Message From Mom

It’s been almost 6 ½ years since our family lost Matthew to stupid cancer.  This experience has changed our family’s life forever. Here are a few things our family has learned.  We learned that we all really love and appreciate each other and are grateful to be family even through hard times, and we’ve had some really hard times.  We learned that our family together can get through hard trials and we won’t let them beat us.  We learned that we have faith in our Heavenly Father knowing that we will never leave us alone, and that our family is eternal and that we will be with our sweet Matthew again and that he is fighting for us, because he loves us too.  We learned that there are such great amazing people in this world that loved serving our little family, and we couldn’t be more grateful.  We learned that Matthew left a huge imprint in this world and 6 ½ years later people still haven’t forgotten about him and what he taught them and never will forget him. As Chad said on his mission during all of this, “We are Peters”

As Matthew’s mom I just wanted to let everyone know that from the bottom of my heart I’m so grateful for everyone that entered our lives through the worst time in our family’s life.  It was the most painful time and yet we felt so much love through all of it.  Matthew was part of the volleyball family at his school and we never knew what that meant until he got sick.  Wow, it is the most amazing family to be a part of.  We are still a part of this great family forever because now they hold an amazing” Live for Matthew” fundraiser every year to earn money to help families like our in their worst times. How cool is that?! Our church family was amazing, and we felt so many prayers from everyone.  People always showing up with food, or some kind of service.  Our family and friends that never left us alone and still we feel their love. Nurses that have become friends.  I know that humans were designed to be happy people, and because of that our family has a lot of happy times even though Matthew is not here physically we know he is here spiritually and is still a huge part of our family, and celebrating with us when we have happy times. 

Our family continues to grow and we know Matthew is helping send down sweet spirits that are perfect for our family, and spouses perfect for our kids.  I know that Matthew has a huge hand in our lives because he wants us happy.  He is helping to guide us from the other side, he knew he would be more help there than here and he wants to make sure his family gets back to him.  I am so proud of Jenelle, Chad, and Hannah for the people they have become through this hard time of losing their brother.  They have been through a lot, some more than others but have come through it all with grace and courage.  Matthew would and I’m sure is so proud of them and I love them all so much! We of course have a lot of days that we mourn for him, and we miss him terribly and there is a hole left in our lives that will never be filled because he is not here.  But this life is short and temporary and then after this life is over we will never feel this pain again.  I know that my family will hold it all together in this life because of that amazing people that have passed through our lives, and continue to stay,  and for a loving Heavenly Father that loves us enough to have given us 17 years with the most amazing son and brother.  He didn’t even have to give us that much, so were grateful for that.  We are grateful for the plan of happiness and for our eternal family.  Thank you to everyone and we truly love you all!