My name is Missi Nichols. Allow me to introduce the rest of my family, TY's Dad, Dan, TY's brother, Brandon, (5 years old) and Debra Lynn, (5 months). We can be emailed at Nichols.


I still remember the first time Ty had kicked when I was pregnant with him. He was very active. I loved being pregnant, he was our first child. Labor was rough, but well worth it. I would do it all over again in an instant! We were very excited, and also a little scared. I couldn't keep my hands off of him when we brought him home for the first day, and neither could my husband. I was blessed, because you see I was able to stay home and raise him. We did without alot, but that didn't matter. I look back now and I am so thankful that I did stay home with him instead of work. He was very, attached to me. I still remember bringing him places and he would never let anyone hold him.

As Tyler grew he was shy. His first day of kindergarten seems like only yesterday; I was so worried as he walked onto the bus but he was so brave! I used to go and spend days with him at school, and he loved that. He had alot of friends, everyone liked Ty. When he walked into a room he lit it up, his eyes of blue sparkling. At his funeral I remember his kindergarten teacher as she hugged me with eyes filled with tears and said he was a special little guy. And he was.

Ty loved to go bike riding, he loved the outdoors, he loved to fish, spend time at the beach and he loved the water. He and his brother were nseparable. And last but not least, he loved his Nintendo 64! He had it mastered! I still wonder how he had the patience for that thing!

Tyler was killed in a housefire in August of 1998, oh, how those words still sicken me. (sigh...) Ty, his little brother Brandon, and myself were staying at a family members house; Brandon and I were the only people who made it out. We also lost Ty's little cousins: Kelli (3 years old) the twins Rachel and Sarah (18 months old) and their father who had made it out, but in desperation, so heroically ran back in the burning house. He never made it out. Ty and Kelli were trapped on the second floor, the babies trapped in the bedroom on the first floor, Brandon and myself jumped out of a window on the first floor.

The only reason I woke up was because Brandon woke up crying, but even then it was already to late. I was numb, I don't remember much, except for running around desperately screaming, I tried to run back in but Brandon followed everytime being 3 years old at the time, so you can imagine how terrified he had been. The smoke was to much, black, thick, hot. I saw hell that night.

I had to come home that morning after the police had taken my report. Had to tell the story over and over again. People can be so insensitive, they could not come up with a reason the fire started, so they tried saying it was arson. Which we have proof now that it was electrical. The detectives put my family through complete hell. I actually had to take a lie detector test! At the time I didn't care. The way I saw things, my baby was gone, coming home that morning, I felt so empty.

My life will never be the same. I think about the "would've" and "could've" often. But prayer and the great Lord has gotten me where I am now. I go through fazes, some times I have to touch his things, smell his clothes. And other times I can't even look at his pictures up on my walls. I know there is no wrong or right way of grieving. I was very confused in the beginning, his room sat untouched for one year, then finally one day, without thought, I started sorting his things, and now everything is packed away. It hurts to see his things. I do love to talk about him thought. I have so many more things I would love to tell you, but I could go on, and on.

My Angel Ty is with the Lord now and with my parents in heaven, and I know that he did not suffer that night. Because the sweet Lord wrapped his arms around him and protected him along with the other children. I look forward to the day when I can be with my sweet Ty again. I miss him, more than words can say.

I can't really give any advice to parents who have lost children as I am still learning how to cope. It is all still new to me. But I do know that you will find comfort in giving your pain and heartaches to the Lord. He will stand by you. He will help you make it through the hell your going through.

Parents who have lost children, have experienced the worst pain imaginable. I know that you can survive this, and it is possible to lead a healthy life, I'm not saying it will be easy, I just know it can be done, I have a friend who is living proof. Only with her help from God though. I look up to her with envy. I hope someday I can be as strong as her. Another thing I suggest is that you find support groups or at least other people who have lost children as well. They are the only ones who can relate, and they will help you. That is how I try and cope.

I would like for people to be aware of the dangers of fire, I can't stress enough how important it is to become fire educated!!!! Please check your fire detectors regularly. Fire is one of our worst enemies! Once it starts, it is uncontrollable. Please make a fire exit plan for your family. Educate your children. It may save your life, or a loved ones life. So many lives can be saved if they would take the steps they need to prevent housefires, its simple. Please, in the memory of my son Ty, do this.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Tyler will live on in our hearts for ever and ever... WE LOVE YOU TYLER .......

Godbless you all and take care.. Sincerely, Missi Nichols FOR MY ANGEL..