him none of that matters and if he doesn't make weight tonight, it is not the end of the world. I will be there with him and love him no matter what.....

Our prayers and thoughts are with with Tyler and his family. Hang in there Tyler. My 10 year old son said there must be a big tourney in heaven that god wants Tyler to go win. With all our love and prayers your wrestling family in Haysville

I have the Brawlers tshirt for Tyler's quilt. Who do I need to give it to?
Doug

Give it to anyone from NW Jr. Grizzlies tomorrow and we will get it to Cindy Page.