Dear MattE,
The past few days have been surreal. The idea that I won’t talk to you or
see you on this earth paralyzes me with grief. Your abounding joy for life, food, your kids and people were
contagious. All who knew you loved
your big warm smile, tender heart, amazing sense of humor and patience. No one person can fill your shoes as a
father, a friend, teacher, leader, a pastor, handyman, and helper, but many
will feel led to come forward to continue your legacy.
You oozed the Joy of The Lord (Nehemiah 8:10), and many felt
drawn to you because of whom you lived for and served. Jesus was your master, savior - your
everything! My hearts cry is that
no one who met you will not feel Jesus’ mercy on your life and know Him through
you.
I know that without a shadow of a doubt you are hanging with
Jesus and giving him a “hiiigh fi-ve.” You are dancing with the angels and
saying with awe-struck wonder, big wide-eyes “this is soooo good,” that way you
did for every meal we had together.
You truly can proclaim “WINNNING!”
as you are living out the eternal reward that Jesus’ death and resurrection for
our sins has given us.
You know this, but Morgan and Wyatt are loved with all of
the love you have shown us. Morgan
told me a couple of years ago “My Dad gives the best hugs!” We will try to recreate the hugs you’ve
given them. Because of you,
I’ve had to rethink how I hug and not take them for granted. From now on I will hug and hold on
until I’m the last one to let go.
No one had more fun than you did, but you had a serious side
too. I am grateful for the lessons
you taught me, but especially for the gun safety tips you gave me. It’s such a silly thing to say, but I
got to see a different side of you – the teacher, the seriousness for safety, but
the respect you showed to the sport.
I will also take care of the other-side of your “BroMance”
with Michael. He lost his best
friend, his buddy, his pal – a part of him. I will bring more silliness and fun to his life, trying to
fill the void you left. Thank you
for being his friend.
Thank you for filling our lives with fun, dude. I love you MattE!
