Do not stand at my grave and weep

I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow;

I am the diamond glints on the snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain;

I am the gentle autumn's rain.

When you awaken in the morning's rush,

I am the swift uplifting rush

of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft star that shines at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry.

I am not there, I did not die.

Matthew was a very handsome and generous young man. Even before his untimely death at the hands of another, he always talked about helping others in need. He said he wanted to be an organ donor. So on that night I made the decision to follow his wishes, and in my time of grief, we reached out to many others that we never met, and gave them the gift of life. Many people are very happy now, Having a life they would not have had the chance to live if Matt would not have made his wishes known.  He was and always will be my "Baby Boy". He was the heart throb all girls dreamed of.  He was always well liked by all who met him.

My great-neice, Pauline, was 6 years old at the time. She said she was going to marry him when she got older. She is the one that I thank everyday for helping me to cope with the loss of my child. Her young, sweet innocence, told us that Matt was gone before we told her! She said "God sent an angel to do a job, and that angel got hurt, so he had to pick the strongest angel he couold find, and that was "her" Matt. She told us that God sent her an angel to tell her that he was gone. Her sweet charm, and undeniable belief, gave me the strength to go on. I thank her every day.

Matt loved to lift weights, and could never find anything heavy enough to lift. He was already up to 550 pounds on the bench press, and was asking for more weights. He was strong, just like Pauline said the angels told her. I would never second guess a message sent through the innocence of a child. Especially one sent from God.

Thank you for taking the time to visit this memorial to honor him. Please light a candle or sign the guest book or leave a flower. Let us know you were here, and that you will help to keep his memory alive for us.