Guardian Angel

This one here is a little bit emotional for me...I debated whether or not to post it.  Mainly, I do not want to cause unnecessary pain to those I love.  After much debating, I have decided to post it because I hope it brings comfort.

A little background for those that do not know how our Tyler was named.  Mitch, and all of the wonderful people in Ark City, had the pleasure of growing up with a fine young man named Tyler Juden.  Mitch and Tyler were pretty close.  Their families were friends, they hunted together, played sports together, they caused trouble together.  For example, they got their ears pierced in D.C. together (the sponsors of the trip were terrified what their dads were going to say).  A few years after high school, Tyler joined the military and became an Army Ranger sniper.  Whenever Tyler was home, he would visit us.  I did not know Tyler as long as Mitch, but he made me feel like I did.  I loved him all the same and looked forward to his visits.  I was excited for the years to come because of the plans he and Mitch were making.  One September day that I will never forget, Mitch got a call that Tyler had been killed.  I cannot and will not try to explain that day, week, month, or year(s).  As Mitch and I were talking one night not long after, he said he would like our first son to be named Tyler.  I completely agreed.  A few short months later, I was pregnant with our little Tyler.  

Last night, as I was finishing up my post, Mitch was putting our little man to bed.  Mitch walks down stairs, tells me he has the craziest story and gets a little teary eyed.  He tells me that as they were praying, Ty talks about Tyler Juden being a soldier.  Mitch had Ty repeat it a few times, because he wasn't sure he had heard him right.  He then asked Ty how he knew Tyler was a soldier, and Ty said he saw him.

Mitch asked me if I have ever told Ty that Tyler was a soldier.  I can't remember telling him that because I didn't think Ty would understand what soldier meant.  We do have pictures of Tyler Juden in our house and talk about him a lot...but still...for Ty to make that connection??  I don't know, but I do know that God has given our little Tyler one of the best Guardian Angels up there.  We love you Tyler Juden and thank you for keeping our baby safe!!!