Previous posts I exclaimed that I was a bad blogger and committed to posting better. Then I saw that Mary removed my blog link from The Memory Boutique website and I thought, "Why should I write on my blog if no one can link?" Well, I have to be honest and say that writing on the blog has been very therapeutic for me and I missed it! I even had fun going through and re-reading my old posts. Time sure does fly by quickly and I chuckled at some of the memories!
I've been thinking a lot about my present and past and even my future. That happens when someone you know, someone too young, has passed away...
I didn't get the mail at work on Tuesday so when I went out on Wednesday, I thought it was Wednesday's delivery. Duh, huh? Anyway, the local town paper was in the box and I set that paper on my boss' desk. I glanced at the front page as it was going down and recognized the picture of the young man that was there. The title said, "A fabulous family man, a connector of people." Then there was the fold. I gently unfolded it to read what wonderful accomplishments he achieved (he was in the paper so I was expecting a great story). I was instantly shocked and in tears, sobbing, as I read the story.
You see, back in 2000, Matt Hales was in a terrible car accident that left him clinging for life in the ICU. He had severe brain injuries and the doctors weren't certain if he'd survive. Once they realized he wasn't leaving this world, they weren't certain if he'd ever walk, if he'd suffer permanent brain damage, if he'd live in a vegetative state...the outlook wasn't good. But at least he was alive. And alive he was. Matt had a resilience and passion for life that NO injury, small or large, could overcome. He battled through his brain injuries to re-learn everything from talking, eating, thinking and remembering. He learned to walk and eventually to become just as "normal" as you and I. If you didn't know Matt before his accident, you wouldn't have recognized the ever-so-slight delay in his words or the fact that one of his hands didn't grip as hard as it used to. He even went on to earn his varsity letter in swimming! It wasn't easy, but he didn't give up and he did it. He taught us all many, many lessons, the most important is to believe in miracles!
To read that he died in a car accident was more than I could even comprehend. He died on July 20, 2011, eleven years after his terrible accident in 2000 and eleven days before his 28th birthday. He left behind a wife, a 2-year-old son and a 3-month-old daughter. And a family who loved him and whom he loved with all his heart in return. Matt's Obituary
Why share this sad story here? First, to remind you to make memories with your family and loved ones. You need wonderful memories to look back upon. Second, don't take a single day for granted because you don't know how many days you or your loved ones have left. Three, even the little things matter. Matt's parents had such a wonderful, close, loving relationship with their son and I know they have no major regrets. But they did mention one. They said they wished they told him how nice his lawn looked the last time they Skyped with him. So you see, there are always regrets because there's always one last thing that could be said. Don't hold back. Finally, don't forget to have a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior. It makes a death such as this not even close to being bearable, but Matt's family is finding comfort in the fact that Matt is now with our Lord in Heaven and is an angel watching over them.
On this 31st of July, 2011, I want to wish Matt a very happy 28th birthday celebrating with Jesus in Heaven. You are and will always remain special in the hearts of all those who were blessed to know you!
