Monday, August 27, 2012

13 Years...


It was a day like any other day for myself as a six year old. I went to school, rode the bus home, and I was ready to walk home from the bus stop. My sister met me to walk home together. We went to a yellow corn field to play hide and seek as soon as we got at our house.

At 4:00 we were coming out of the corn field, when we saw my Aunt Jennifer and my step grandmother Betty pull into our driveway. We were curious, but I remembered they said earlier that week they would come visit. However, by the look on their faces, they didn’t look like they came to visit.

“Get in the car, children,” said Betty as she also wiped off a tear.

“Why are you-” I began but she just opened the car door and pushed us in. The ride was quiet as a library full of children reading. I couldn’t help wonder how come my mom didn’t pick us up.

When we pulled up in Betty’s driveway I saw all kinds of cars which belonged to my family.

“Why are all these cars here, Betty?” I asked.

She replied, “Please get out.” I got out and went in. When I opened the door it was like a zoo! No one was talking but they were crying! Betty told me and my sister to go outside until our Granny arrived.

At this point inside my body I asked myself why was everybody crying and not us?!

“Was someone hurt?” I asked myself.

I made my way our side and soon my Granny joined me.

“Matthew, you are going to live with me now.” Granny said.

“W-why’s that?” I said with my teeth chattering as I spoke, even though I was wearing a light jacket.

“Matthew, I don’t know to tell you this…”

“Tell me what.”

“…Your…mother…died.”

“You’re joking, right.”

At first I thought she was joking. When she started crying I believed her.

I started crying too. Now I looked like everyone else. I didn’t understand all my emotions. After all, I was only six. Why was this happening to me?

Inside, my sister was taking it worse than me. And you would think I would because I was little.

I went back into the house and everyone said they hoped I’d feel better soon. They invited me to with them. I felt like a puppy at the pound. I hardly slept that night because there was a lot on my mind. My mom was gone. I thought she would be around forever!?

At the funeral, I tried not to cry and I didn’t much but when I got to the casket, I did. Gospel music followed the sermons at the funeral which was a closed casket.

I’ll never forget my memories with my mom or those sad days around her death.

My aunt told me when I was a lot older that I said in the funeral home, “Mommy, Mommy wake up!”

I wish she would wake up so we both could say good bye.

So if you haven’t figured it out, that is a personal narrative that I wrote…back in the fourth grade…in 2002. Of course, it isn’t my best writing but that is okay because it gets my point across of what this entry is about. Today marks 13 years since my Mom was taken from me. 13 years that I have had to wonder about all the “What-ifs.” 13 years trying to figure out what kind of person she was. 13 years trying to keep the memories of her alive. 13 years to keep her alive in my heart. 13 years telling people that Mom had passed.

13 years is a long time but this year has been really tough on me as I have gotten closer in coming to terms with her death. Now, I get to not only cry about this terrible anniversary but instead, I get to make her proud from some of her own hopes for me. 

A couple of weeks ago, I was looking through my old stuff and I came across my Baby Book that Mom started for me and in the back of the book, a section was called, “Mom’s Letter.” In it, Mom wrote the following letters to me over the six years that I was with her. 

I hope you enjoy life and want to help others and work all time and provide a living for you and your family and not depend on anyone else. I hope you go through school and go to college and make a doctor or lawyer or something you enjoy yourself that pays good or a dentist. Just make something of your life and be kind to everyone and look over and take care of sissy as much as possible. Respect your family always no matter what.  We all love you.
Signed “Mommy”
Date: 10-7-93
Your Age: 6 Months

Tell sissy I want her to make something of her life as well and not depend on anyone. Go through school no matter how hard things get, enjoy herself and be kind and love everyone. I know it’s hard sometimes. Tell her I love her and she’ll always be my baby!
Love Mom
Signed Mommy
Date: 5-30-94
Her age at this time: 7 years old.

I hope you the best in life. It’s a rough world out there. I love you.
12-2-94

Always try and keep this book. You can look back at your young and child hood days!
Undated

Here are the final words of Mom that I get to keep in my heart:
We all love you very much. Be good in school and take care of Sissy. Keep up the good work. Hope you enjoy 1st grade this year.
7-12-99

Mom would be taken from this Earth in just a little over a month from the time she penned those words down in my Baby Book. I wish that I would have had these words earlier this year and my life through some of the pain that I was going through. As I look back over them, it seems that Mom knew what I would face and it seems that Mom knew how to comfort me in my time of trouble. You know, in all of my troubles that I will continue to face on this Earth, I will return to these words in my time of need because they came from the person who loved me dearly.

