We did it! A community bench of reflection in Tyler’s honour has been approved.

Today I attended the final meeting with the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board, where they formally voted on my proposal for a seat to be placed in Tyler’s honour. 

I am beyond grateful to share that the proposal has been approved. This means a community bench seat will now go ahead as a space for reflection, remembrance and quiet moments in honour of Tyler. As agreed with the Board, my family and I will meet the cost of building and installation. 

This journey has been long and at times overwhelming but I want to acknowledge and thank every single person who stood beside us throughout it all. To everyone who signed, shared, wrote letters, sent kind messages, attended meetings and offered encouragement, we will be forever thankful.

I could not have done this alone and I will never forget the way my family, friends, our community and beyond showed up with kindness, compassion and strength when it mattered most. 

For now, I am just taking a moment to sit with it. To be honest, I’m exhausted and it’s been a long road. I will share more details in time on my Facebook page “What Happens After - by Shara-lee” but today is about appreciation for Tyler and for every person who has supported us from the day we put out the call for help to search and still to date.

You are all truly appreciated, thank you.