What I know about Matt...

[babylonsister]

He died two days ago. I went to high school with him and want to share a story or two.

His parents were friends of my parents, so that was never cool. But it turned out to be.

He was always nice. He got nabbed in high school during a test when he wrote the answers on his palm and relayed them to his forehead while sweating/studying in earnest, and got caught.

I remember being in a ball of pain after my mom's ashes got thrown off the boat, and his parents, and Matt, helped me, helped us, to get through that.

I remember moving to Boston in my mid 20's with his sister. He helped us move, and we were so lucky to have him.

This is to my friend Matthew, who died at my age, 51, from lung cancer. He is/was/will be in my memory forever. I smoke, and it just might be time to stop.

And did I mention he was always nice? He leaves a wife and a few kids and I never met them; he was a teacher, and I'll bet he was the best!

[Horse with no Name]

1. RIP Matt

I'm sorry for your loss sister.:hug:

[babylonsister]

2. Thanks. My loss is the least of what his family is going through, but I

just wanted to acknowledge him. :hug:

[Old and In the Way]

3. Sorry to read this

I've buried a few along the way...it's not easy and, they, too, will live with me forever. Best wishes!

[cynatnite]

4. My thoughts are with you and his family...

:hug:

[oldtime dfl_er]

5. I'm so sorry!

He must have been a wonderful person, a wonderful friend. Memories are nice but never a good substitute for the company of a loved one.

I won't tell you to quit smoking - I'm only six months smoke-free myself, and worry every day that it's already too late for me. But if you do choose to quit, I wish you luck. There's a lot of help out there, take advantage of it.

[LeighAnn]

6. Very sorry about your friend :(

Very sorry about your mom, too.

Blessings to you, and I hope you're feeling better soon :grouphug:

[BeHereNow]

7. My parents are REALLY on me to stop smoking.

I wish I knew how.
It is a hellish addiction.
I honestly think the only way I could quit is if someone
locked me up for a month.
I am so sorry to hear about your friend.
I've lost two to lung cancer-
it is NOT pretty.
I've pretty much decided that if I got a terminal
diagnosis, I would drive out to the desert and do the job myself
rather than put my family through it.
That's just me.
BHN

[babylonsister]

8. I know it's hellish and very hard to break.

I'm living proof, but for how much longer? This was a peer. I live with a smoker who doesn't help, though it's my problem, for me, not him. My mom died from cancer, and I've had it; it just might be time. Then again, another friend stopped his nasty habit about 6 years ago and we were at his cremation in November of last year. From lung cancer.

[BeHereNow]

10. I must say...

I know your thoughts.
One of my friends who died had quit smoking and was
a toal health nut- changed his diet, quit drinking and
was running several miles a day.
the cancer still got him.

I admit, I am scared to have a lung screening.
If the damage has been done, I would rather not know.
My parents insist that is a ridiculous way to think-
If I am honest with myself though, I think I
would rather not know.
I don't know anyone who has beat it.
No smokers anyway.

BHN

[Blue_In_AK]

9. I'm sorry, Babylon

Rest in peace, Matt.

[NanceGreggs]

11. So sorry for your loss, my BabylonSister ...

I don't know why this is, but losing an old classmate is especially heartbreaking.

Maybe it's that we all like to hold on to the memories of the friendships that shaped our lives way back when, and losing an old friend is like losing part of those memories - part of our youthful selves.

Prayers go out to you, and to the family of your dear friend.

:hug:

[az chela]

12. What a beautiful tribute sister.I am sure he is reading it in

cyberspace

[emilyg]

13. So sorry.