Over the past 13 years, I have struggled with wanting to make Mom proud and doing what she would have liked. It seemed like even if I feel like I didn’t, I already have just from these words of love that she had written for me. I believe that everything happens for a reason and I think that with Mom writing these words and me finding them now, at the beginning of my second year at Berea, “Momma knows” what is going to come for me. Even with her just going through the 9th grade, she knew how rough and hard life would be for me and now I have the opportunity to make her proud and allow her to live through me.

Before I leave you with Mom’s Obituary, I am going to leave words for Mom.

Mom, you had to leave this Earth because God called you home.
I know that you are with me wherever I roam.
It hurts me that you are not here for me now
And on this day I wear a frown.
Come tomorrow, a new day begins
To where I can make your memories continue through the end.
Today I will stop all the what-ifs
Because of your great gift
Gifts of love and of a hope
Don’t worry, Mom, I won’t do dope.
I am still your little boy
Who wants to play with you and with all of my toys.
But now I am also your young man
And on your truth, morals, love and dreams I will stand.
Mom, your Spirit is in me now
And when people see me, they see you and your lovely smile all around.
Although I may now be blue
These words express how greatly, I LOVE YOU.

"I wasn't home when Mama passed away

I didn't get to say I love you
but I got this feelin'

Mama knows, Mama knows
somehow I think she's got a window to my soul
Mama knows, Mama knows
Even when I think it doesn't show
Mama knows, mama knows" (Mama Knows by Shenandoah)
 

Recie Edith Franklin
Recie Edith Franklin, 29, died Friday, August 27, 1999 at Russell County Hospital.

She was a homemaker.

Born in Hamilton County, Ohio on June 30, 1970, she was the daughter of Linda Lawless Ashbrook and Estus Wayne Ashbrook.

Surviving along with her parent are one daughter, Linda Michelle Ashbrook of Russell Springs; one son, Matthew Lee Cape of Russell Springs; her stepmother, Betty Ashbrook of Russell Springs; three brothers, Phillip Ashbrook of Columbia, Dennis McWhorter of Jamestown, and Ricky McWhorter of Russell Springs; two sisters, Rita Campbell of Columbia and Pam Lawless of Jamestown; five stepbrothers and two stepsisters.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, August 31 at Bernard Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jeff Aaron officiating. Special music was provided by The Singing Rexroats.

Pallbearers were Phillip Ashbrook, Dennis McWhorter, Ricky McWhorter, Timmy George, Greg George and Randy George.

Interment was in Whites Chapel Cemetery.


Mommy, you will be missed but your love is still present.

Love,

Matthew
 



Thursday, August 23, 2012

Mid-Weed Review


So just a late mid-week update about how my summer has ended and my sophomore year has started. 

I arrived back on campus Sunday afternoon to all kinds of business that I was not expecting. I upperclassmen returning to their bubble, squirrels scurrying to gather their winter nuts, and of course freshman faces of anxiety of what is to come. It surprised me seeing how quickly the life of the campus had come back still with only three days until the fall semester officially kicked off; it is an awesome feeling to see life being restored!!!

However, the next day, I would rant and rave about how I was coned out of $300.00 by the college and reminded about how 1) I need to get back into the swing of asking questions 2) I need to read the fine print and 3) if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. :/ Since this is my blog, I am going to rant to you now. 

So when I completed my FAFSA and the college received it and made my award letter, I was supposed to be receiving the $300.00 from the commonwealth of Kentucky for being a Kentucky student with the KEES award. The KEES award is based on having good grades, and ACT score in high school to where they award will pay for college tuition and such. A great award for Kentucky students who need money like…almost every student in the commonwealth! However, due to taking an internship (ASK MORE QUESTIONS) and getting money from the college, I got too much for me to receive the KEES money in hand-to offset my term bill-and instead it went to pay for my college scholarship (READ FINE PRINT.) I was upset because it seemed like taking an internship would be a great thing to do, however, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Very sad. :(
 
Also on Monday, I helped my roommate moved in and helped another friend of mine move in because they are just stragglers like that and almost waited to the last minute. Nah, I am just kidding, they tried getting here as quickly as possible but due to circumstances, they could not. 

