Matthew had this way of lighting up every room, every space, every heart. His smile was infectious, his spirit magnetic. He was a charmer from day one, and his silly jokes never failed to get a laugh (even when they were completely ridiculous). Everyone loved him. I mean everyone- classmates, parents, teachers, teammates. He just had that kind of soul.
We shared many memories over the years- from early elementary school, to Desperados, cheering for him on the football field, young life camp, being Prom dates, and just hanging out.
One of my earliest memories of him is from first grade. There was a time where our desks were right next to each other. He and another one of his friends asked me if I wanted to play “Harry Potter” one day at recess- our pencils were going to be our wands and he said I could be hermione so of course I said yes.
I wish I could remember more specific conversations from that time, but I do remember messing with each other a lot and talking when we weren’t supposed to. Lots of goofing off, laughing and just innocent kid fun.
He made people feel seen, included, and cared for without even trying. That was just who he was.
It breaks my heart to know that someone who gave so much light to others had been carrying such heavy pain himself. Matthew, I hope you know how widely and deeply loved you were, and still are.
What a gift it was to have had him in our lives- to have laughed with him, danced with him, grown up with him. I’ll carry these memories forever.
Rest easy, Matthew.
You will always be loved and missed.
