I want to thank the community of Steamboat for the continued love and care I have received since the death of my 16-year-old son Ryan about 4 1/2 years ago.

It has been a dark journey and every day has been and will be a struggle. But I still receive cards and gifts and hugs from Steamboat Springs High School and friends and strangers alike to encourage me, and it is so appreciated.

I wrote a book called “The Darkest Journey, Finding God’s Light During the First Year of Your Child’s Death.” I was able to sell enough copies to offer two local scholarships for graduating seniors at Steamboat High School this year. The book is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Come and See, and all proceeds go to scholarships.

I also have tried to give back to the community by starting a support group for parents who have “lost” children called Children of God. It is hard to know what to say to a parent who has a child who has gone to Heaven, but just a hug is enough and letting parents know you care. There are no real words to cover that pain.

So thank you, Steamboat, and never stop being the caring community you are.

Tammy Stewart, Shilah and Ryan

Steamboat Springs