Remember how I was speaking about A.R.K (Acts of Random Kindness)? Well, I saw all kinds of those going on Tuesday in preparation for the fall term. I do not say this to boast, but instead be an example of practicing what I preach, I too shared in participating in ARK. It was certainly nice to assist all the anxious freshman and even help returning students out about some confusion. 

WEDNESDAYS WILL BE THE DEATH OF ME!!! Well, maybe not. It’s just that I have a 9-5 schedule with only one hour of free time being lunch. And then I return to the dining hall for supper to run down a few hundred feet to our music hall for a great way to end my busy Wednesday’s with singing with other men and women about the joys of Christ! Such an awesome way to end a night! 

Also last night, I revised my internship paper and turned the style of the paper from MLA to APA…I hate the fact that we are taught MLA but certain majors-like Psychology-require APA format. So that was interesting spending 90 minutes redoing the format. But all is well with the world as I am about to start my second day of my fall semester and I am sure it will be as lovely as ever. :)
 
One last note: Thank You Disney for reminding me of my goal of becoming Dr. Cape….Enjoy this MaDnEsS!
~Matthew

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Back Home at Last!!!!


*Sigh of Relief* Ah. It feels so great to be back home in Berea. I thought this day would never come and now HERE IT IS!!!! *Breathe In* *Breathe Out* Now I am calm. Now I can write about how excited I am without GETting TO HaPpY! Who am I kidding, I couldn’t do that!!! :)

Anyway, so I am now home in Berea about to start my second year at the college and so many new things are going on.
  1. New Year.
  2. New Friendships.
  3. New Goals.
  4. NEW ME!!!
So now let’s understand these four things before I start breaking out in song. :D

Indeed, it is a new year for me at Berea College. I am excited for what is to come as I reside in a different dorm, have a different job, and a great selection of classes that I think I will enjoy. In fact, I cannot wait to get into my religion course. Of course you can bet that I will have plenty to talk about this course as it seems that we will be understanding Christian love and I will be more than glad to share my thoughts about Christian love because so many people have seen nothing but hatred from people claiming to be Christians. If you are a Christian, do you not remember what the greatest Commandments were? Simply put, Love God. Love People. And that is what I want to do…but I am getting ahead of myself. 

Also this year, I have a different job. Wanna know the title? Of course you do! I am an Assistant Diversity Peer Education Training Workshop Coordinator. Yes, a long title, but a great one at that because I get to help people understand diversity and what it means to be different. But I thought we are all different? In fact, we all are different because we have different beliefs, morals, opinions, etc. etc. Hold Up! Wait a Minute! Put a Little Love In It! One thing that we all have in common is the fact that we all have the same color of blood running through our veins-BLUE! (I will wait to make Sports jokes in a later edition.) But seriously, we have the same color of blood running through our veins and we also have the common molecular make-up of Deoxyribonucleic acid. And when one dies, we will eventually decompose to ashes so we are all different people, yet we all are the same. The college that I attend says it best, “God has made of one blood all peoples of the Earth.”

Secondly, I have already made wonderful new friendships this summer but I know that I will make plenty more this school year. As I grow closer to understanding me as a person, I will grow in friendships. I love talking to people and caring for them. However, ultimately my goal for any friendship is to just be grateful for the friends that I am hanging out with in the now and not worrying about whom I want to hang out or the bad relationships that have ended in the past because most friendships come and go in this time of my life so I just want to be grateful for the many friendships that I will gain AND lose this school year.

Speaking of Goals:

I have a goal of updating this blog twice a week; hopefully on Wednesday and Sundays.
Another goal is get more involved in activities around campus including but not limiting to the great Black Music Ensemble, Berea Ambassadors, Berea Buddies, and hopefully take one quarter credit class of piano.

Another goal of mine is to get something started for college students nightly at the church that I attend. I agree with the thought of “Build and they will come.” Because college students get bored with not having nothing to do (or at least I do) and I want to be able to see programs for all interests of college students beliefs in God. But this is my goal and hopefully will come to pass in the near future.

A final goal that I will disclose to you, reader, is the fact of continuing with a bible study that me and group of friends had going last semester and I hope and pray for it to come to pass.
NEW ME!

