In the Midst of a Storm

By Victoria Coward

The book is about the tragic death of my only son, Tyler R. Coward. He was shot and killed on June 12th, 2007. This book will take you on a journey where no family wants to go. It will give you a blow by blow description of what happens to a family when they receive the news of losing a loved one to homicide, the feelings that follow, how homicide effects a family afterwards, and the long, drawn out process of dealing with the judicial system.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Aug 14, 2012
• ISBN: 9781477206959

Victoria Coward

My name is Victoria Coward, who happens to a PK's kid (preacher's kid). I live in New Haven, Connecticut. I am now divorced, but was blessed with 3 beautiful children, Tyler, Tai'la and Tai'Ronda Levine. I am a self taught pianist, and have been playing since the age of 8. I have been playing for my father's church since the age of 13 until this present time. I love to listen to gospel, classical and jazz. I am currently enrolled online at the University of Phoenix, which I am studying to receive an AS degree in Psychology. I am also active in abolishing the death penalty, which was just repealed in Connecticut on April 11th, 2012.

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© 2012 by Victoria Coward. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 08/08/2012

ISBN: 978-1-4772-0696-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4772-0695-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012908496

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

This book is printed on acid-free paper.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

THANK YOU

I would like to thank the following people for their support and encouragement. You will never know how much you all mean to me.

Tai’la and Tai’Ronda Levine, my father Bishop Arlester Coward. Besides God, you are my reasons for living. To my Stepmom, for supporting my family. To my son’s Godmother, you are AWESOME!!! To my church family for all of your prayers.

A special thank you to CLP, and my beautiful patients. I miss you all so much. You all have shown me so much love and supported me in every way possible. You all have lived this tragic loss in my life with me . . . I couldn’t have made it without you.

Beverly Parente, my very special friend. We bonded together before Tyler’s death, and now I know why. You were there for me when no one else was. I can never say Thank You enough. Although I haven’t seen you in a while, my love for you will never die.

To my little sis Diana, and my Step-brother Joe. You both were there from day one, and never left my side. I will forever be grateful.

To Tyler’s MeMa . . . from day one, until the day he died, you have been there for me and my family. Always know that you mean the world to me.

To Mildred Baker, for coming back to New Haven and sharing those special I love you hugs that you’re so famous for. It’s so good to be loved.

And to Auntie Duck, aka Loren Bishop —Brown. What a blessing you have been to me and my family. Thank you for all the sacrifices, recounting Tyler’s last days, and just showing up . . . love, love, love you.

John-John . . . words can never express the way I feel about you. The bond between you and Tyler can never be broken. Continue to be the best son, and friend that you are now. Be encouraged honey . . . he would be so proud of you.

Thank you AuthorHouse Publishing Company for helping me to complete my goal. Your belief in me has made my dream become a reality.

INTRODUCTION

I HAVE TO GIVE honor to God, for giving me the strength and endurance to FINALLY finish writing one of many books to come. This has been a 5 year process that has been very painful, but also therapeutic. By the grace of God it is done.

This book is in memory of my son, Tyler Rydel Coward. I have always loved to read. One day I hoped to become a writer; but never did I imagine my first book would be about the untimely death of my son.

When he was killed I couldn’t