Touched By An Angel

Dear Editor,
When I graduated seven years ago in the field of education I felt like I was prepared for anything and every thing my new profession could dish out. I was so very wrong. I recently lost one of my six students to a senseless act that could have been avoided.

Tyler Deville was not just another student passing through my class but a very big part of my heart and soul. Tyler taught me so much about life. I was always amazed at the way, for a seven-year-old, Tyler looked at life so positive and how he accepted and handled his health problems.

He always let me know when he had his next doctor's appoint ment. I would tell him I hoped everything worked out and he would smile and say I'll be all right.

I thought that was pretty brave for a seven-year-old. Tyler was definitely the bravest little boy I had ever met. Along with Tyler's courage and positive attitude came that great ability to light up a room just by walking into it. I will surely miss the smiles and good times we shared.

I can still hear Tyler laughing, he had the greatest little laugh, when he and I would get about halfway back to class from the canteen and reach a point where there are 2 portable buildings with a walkway between them and Tyler would look up at me letting me know waht was coming. It was race time.

Tyler would cut through and I would go around. I always let Tyler win just so I could hear him laughing as I came up behindhim.

Tyler touched my life and I will never forget him. Tyler was a beautiful little Angel here on earth who no longer has to look up to me, but now I have to look up to him.

No one has to ever ask me if I believe in Angels because I Don't only believe in them but I can say I know one.

Coach Quint West
Sadly missed by
Mrs. Mary Fontenot
and Classmates