Okay, so last year I was accused of changing in a bad way. I don’t think I was but this year, I am going to change; because we all should be in a progressive line of changing ourselves for the better. I will say this, if you think you are the perfect place of being a great …..I will not complete that sentence because NO ONE IS PERFECT and they are some things that you can change about you.

In fact one thing that I want to change is how opinionated I am because that does get me into trouble. Thank God for the greatest right of free speech! But seriously, I know that I can be opinionated about some things but my Momma taught me to stand up for what I believe in and I will NOT change that.

I also want to change the fact of being selfish and be selfless. I want to serve and care for people more starting with my family, close friends, and loved ones. I want them to be happy for this life that they have because there is always someone else who is hurting worse. I want to be selfless because really, I have everything I need right now and I am sure I have more than enough. I want to make people smile. I want people to enjoy this life they have because it is so grateful and such an awesome gift to have.

I just watched Evan Almighty and was reminded of A.R.K. Acts of Random Kindness. I plan on doing this to be selfless. My challenge to you is that you too brighten someone else’s life and participate by working on the ARK. :D

I am excited for what’s to come, I really am. New year + new friendships + new goals + new me = NEW MADNESS!!!!!!

Enjoy this lovely weather. Be kind to one another. And enjoy the MaDnEsS of life!
~Matthew


Saturday, July 28, 2012

A Penny Saved Is A Penny Wrong


NOTE: The following was written on June 5, 2012. I was not going to post this , however, after all the rage of Chick-fil-A,  I thought that I would share this for some of my beliefs. 

Ellen DeGeneres said the following in 2009 at a commencement service at Tulane University:
When I was younger I thought success was something different. I thought, “When I grow up, I want to be famous. I want to be a star. I want to be in movies. When I grow up I want to see the world, drive nice cars. I want to have groupies.” But my idea of success is different today. For me, the most important thing in your life is to live your life with integrity and not to give into peer pressure, to try to be something that you’re not. To live your life as an honest and compassionate person. To contribute in some way. 

Ellen is one of my favorite celebrities of all time as she cares for people and tries to brighten everyone’s lives that she meets. She is also has a huge heart for everyone. I do believe that she is a great comedian and I also believe that she one that we can look up to. Yep, I said look up to. 

However, Ellen has had scrutinizing comments made to her as she has become a new spokesperson for JC Penny’s. The reason you ask? Well, it is because she is an openly gay woman or lesbian. Now let me tell you that she is getting these comments from Christian men and women. Some Christians believe that JC Penny’s has darkened family values or “attacked family values three times.” 

In February of this year, Ellen became a spokesperson.

In May, two lesbian women were photographed for one of JC Penny’s catalog.

And the third “attack” would come this week where two gay men-a couple-portrayed Dads for a Father’s Day ad.

First off, I will not post Biblical verses stating that homosexuality is wrong, however, they are in there. I promise you that. However, I am not God nor do I desire to be Him. And you may not believe in Him so that is your business, not mine.

Secondly, I find Christians who use the word “attack” in the above situation to be very closed minded to homosexuality. Side rant: I do not know if people are born gay or not. It doesn’t matter to me. However, whatever the case may be, everyone deserves the compassion and respect given to white, blacks, and straights! Back the first sentence: “Attack” needs to use when something (or someone) intentionally violates another person through word or action. I do not see these “attacks” violating someone’s rights! How are these even attacks against family values? Family values are individual made values by the leaders of the family.

Thirdly, the leaders of the family may be made traditionally of a man and a woman. However, in some cases (as in homosexual couples) the leadership can be made up of two men or two women.

Fourthly, who are we as a society or Christian organization-yes, I am a Christian-to say that two men and an adoptive son are not a family? Or who are we to say that two women and an adoptive daughter are not a family? These couples are not only couples but are partners and parents.

My final rant will be toward the Christians who find that homosexuality is wrong. I understand your viewpoint that you see it wrong. Some homosexuals see that as well. However, let them speak to you and you hear their feelings about all of this as well because so many times, Christians boldly and forcefully give their opinion that homosexuals are going to hell because they are gay. Again, it is none of my business between God and a homosexual. But Christians, “live your life as an honest and compassionate person” and “contribute in some way.”

