Flight Instructor killed was in our ward

This has been a difficult week for our ward family. Tyler, the flight instuctor killed with Cory Lidle when the plane crashed into the high-rise in New York last week, grew up in our ward and we've known him nearly 20 years. One of 7 siblings, he was a remarkable young man and accomplished more in his short life than many do in twice that time. Self-taught musician, Eagle Scout, missionary, sealed in the temple, father to a 10 month old (and another due in 5 months), pilot at age 17, college grad, business owner. I always remember him as a respectful young man full of life and ambition and someone always willing to help others. One fond memory I have of him is when driving, he'd recognize my van and wave and call out Hi Sister Orozco. And how many teenage boys would do that? Most would be embarrased at the sight of one of their mom's friends. Too many people for our stake center to accomodate, so the funeral was held at the largest chapel at a large local cemetary and even then there was standing room only, even people upstairs with the organist! He touched the lives of so many in a positive way. We are so blessed to have a testimony of the gospel and to know that our family can be eternal ...to comfort us in times such as these. Laurie

Laurie, I am so sorry that you are grieving but am so thankful that you have the knowledge of the gospel and know that our Heavenly Father loves us, knows us and knows what is needed. It's hard sometimes for our earthly selfs to understand why someone so talented and young and so full of life could be taken so quickly from this earth. Through the gospel we have the knowledge that your friend finished his earthly assignment and has gone on to a better assignment. How much better off we are that we have this knowledge and that you are comforted as to the eternal truths of things. In the scriptures, the shortest verse in the Bible is "Jesus Wept". Jesus wept because the one he loved - Lazerus had just died. Jesus wept when he heard of his death. He wept even though with His knowledge and His power He knew that he would raise Lazerous from the dead. Weeping over someone who dies is an earthly experience and one that Christ experienced too. Goes on to confirm that Christ experienced everything while He was yet on this earth. Your friend's family is in my thoughts and prayers. - Melody