We are family

PERKINS TWP. — Of Perkins High School's 148 graduates, when factoring in adversity and affliction, no senior arguably faced greater obstacles to earn a diploma than Tylan Edwards. Within the past year, at a crucial crossroads between boyhood and manhood, Edwards found himself homeless and at odds with his family. Though a surrogate mother stepped in — and stepped up — to fill a necessary void, ensuring Edwards could achieve a milestone moment in life. "Thank you for everything you have done for me," Edwards said to his "adoptive" mother, Brigette Swain, shortly before his school's graduation ceremony on Monday. "People like her actually care about me and what I'm doing in life, and she's helping me move forward," Edwards said. "I'm grateful." 'This is your home now' Brigette's daughter, Bailey Garrett, who's a year behind Edwards at Perkins, befriended him roughly 12 years ago. Brigette also immediately formed a now-inseparable bond with Edwards. "He would stay with us in the summers and go on family vacations with us," Brigette said. "Bailey is his best friend, and he just loved being around here." In September, shortly after the school year started, Edwards confided in Bailey about his difficult situation unfamiliar to most teenagers. "He didn't have a home, and he needed somewhere to stay. So I asked my mom (Brigette), who was really open about it. We treated it like a big sleepover," Bailey said. "But then he stayed longer and longer," Bailey added. "And the longer he stayed, he became my brother, and it was like having another sibling around." Brigette provided some additional background information about Edwards. "His dad wasn't in his life. And his mom and he just have some differences," Brigette said. "He is one of five (biological siblings), the youngest, and struggles with his family not getting along. So he felt left out." Though Edwards found a spot, and comfort, in the Swain household, consisting of Brigette; her partner, Tina; Bailey; and Brenna Garrett, Brigette's other daughter. As a young child, Brigette included Edwards along in family functions, such as for movie nights at their house. Edwards, in fact, affectionally gave Brigette the nickname, "Bridgerton," a nod to a 2020 Netflix romance series title after they watched it together. "He is a good kid," said Brigette, who lives in Perkins Township. "He had to find a place to stay, so he asked if he could stay with us. Then he kept asking to stay longer, and I said, 'There's no need for you to go anywhere else. This is your home now.'" Brigette jokes when Edwards goes off to college — to Bowling Green State University, where he's pursuing a business management degree — she'll get her room, occupied today by him, back. "But I'll be sad," Brigette said. "He's welcome back whenever. This is his home, and we're happy to have him." Brigette knows Edwards is destined for success. Despite facing many challenges already in life, Edwards steadfastly fulfills his responsibilities. He doesn't skip school and always shows up to work, even in snowstorms, Brigette said. He's a lifeguard instructor at Kalahari Resorts. Others took notice of Edwards' perseverance and Brigette's kindness. Two weeks ago, Firelands Positive People, a local nonprofit, recognized them. Edwards received a $1,000 scholarship, and Brigette won a community service award for her involvement in his life. "I'm proud of him," Brigette said. "He has had a lot of obstacles to get through. Some kids in rough families don't make it, but he has. I'm excited and happy for him."