Being a Christian, I do believe that I am honest, compassionate, and I contribute in many ways-my relationship with God is not lowered with me being this way to so many people, including homosexuals.

But back to JC Penny. JC Penny is a great store with great prices. I will not stop shopping there because they have a spokesperson who happens to be lesbian. I will not stop shopping there because of a lesbian couple in a store catalog. And I will certainly not stop shopping there because of a gay couple in an ad for Father’s Day. In fact, I will more than likely shop there and endorse Penny’s as they are reaching out in diversity as well as showing that family is about family and not about tradition. Because if we go with tradition, than we would have a man and a woman where the man is the leader of the house and the woman is the housewife who does not work and does not have a say in what goes on in the household. So if we want to talk about tradition-let us throw that out the window with this situation and make sure that family values are independently made by the family leaders and NOT made by the government or religion. …. Have I mentioned that I HATE religion?

JC Penny’s is a great store and I actually applaud them for what they are doing by reaching out and saying that things are not necessarily put in a square box. After all, who deems what is normal? Because I for one, will not color inside the lines because someone tells me to but I will color outside the lines and still give you a beautiful picture. JC Penny is trying to save people money while they shop for nice clothes, a penny saved is a penny earned and NOT a penny wronged! Unless you are a scrooge with money, everyone enjoys saving money. So why do we say JC Penny’s is wronging family values because family values are different to everyone.

And that my dear reader, can be taken to the bank! 

 I will leave you with this video of Why I HATE Religion But Love Jesus and maybe you can understand why I believe some of things written above and on previous "MaDnEsS" entries. 

~Matthew

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Happy Birthday, Mom!


The following comes from an episode called Funeral of the FOX TV show Glee.

“I miss my Sister. Every night at 10 or so she used to call me on the phone and when I asked her why she’d tell me that ‘her body told her she wanted to hear my voice.’ I miss my Sister-the smell of her shampoo, the way she could always convince me to read her another book. When you love someone like I loved her they’re a part of you. It’s like you’re attached by this invisible tether, and no matter how far away you are you can always feel them. And now, every time I reach for that tether I know there’s no one on the other end, and I feel like I’m falling into nothingness. Then I remember Jean. I remember a life led with no enemies, no resentments, no regrets and I’m inspired to get up out of bed and go on. I miss my sister so much. It feels like a piece of me has been ripped off. Just one more time I want to hold her. Ten more seconds. Is that too much to ask? For 10 more seconds to hold her? But I can’t and I won’t and the only thing keeping me from being swallowed whole by sadness is that Jean would kill me if I did. So for now, I’m just gonna miss her. I love you, Jeanie. Rest in peace.”

Today, would had been Mom’s 42nd birthday if she was still alive. For the first time since 1999, I will celebrate it with my best friend and I will remember her through the words above. Let me explain why these words were spoken. A character on Glee named Sue Sylvester had a sister named Jean with Down syndrome. In the episode, Jean got pneumonia and passed away. The Glee club tries to help Sue through her grief and finally they do by singing Jean’s favorite song, Pure Imagination from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Sue wrote this letter in the form of grieving at the funeral and I thought this would be a way for me to explain my feelings of my Mom, Recie.

Here is a gift that I made for Mom and I think it shows the family good. 


Family is a big thing for me and I wish that we were closer; however, that is not the case. “…Then I remember [Mom]. I remember a life led with no enemies, no resentments, no regrets and I’m inspired to get up out of bed and go on. I miss my [Mother] so much…”

According to some, Mom pulled the family together whenever we were falling apart; I can understand that. Mom was a great women and a great person to learn things from. She is my inspiration for all of my goals that I have in my life. She taught me to stand up for what I believe in and she taught me to appreciate the small things in life and be a servant to others.

 I remember Mom helping out an older man who was a family friend. Monday through Friday, Mom would help the man out by taking him to his appointments as needed, grocery store, barber shop, and would help around his house. The man’s name was Joe. Joe was a nice man and every time we were out, he asked if anyone was hungry-Mom did not like Joe using his money on us. Mom would say no but of course, I would say YES! Anyway, Mom and Joe would argue over getting food for me and Mom and my sister for about 10 minutes each time saying that we were not in this for us but for him. Mom helped Joe out a lot and Joe would say, “Recie, Matthew is a growing boy. You help me out so let me help him and you all out.” Mom appreciated Joe a lot for just getting me a burger and fries when we were out. I don’t know if it was because I would shut up as I ate or not. J But anyway, Mom and Joe became really good friends and I remember him being very upset when Mom passed. Sadly, Joe would pass only a few months after Mom.

