Loose Ends

Just a few things to finish up this blog. It's impossible to include every picture and memory, but these are a few that can't be left out.

Drawn by Briana Gaylord's sister:

Christmas gift from mom. On the frame there is a plate that says, "I will be on your right side and your left. Forever and always."

Our cousin, Kayla Porter, participated in The Great Cycle Challenge and raised over $500. They gave her the opportunity to upload a photo of someone she was riding for to a billboard in Times Square for 8 seconds. 

Drawn by one of Chad's converts from his mission

A couple of years before Matthew was diagnosed, he threw a pink magnet ball and it stuck to the AC vent. He wouldn't let anyone take it down. After he passed, we still left the magnet. We've since moved into a new house, and the magnet moved with us and still sits on a vent. It's another way we can keep his memory alive.

This tree was given to us by Diane Maloy, a ward member. It's a Crepe Myrtle, and was lovingly named and known by everyone as the T tree. It blooms beautiful white flowers, and was of course filled with frogs. 

Chad and Abby had this made for my mom one year for Christmas. From right to left: Matthew, Jenelle, Hannah, Mom, Dad, Abby, Chad, Jarrett.

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!

Anniversary Celebration

During the week leading up to Matthew's one year anniversary, people anonymously dropped off frog stuff for my mom. T collected frog stuff, so they hold a special meaning for my family. If you come to our house today, you'll see little frogs placed throughout.

Every year on the anniversary of T's passing, our family meets at the cemetery. We write notes to him on green Mylar balloons and send them up. The first year we did this, it was actually pretty hilarious, because Hannah's refused to float upwards. It just floated up a little bit, kind of hovered for a few seconds, and then floated back down. She could not get it to fly for anything. We all joked that Matthew was holding it down, because he always gave her such a hard time.

Temple Day

I just wanted to do a short little blurb about Chad coming home and T's temple work.

Chad got back from his mission on April 3rd around 7 or 8 PM. It was awesome. We made signs and waited at the gate for him. A few family friends and neighbors were there, along with a group of his friends. He was one of the last ones through the gate. The reunion was fun! Right after the airport we went to the stake center so Chad could get released, and then we went straight to Chipotle for dinner.

We completed Matthew's temple work on April 22, 2014, which was my parent's 26th wedding anniversary. Usually the church holds onto names for a year after death, but we got his released a little early so we could complete his work on a special day. We did it as a family in the Gilbert Temple, and it was a very cool. My parents, me, and Chad were there. Dad did his initiatory work, and Chad did his endowments. It was a great experience none of us will forget. Later that day Hannah and our cousin Haylee did baptisms in the temple.

Matthew's Birthday Tradition

Matthew would be turning 24 this October.

The first birthday after T's death was hard. On October 25, 2013 he should have turned 18. My mom's friends made her a green birthday cake and took her out to lunch. Michelle, one of T's nurses from the clinic, brought over green balloons and a card. I sat and watched The Office to remember him. I think of him every time I watch that show, especially the last few episodes. Everyone did little things to remember him in their own way for his birthday.

To celebrate his birthday every year, we have a birthday party at a park and let go of floating lanterns. We used to have it at my parent's house, but after a lantern almost caught the Layton's tree on fire we moved to the park where there is plenty of wide open space. His friends and family are invited to participate, and we always have a really good turn out. Green birthday cupcakes and milk are served, and everyone talks about memories they have of Matthew. It almost serves as a reunion for us as well, because it brings everyone together. T's birthday party is the only time we get to see some of the people that attend.

Everyone is given a lantern, and we all write something special to him. We light them and let them go at the same time. This is one of my favorite traditions. It's a beautiful symbol, and it really keeps his memory alive.

A few years ago, back in 2016, we let our lanterns go per usual. That night, there was a story on the 10:00 news talking about how people had seen a UFO. Social media was exploding with people reporting UFO sightings, and the story even made the morning news. It was reported shortly after we sent T our lanterns, and in the same area. We all got a really good laugh out of it because we knew the truth behind the strange, alien ship lights everyone saw floating in the sky.

High School Graduation

A day or two before graduation, the entire school gathered in Tiger Hall, and one of Matthew's friends said a prayer for our family. Mom and Hannah went to be part of the event. At Matthew's would-be high school graduation ceremony, there was a chair with a wreath set for him. The school held a moment of silence, and he was mentioned in speeches during the baccalaureate.

T's Grave Site

Matthew's headstone was put in several months after his funeral. Before it got there, my dad prepared the area by installing an extra drip line to T's plot and laying sod from the temple. He did a great job preparing the plot, and I'm pretty sure it was the greenest square in the entire cemetery. My mom makes sure to keep decorations by his grave, and his friends even bring him flowers and other things.

The head stone looks great. It has a picture of T in the center and along the bottom says, Loving Son & Brother, Called Home to Serve. Also on the headstone is a volleyball and a temple, to symbolize the things that were important to him.



It's been so long since he's passed, you'd think I'd be used to going to the cemetery and seeing his picture on a headstone. That's something you never get used to seeing though. It might feel normal after more time passes, but I doubt it. He was just so full of life, I never considered that he could just be gone one day. Although, he's not completely gone...whenever something weird happens, like the ceiling fan randomly turning on or the TV channel switched on it's own, we always say that Matthew is here. It's a fun way for us to keep him around. I also believe that he's still nearby keeping his eye on us.

