I love doing stand up for many reasons. It has taken me to cool places, given me some very memorable experiences, and most importantly, it has introduced me to a lot of amazing people.
Sometimes, I get to do a show so special that I don’t want to do good just for me, but I feel a stronger need to have a good performance for the people of the show. That happened this weekend. Saturday night, I did a fundraiser show through JCP Entertainment in Boyertown, PA. I never know exactly how a show will go, especially when it’s in Boyertown. They can be a rowdy bunch in that town.
I got to the show and noticed immediately that there was a unique vibe. See, fundraiser shows can cover so many possibilities, from girls’ softball teams to pet rescues to charities helping crisis victims. This show was different.
On each table laid pamphlets for every seat that read “Tyler’s Ride.” I was intrigued. I picked one up and found a quiet place to do some research.
Tyler’s Ride is a non-profit group started by the Dierolf family in honor of 25-year-old Tyler J Dierolf, who lost his life in a motorcycle accident back in June 2015.
Parents should never have to lay one of their children to rest. Tyler’s parents found a way to keep his name alive shortly after the tragedy, though, when they organized a bike run that consisted of Tyler’s favorite routes. Over 2,000 people showed up.
On their website, there is a quote:
“A good man’s life is never quite ended; something of it always remains to touch and illuminate other lives.” – Edward H. White II
I could feel that life in the room Saturday night. Four years later and the stories of Tyler’s life were still strong. By the time I left, I felt like a knew him. A kid still at 25, Tyler seemed to have more understanding of the world than most adults. His brother, Zach, shared how Tyler stepped up as his child’s father while he was deployed overseas. Similar accounts of Tyler being selfless, and kind, resonated throughout the building.
The sold-out show went great. The crowd was so energetic, responsive and so easy to connect with. I was glad. I wanted to do the memory of Tyler proud.
I’m not sure exactly what sparked me to write about this. Maybe I don’t feel like I left a big enough contribution Saturday night solely by being funny. Maybe it’s because I see a tragic story turned so amazingly, beautifully positive and I feel like I need to share it. Maybe it’s because I didn’t fully say thank you to Tyler and his family. Or maybe, most likely, it’s a little of all three.
So, thank you to the Dierolf family, and more specifically, to Tyler, for reminding me the importance of our existence while we have it. We never know when our time is over. We really don’t have control over it. But we do have control over how we live our life. As Tyler and his family have proved, when you live your life in a way that touches others, it can continue to touch lives after you are gone.
I know Tyler has touched my life, and hopefully this story touches a couple of your lives as well.
Places you can see me:
Follow Buddy Harris on Facebook
Franklin Institute Shows on Feb. 15 and 16
See also:
Our Rebuild: A Vacation Performance In Florida
Our Rebuild: Juice And Science Stuff
Our Rebuild: Finding Inspiration In Frustration
Our Rebuild: Make Yourself A Priority
