The year 2012 marked a profound shift in my life's journey, one that would forever alter my perspective and instill in me a deeper understanding of life's fragility and the restorative power of storytelling. It was in that year that we had to bid farewell to our beloved son, Tobin, after a difficult and arduous battle. 

 

As any parent who has experienced such a profound loss can attest, the path ahead seemed shrouded in darkness, and the weight of grief threatened to overwhelm me at every turn. Despite being surrounded by a supportive network of loved ones, an ineffable sense of sadness permeated my being – a sorrow unlike any I had experienced before.

 

In those moments of profound anguish, I found myself grasping for a lifeline, a means to navigate the turbulent waters of bereavement. It was then that I discovered the transformative power of storytelling, a healing balm that would ultimately guide me toward finding purpose amidst the pain.

 

Whether through the safety of a fictional narrative or the raw vulnerability of a memoir, sharing our stories proved to be a cathartic release. It allowed me to confront my emotions head-on, providing a safe haven to express the myriad of feelings that had been simmering beneath the surface. In doing so, I found solace in the realization that I was not alone in this journey – that countless others had trodden the same agonizing path, and through the act of sharing our narratives, we could forge connections that transcended the boundaries of our individual experiences.

 

It was through this process of storytelling that I began to perceive glimmers of light amidst the darkness, a renewed sense of purpose that extended beyond the confines of my own pain. I came to understand that the life we had lost, though fleeting, was not in vain – it had imbued me with a profound appreciation for the courage, grace, and unconditional love that Tobin had embodied in his short time on this earth.

 

It was this realization that sparked the creation of the Tobin Scott Foundation, a platform dedicated to uplifting families navigating the uncharted waters of life-limiting pediatric illness or loss. Through our book printing and self-publishing programs, we aim to empower children and their families to share their narratives, to find strength and solace in the act of storytelling, and to honor the enduring legacies of those who have left an indelible mark on our lives.

 

The name "Tobin" itself holds a special significance, as it means "the gift" – a poignant reminder of the profound impact our son had on my life. In his brief time with us, Tobin taught me invaluable lessons about courage, grace, and the profound depths of a parent's love. He changed me in ways I could have never fathomed, and his presence resonates through every aspect of my being, every word I commit to paper, and every life we touch through the foundation's efforts.

 

As I continue to navigate this new reality, one where the world takes on a different hue by virtue of being Tobin's mother, I am filled with a deep sense of purpose and gratitude. Through the Tobin Scott Foundation, I am honored to have the opportunity to share my son's name with the world, to enshrine his memory in the universe, and to serve as a beacon of hope for those embarking on their own journeys of healing and self-discovery through the transformative power of storytelling.

 

In the end, it is Tobin's enduring legacy of Courage, Grace, and most of all, Love, that propels us forward, guiding us towards a future where the act of sharing our narratives becomes a catalyst for healing, empowerment, and the forging of unbreakable bonds that transcend the boundaries of our individual experiences.

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Sincerely,

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Melissa D. Savage, Founder and CEO