Help Me Lay My Friend to Rest

Hello friends, loved ones, friends of friends and those of you who just have a heart that I don't know.

Earlier this year I found out about the passing of my dear friend Tyson James Burgin. Tyson was an amazing man who cared deeply about all who met him. He was buried in what I would consider a paupers grave close to the city of Manor, TX. The picture shown is where he is buried. As you can see, it's not much of a resting place. I want to do what I can for my dear friend and have him moved back home where he belongs. 

I met Tyson when I was 16, which was 19 years ago. When I first met him, I didn't know what to think. He was a quirky guy who had a funny sense of humor and an odd taste in music. As months went by we became best friends and spent almost every single day together. He introduced me to different musical groups, opened my mind to ways of thinking I had never thought of before and gave me the gift of a shoulder to lean on when I needed a friend. 

We would sing together, laugh together, and just enjoy life in general together.

Tyson was one of many people in this life who struggle. Financially he struggled, spiritually he struggled, and emotionally he struggled. I took him in as my brohter and he lived with my wife and I on 3 different occasions, which I am extremely grateful for the time we got to spend together. 

This man was so important in my life that he was in my wedding, he was named the godfather of my first born daugther and I even had him as a beneficiary in my will. 

About 7 years or more ago I lost contact with Tyson. We were heading in different directions at the time, and we decided to head our own ways for the time being. 

Time went on and I'd periodically check in on my friend on Facebook (thank God for social media). I'd see how he was doing by looking in without saying much. 

Several months ago, I was checking in on him and I found to my horror that my friend had passed away from heart complications. To make matters worse, I believe he suffered in the hospital for 3 months before he died. I was unaware of this the entire time and I wish, and pray that I could go back in time so I'd know. I wish I would have been there for him. To be there in his time of need. 

Tyson passed and I found that no one had made a proper headstone for him. So I took it upon myself to do so. I contacted a local company and had the stone made. It was laser engraved with some extremely meaningful things between the two of us. One, which still makes me smile, was the notes for the song "Ironic" by Alanis Morissette. As silly as it seems, we used to sing that song together and laugh about it. It's a fond memory I have of my friend and I hold it close to my heart.

I am starting this fund raiser in hopes to lay my friend to rest in a manner that he deserves. No one deserves to be put in a grave in the middle of field where not a soul could visit them.

Help me bring him home. Please. Anything will help, any amount. 

Thank you. 

Adam Hartley