From a Father’s Perspective
Sunday, June 24, 2018
Since 12:10pm June 9th, 2018, my world has changed. It has been a living hell, I will not lie. Watching my son peril in an unconscious state is a nightmare I wish upon no one. Asking why, I do not get an answer and I may never know the reason. What I do know is that my God is a loving God and He knows what is best for Matt. I will accept that, without anger, but with sadness. My heart is heavy.
This event is still very new to me. My grieving will not stop, nor should it. But I’m beginning to truly understand the impact this young man has had and has made on others. I have witnessed a mother’s unconditional love. I have never seen a mother pour every ounce of her love and strength into her child. I sit in amazement and watch. I have witnessed a brother and two sisters embrace each other like never before. I have witnessed two immediate families to continually give us strength, love and support. I have witnessed friends who rally around us and provide that additional layer of love and support needed to cope with what is to come.
The past several days I have also witnessed truly wonderful things. A community that quickly embraced Matt and made him their own son. I’ve witnessed young men and women who are Matt’s friends, teammates, classmates and many who do not know Matt, step up as a collective group of remarkable young adults to come to his aid. I have a new and sincere appreciation of all those who have helped because they know Matt would do the same for them.
It is with this that I selfishly prayed to God to allow Matt to heal and continue to be us here on earth. That with Matt here with us, we could do great things, give back and pay forward. That he would be able to be that inspiration as I know he can be and has been to others. I pray that we will see Matt’s Miracle. I will, I just don’t know what that miracle will be, yet. Matt will make a difference, that much I know.
I will have tears of sorrow, today, tomorrow and probably forever. But I also know, at some point, I will have tears of joy because Matt will change lives for the better and for that, I am grateful. My promise to Matt is to carry on, in his name, a legacy of giving, caring and loving others. I love you, son.
