03/25/2026
When Tyler’s mom first reached out, she told me about how her son loved nature…
That you’d find him outside.
Under open skies, hunting, fishing, in the tree stand, somewhere in the quiet of the wild places.
She shared that he passed three years ago, and that this year they would be holding a final memorial fire ceremony on the anniversary.
When she saw my work, she said something about it just clicked. She wondered if I might be able to create special gifts for their family and the friends who have carried them through these years with so much love and support.
She also told me something that stayed with me…
That eagles appear when they need a sign of him most.
The day he passed, an eagle circled above their home. During the sacred fire ceremony, two eagles came and perched in a nearby tree. After his funeral, another eagle circled the chapel. These are only a few of the many times the eagle have appeared in moments when they needed comfort most.
She shared, that to them the eagle represents strength, protection, connection to the Creator, and the presence of their son watching over them.
It has become a sign of reassurance, love, and spiritual closeness.
I understood that feeling.
I’ve gone to nature myself in moments of grief, quietly asking for signs from the people I’ve loved and lost.
And often… it really does feel like we are answered back when we need it most.
So I felt deeply honoured when his family asked if I would create these pieces!
As an artist there have been many times where I’ve wondered if what I do/ what I make really matters…
But this felt different.
Because I know a mother will hold this little keepsake and think about her son and the way he loved the wild places of this earth.
And that thought reached somewhere deep in my chest.
And that matters more than I can explain. 🦅
# naturelover
