Matthew looked after my son Nick one summer when he was about 16 and Nick was 9. Always patient, Matthew was the perfect teacher for Nick: he listened to him, treated him like a human (which some folks don't do with kids). He took him to movies, which they both loved, and then they'd talk about what they'd seen. Matthew helped Nick begin to see films and books as more than just spare time activities, but meaningful and something a person could be passionate about.
He was not only beautiful, like an angel, he was also always thoughtful and sharp. He cared about ideas and people and justice. He wanted a better world. He loved his family with all his heart.
And that is why so many other hearts are breaking to learn he has gone ahead.
Abiding love to the family and to Matt. A life touches so many, in ways we can't always see. May he rest in peace till he's joined one day by us all.
