Our sweet little friend, known his whole life as "Baby Matthew" passed away on Monday, and today we celebrated and remembered his life at his funeral. (Matthew's very young (early 20's) parents are part of our PoC family.) He was born with Down Syndrome, a wonderful blessing that gave him the sweetest disposition and outlook on life. Early in his life he had heart surgery to correct a serious defect. And, about a year and a half ago, he was diagnosed with leukemia. Matthew fought it so beautifully, with a smile constantly on his face even during the worst pain. But his earthly life, which touched so many people in a beautiful way, was only 2 1/2 years.
The service was very sweet. One of Matthew's favorite friends in life was Elmo. So, the service started with this sweet video:
During the service, Pastor Brian read verses that have comforted the family through Matthew's illness, including Jeremiah 29:11--
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
And, now, knowing that Matthew is literally in the presence of the Lord...
"You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." - Psalm 16:11
Pastor Todd shared a little about Matthew's similarities to Elmo--both having a constantly joyful personality. And, he encouraged everyone in attendance that the way to be with Matthew again is to get as close to Jesus as possible.
Matthew's great grandparents in Idaho were able to connect through Skype to watch the service, and his great grandfather led a prayer over the connection.
At the graveside service, a children's version of the 23rd Psalm was read, as well as a beautiful children's book called Tell Me About Heaven. We learned that in the particularly hard and painful times when Matthew struggled, his mommy, Jessica, told him that everything would be okay, and that God was getting him ready to go to the happiest, most wonderful place ever. At the end of the interment, a beautiful poem was read, and several beautiful live butterflies were released into the sunshiny day--Matthew's little butterfly friends, spreading their wings and flying together.
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
And, now, knowing that Matthew is literally in the presence of the Lord...
"You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." - Psalm 16:11
Pastor Todd shared a little about Matthew's similarities to Elmo--both having a constantly joyful personality. And, he encouraged everyone in attendance that the way to be with Matthew again is to get as close to Jesus as possible.
Matthew's great grandparents in Idaho were able to connect through Skype to watch the service, and his great grandfather led a prayer over the connection.
At the graveside service, a children's version of the 23rd Psalm was read, as well as a beautiful children's book called Tell Me About Heaven. We learned that in the particularly hard and painful times when Matthew struggled, his mommy, Jessica, told him that everything would be okay, and that God was getting him ready to go to the happiest, most wonderful place ever. At the end of the interment, a beautiful poem was read, and several beautiful live butterflies were released into the sunshiny day--Matthew's little butterfly friends, spreading their wings and flying together.
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