Thursday, August 18, 2011

Saying Goodbye

The following was what I had written and hoped to read at Matt's service. The pastor ended up reading it for me. We're still in a spinning, numb haze, but I do wish to thank everyone for their love, prayers and support. 
Today we celebrate the life of not only my beautiful husband, but a loving Daddy, a caring son, brother, uncle, brother in law, friend, coworker, neighbor, hunting buddy, fearless snowmobile leader and golf mate. As we all sit here today, shocked and saddened, please remember him for who he truly was.. A gentle giant with a heart of gold. 

Matt was the most brilliant, hard working, clever man I have ever met. He could build anything beautifully and didn’t stop until the job was done to the satisfaction of his high standards. Our home he loved so much is a true testimony of his incredible tenacity and pride in workmanship. 

In the 10 years I’ve known him, not once did he have an angry outburst (and if you know me, that in and of itself is a mark for Sainthood). I know I’m not the only one in this room he patiently dug out while snowmobiling.. Brushing off apologies with, “It’s hasn’t been a great day of riding until someone gets stuck”

We had lots of great riding days.

Over the years, he rolled with my heart and passions, welcoming and loving countless rescue dogs that would eventually leave (okay, some stayed), and deeply loved all the foster children that blessed our home. Nothing is sweeter than watching a 6’3” man melt to goo over curly haired SweetPea or him patiently guiding LittleBuddy through the challenges of checkers.

He had a great love of the outdoors and thoroughly enjoyed taking trips with not only his family but his buddies, as well. Snowmobiling, white water rafting, hunting, atv-ing.. All things outdoors. One great moment (that will always crack me up) was texting him pictures of the herds of elk in our yard as he and the boys had been up in the mountains hunting for a week with not a bull in sight.

Good times.

I cannot begin to thank everyone for coming from near and far to be here today. I have no words to express how blessed and appreciative our entire family feels for all the loving words of support and prayer. We are all broken but together we will heal. My hope for today is that we can not only cry together but laugh over the good times as well. I truly hope to hear your stories and I will share mine.

My sweet darling, not a day will go by that I won’t think of you and ache for your presence. The thought of experiences we won’t get to share together makes it hard to breathe. There is still so much to say and do. Please know how proud I am to be your wife, your friend and a Mommy to our beautiful children. I will love you from the core of my soul ..

Forever.

16 comments:

Melissa, Multi-Tasking Mama said...

what a beautiful tribute, melissa. You are brave and beautiful and strong. {{hugs}}

Unknown said...

Melissa
This was beautiful and gives such a wonderful picture of the wonderful man that your husband was.
I am so sorry for your pain and your loss but know that you and your family and your children remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Debbie Schwartz said...

I am so sorry that I never had the chance to meet him in person, and so thankful that I was able to get to know him through your blog. My thoughts are with you and the children.

GTD Student said...

My condolences and prayers.
MariaG (Canada)

Kristin said...

What a truly beautiful tribute. My prayers are with you.

Lisa said...

What an amazing man he was. You were truly blessed to have spent 10 beautiful years with him by your side. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. I pray for you and know that our precious Savior will hold you up.
Love, hugs and prayers.
Lisa

Lori Lavender Luz said...

The deep love you share was glaringly evident at the celebration.

Abiding with you, Melissa...

Sincerely, Jenni said...

I'm a fairly new reader of your blog, and I am so very sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine what you are going through, and please know I will be praying for you and your family.

Kelsey Stewart, Author said...

Melissa, I am moved beyond words. I have been taking some time off from the blogging world and in my absence I did not keep up on you. When I read your latest post, my heart fell and my thoughts began to race. WHAT? No, this cannot be true. is what I said to myself as I read your beautiful tribute.

My heart is full of love for you and my prayers are going out to you, your family and his family as well. I am shocked to put it mildly. May God keep you close as you move forward from this tragedy. I cannot say much more except that I will keep you on my mind, and I only hope that your heart will heal. I am so sorry Melissa.

Megan said...

How beautiful and poignant. I'm am so, so deeply sorry for your loss and the loss of all those around you.

Hope said...

What a beautiful tribute.

Thinking of you. I am so sorry for your loss.

Crunchy Domestic Goddess said...

Melissa,
I'm so very sorry for your loss. Having lost my sister unexpectedly less than a year ago, I know there's nothing anyone can say to make it easier, but please know that I'm sending you love and light during this difficult time.
Also, that was a beautiful tribute to your husband.
hugs,
Amy

Chickenpig said...

Your husband sounds like a wonderful man. You wrote a beautiful tribute. I'm so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts, now and always.

Penelope said...

Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss! Praying that you and your kids find comfort in Him. 2 Corinthians 1: 3-7

Anonymous said...

Melissa, I have been so out of touch for so long... but I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. I can't even begin to imagine.

I thank God that you knew such a beautiful spirit, such a sweet love!

I am praying for you and your family.

((hugs))

Lisa Samples said...

Melissa,
I haven't stopped by in a while...ya know, life happens and we get busy but I am so, so sorry I wasn't here to lend you support when you needed it most.

Please, if there is ever anything I can do let me know. I know we have never met, but when I think of my top three bloggers of all time - you are always one of them. You share so openly and honestly and I love hearing what's going on in your life. Again, my thoughts are with you and the children.

Lisa Samples from Life with Lisa

 

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