Spark

It's been five years today since our big crazy family lost one if its sparks and I've been pondering for awhile how to capture the essence of Matt and honor him in words; it's no small feat.  Matt was the oldest cousin.  The one the rest of us admired and looked up to.  The kind of person that was so extremely fun to be around.  He had a smile that could light up the room and was not afraid to have a good time.

The best thing about Matt though, was anytime you would run into him, he spent the time to put his arm around you, tease you, and make sure everyone, and I mean everyone, in the vicinity knew that you were his cousin...his family.  He took you right in with that spark. 

I would venture to say that at almost every moment in every day, someone is thinking about him and his memory; he was just that kind of guy.

Even in pictures, Matt's spirit shows...he won everyone over with his charm.  It's been said, "A picture can say a thousand words."  I feel that about these. 

I know every time we break out the games at family gatherings, we all catch our breath for a brief time, wishing he was still sitting there being that spark.  Although, I'm sure he and Lindsey have some wild games of Yahtzee together now and probably Grandpa Elmer is beating both of them.

Matt's sisters have {he's still looking out for them...that I guarantee} one of the best big brothers around and the best parts of him shine through them.  It's impossible to be around Erin and Noel and not remember Matt.  My heart is with you both and the rest of your family today and every day.