Mom made sure everyone was happy before herself-I am sure that is where I get my serving attitude. I would rather make other people happy than myself. Mom taught me to be a servant to others and not be selfish with our own desires. Mom did allow herself the pleasures of life but only when other people were met first. Mom enjoyed to party just as much as the next person; but she NEVER drank in front of us kids. Yes, it is time for another story. :) One night, Mom had a party-I remember the people coming over. Mom put me to bed and then assuming she enjoyed the party with her friends. I remember having a nightmare and I got up for Mommy. I entered the living room/kitchen of our trailer and she put her wine glass on the counter top in the kitchen while her friends went outside. She bent down, picked me up, and packed me to the couch. She started to sing softly to me while I twirled her hair with my fingers (that was how I always got to sleep). The next day when I awoke, I was in my bed. Mom did like to enjoy herself, but she made sure us kids were taken care of before her own. Mom was a great parent when making sure my sister and I were taken care of.

Like Sue wished for just 10 seconds, I do wish that I could hug Mom for just 10 seconds and tell her how much I loved her. Surely that is not too much to ask? I love Mom so, so much. A while back, I was talking to a friend of mine who told me that everything that I do is how I make Mom proud but more importantly, the people whom I touch with my service and with my love for her can see Mom through me. I had never thought of that and it really made me think about the actions that I do because if that is case, I want to make Mom proud and give her a great representation. Yes, I know that I have already done many things in my life but I cannot wait for what my future holds in my life to where I can tell everyone how great my Mom was and in essence, is.

It just dawned on me that I have some of my aunts and uncles yearbooks. I got to looking for them and I came across my Mother’s yearbook from 1981 from Jamestown Elementary when she was 11 in the 5th grade. So here a couple of things written in Mom’s yearbook that I think link me to my Mother even more:

“Recie, I’ve enjoyed having you as a student. You’re a very, nice girl. Love, Mrs. Brewster.”

“Recie, to a very good friend. Stevie Roy.”

“To a friend of mine that I like a lot. Your friend, Peggy Mann.”

“To a very nice girl, stay that way and you’ll go far. Good luck next year, in everything you do. Your friend, Johnna Hudson.” (This was from an 8th grader!)

So now, I will take a couple of written comments from my senior yearbook to see if there are any connections between Mom and me:

“Matt, you have a contagious personality. I like the fact that you feel very comfortable talking and sharing your ideas and thoughts with adults. You are someone that has the potential to truly ‘make a difference’ in our world. Thanks for all your effort in CP Chemistry. Your intelligence is obvious. May God lavish you with His blessings always. Sincerely, GK Allen.”

“Matt, I know I’m always being a hassle and a pain your butt ‘cause I’m so mean, but I appreciate all your help throughout our high school years. Yeah, you annoy me sometimes, but I’m always her for you. You’re a sweet guy with a kind heart. I hope life turns out exactly how you want it to. Good luck. Skyler.”

“Matt, over the years, you have been an amazing friend, you’ve helped me and talked to me and been here for me when it seemed as though no one else was. I want you to know that if you ever need me I’m here. And I really wish you the best after high school. I love you, Laura Shannahan.”

I see many comparisons already between my Mother and I and I am proud to be able to celebrate the things we have in common today as I am celebrating her 42nd birthday. It is awesome looking back at my Mom in 5th grade and seeing what her friends thought of her. Isn’t it amazing how her friends thought of her and what my friends thought of me? My friend is right, people can see my Mom in me. I think that is even more powerful than anything I have written so far.

 I know I think highly of her and I am proud of the Mom that I have and I think-I know-she is proud of me and everything that I do for other people and helping them out and then making myself happy after everyone else has the things they want; even if I highlight my hair red.

Happy Birthday, Mom. I hope that I have made it great for you and I wish that you were here to celebrate with me. I am celebrating for you though as you a part of me-well, you are. But you also  are seen in others eyes.

So for now, I’m just gonna miss her. I love you, Mommy. Rest in peace.

~Matthew