The hospice nurse came today. Matthew has lost a little over 6 pounds since his visit to MDA last week. She has added another patch to get him through the times when his regular patch is wearing off.
Emily started a project to allow people to share their favorite memories, stories, or any old thing they want to about Matthew. If you don't really know Matthew, you can share how his story has impacted you. Emily has shared brochures around Lake Jackson. You can also find the Dear Matthew Project on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DearMatthewProject . Read below for more information. You can send in multiple letters if you would like....
|
The Story So Far: In May 2011, Matthew began his epic
battle against Stage IV Colon Cancer.
Despite the odds never being in his favor, he fought daily. Still fighting like a mighty warrior, Matthew entered Hospice January 15,
2014.
This news might break your
heart, make you hug your loved one, and/or wish to yourself that you could
do something.
Well,
You Can.
You have one short window of opportunity.
Join
the “Dear Matthew” Movement.
|
The “Dear Matthew” Project: Most are familiar with Dear John or a Dear
Abby Letters – both letters provide the basic concept of the “Dear Matthew”
letter. However, the “Dear Matthew” Letter is different – it is empowering, it is
forever, and, most importantly, it is rooted in love. It is a letter (handwritten or typed) written
to a loved one who is quickly approaching the end of their life. Letters are written PRIOR to the person’s death, so our Matthew may:
(1) Find
joy and peace in by relishing in the memories and reminiscing about the
countless good times, and
(2) Know
they are loved and will never be forgotten.
The project is named in honor of Matthew Edward Haluska; Matthew means “Gift of God,” so writing
a “Dear Matthew” letter is to send a letter that reinforces how precious the
person is – so precious, he/she can only aptly be described as a “Gift of
God.” Lastly, the letters and pictures are
being compiled into a book for my family – primarily for my parents (Earth
Bound Angels), but if anyone else is interested in owning a copy, please reach
out.
Dear
Matthew Letter Topic Recommendations
L Laughter: Life’s Best
Medicine–
Funny
Matthew Stories (the more detail the better! Include dates, ages, names, etc!!)
Lessons Learned - Did Matthew teach you something? Tell him about it. Tell him how it impacted your life.
The Early Years – Describe Matthew as a baby/child. What do you remember? Share a favorite story or memory.
Something for the History Books – aka an epic Matthew story that you will never forget.
*For the Future* – Describe Matthew to a stranger: what you love about him, quirks, best qualities, analogies- anything goes.
Boy Scout Trail Tales – People who have a message that falls under this topic know exactly what I am talking about
Remember When – Share a memory (sad, funny, poignant, a snapshot in time) and how it makes you feel
Your Mother Would be Proud – When Matthew demonstrated to the world that his Momma Raised Him Right
Always On My Mind – Song, lyric, poem, or bible verse that reminds you of Matthew and why
A 1000 Words – a child or you can draw a picture and submit it with a short note explaining the picture
What We Learned Along the Way – What you learned from Matthew’s journey and how it affected/impacted you.
The Ripple Effect – We May Have Never Met…and you don’t really know me…but
*This one is for the supporters - the friends of friends, people Matthew met once or not at all, the prayer groups, co-workers, etc.
Lessons Learned - Did Matthew teach you something? Tell him about it. Tell him how it impacted your life.
The Early Years – Describe Matthew as a baby/child. What do you remember? Share a favorite story or memory.
Something for the History Books – aka an epic Matthew story that you will never forget.
*For the Future* – Describe Matthew to a stranger: what you love about him, quirks, best qualities, analogies- anything goes.
Boy Scout Trail Tales – People who have a message that falls under this topic know exactly what I am talking about
Remember When – Share a memory (sad, funny, poignant, a snapshot in time) and how it makes you feel
Your Mother Would be Proud – When Matthew demonstrated to the world that his Momma Raised Him Right
Always On My Mind – Song, lyric, poem, or bible verse that reminds you of Matthew and why
A 1000 Words – a child or you can draw a picture and submit it with a short note explaining the picture
What We Learned Along the Way – What you learned from Matthew’s journey and how it affected/impacted you.
The Ripple Effect – We May Have Never Met…and you don’t really know me…but
*This one is for the supporters - the friends of friends, people Matthew met once or not at all, the prayer groups, co-workers, etc.
Additional Instructions: (Write
as many letters as you want) (I know you will not let Matthew down).
·
Handwritten
Letters: 402 Huckleberry St. Lake Jackson, TX 77566
·
With submission,
include your name, contact information, when you met or how you know Matthew
·
*Everyone is asked to please
submit a For the Future “letter” (short as a sentence) these letters are
for his future relatives.
·
Include
a picture –from whenever,
your favorite picture, it can coincide with your letter or not.
·
Questions:
Check out the soon to be created Facebook Page or (2) Email DearMatthewLetter@gmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment