It was a cold day in Olive Branch, Mississippi, and it began to snow.  The school announced the closing and Matthew was so excited.  A day to play in the fresh fallen snow!  As the snow began to fall he found everything he could to slide down the steep little hill on the side of our driveway.  In his fun he lost his glasses and did not even miss them.  After a full day of fun with his friends he came in for a warm bath and meal,  and cozy up by the fire in his pajamas and watch tv with his family.   Suddenly he realized his glasses were outside somewhere covered by the snow,  and they were his only pair.  As the snow began to melt he was lucky to have found them.

This January day was the first one in a couple of weeks of cold weather after Christmas.  It was sunny and warmer, and Matthew wanted to ride his bike that had been in the shop since Christmas.   They drew straws at work to see who could go home early.  Since it was a slow day. He won!  He picked up his bike, enjoyed a good Mexican lunch, and left for a ride.

In the waves of grief that come to me as a Mom, I try to remember the times he loved to be outside and enjoy being a boy, and the fun he had as a child playing in the snow with his friends.   This January day had a sad ending,  but I remind myself Matthew was having fun this day when his life tragically ended.

Matthew, forever in Mom's heart, January 14, 2010, a day I will never forget.