The Funeral

Wow, it has been a long time since I've posted. Almost 6 years...it's hard though. Yes, it's getting easier as time passes, but it's not easy by any means. There are so many things that remind us of him, there are things I want to tell him, I want him to hike with me, I wonder what he'd look like or what he would have gone to college for. Losing a brother or son isn't something you ever heal from, you just learn ways to deal with it. I haven't wanted to come back to this blog and have to write about the funeral and things that have happened after he left, but it's time now.

Matthew's viewing was on Thursday May 23rd, and his funeral was the next day, Friday the 24th. So many people showed up to the viewing to show their love and support. Friends and neighbors (some I haven't seen in years) came, and a lot of family flew down to be there. We held both the viewing and the funeral in the church by my parent's home. In the hall right outside of the viewing room, we had a TV on loop showing a slideshow of his life with lots of pictures and his favorite music. Inside the room we had tables set up with his favorite things, things that represented him, and things people had given him since his diagnosis.

Under the table the book for funeral guests to sign we had a box full of Books of Mormon, and by the end of the funeral it was empty. It was our way of sharing what Matthew believed in his entire life. It was as if we were able to share his testimony of the gospel he loved to the people who loved and supported him even after death. President Monson's wife passed away the day before Matthew did, so we set out a book for guests to sign for her as well. After the funeral was over, the book was sent to the president of our church.

When I got to the church on the morning of the funeral, people were already starting to show up and fill the chapel. We had a small family prayer in the room the viewing was held in, which was said by my mom's brother, David. Anyone who really knows Matthew knows how much he loved his weapons. He had them stashed all throughout his room, and swore that he'd be ready for a zombie apocalypse. Inside his casket, I stashed some Chinese throwing stars and bullets, so he'd still be prepared for anything. We then closed and locked the casket.

We walked into the chapel afterwards to sit in the front row, and it was overwhelming how many people were there. There were more than 700 people in attendance. I have never seen that chapel so full. It was very reverent as we walked to our seats. A few minutes after the ceremony had started, Jarrett was led to the front to sit with us by the funeral director, who is also the brother of our bishop. He was amazing throughout the whole process. It was funny watching Jarrett come up, and he really helped lighten the mood. He was adorable during the funeral because he laughed and cried at all the right moments. He understood everything.

The president of our stake spoke first, and then my brother spoke. He was still on his mission, so he had prerecorded his talk and mailed it down. We hadn't seen it before the funeral, and watching it was great. It had just the right amount of humor and reverence. Chad spoke about T's life, and the funny things they did together. My mom learned about some mischief they did when she was asleep, and we all got to remember Matthew for the goof ball he was.

One of my favorite things to do with him was to stay up late and watch Law and Order SVU, CSI, Indiana Jones, or whatever we were in the mood for. On school nights he would sneak out after my mom went to bed to watch shows with me or play games. If my mom would come out for whatever reason, he would hide behind whatever he could to avoid getting caught. Sometimes he hid under my feet between the couch and the ottoman, sometimes he tried hiding behind a large vase or the entertainment center. It was so funny. When he did get caught, he knew just how to schmooze her to stay out of trouble. It didn't take long for her to catch on to his nocturnal habits, so she started doing nightly sweeps to make sure he was getting enough sleep for school. My dad spoke after Chad, and closed the funeral on a very humble and emotional note. I think his talk was really great, and everyone was in tears by the end of it.

Soon after T was diagnosed, I made armbands that said, "Fight for Matthew" on them. We handed out hundreds for people to wear, and we wore them throughout his entire fight. I didn't think it was fitting anymore to wear bands that said to fight for Matthew because his fight was over, so I made different ones that said, "Live for Matthew". The meaning behind that was to wear the band as a reminder that we need to live our lives the best that we can like Matthew did so that we can be with him again in the next life. It's a daily reminder to be our best selves. I made these ones gray with green writing so they would match with everything, instead of the green bands that I made the previous ones to be. We ordered several hundred more and passed them out after the funeral. My dad explained the meaning in his closing remarks, and invited everyone to take one.

From the church we were escorted to the cemetery on Country Club and Brown. At the cemetery the grave was blessed, and all of the pall bearers tied their boutonnieres to the handles on the casket. It was a beautiful way to end the ceremonies. Family went back to the church for a lunch that was provided by the Relief Society of our ward, and then it was over. Below is a poem I wrote to include in the funeral program. My mom asked me to find a poem online to put in the program, but I couldn't find one that worked the way I wanted it to. I wrote this poem a night or two before we printed the programs, and I feel like it was perfect because it was personalized for him.

Live For Matthew

There is a plan for all of us,

It’s existed from the start.

Created for all to have life eternal,

Given to those of righteous heart.

Matthew’s time on earth was short,

His life was full of pain.

But cancer did not win the fight,

T’s the only one to gain.

Heaven called him up too soon,

But not before his test.

He was tried with pain and anguish,

But he tried to do his best.

He could have filled his heart

With anger, hate and grief.

For in eight months of sickness,

He rarely found relief.

These thoughts did not enter

His teenage heart or mind.

For he knew his god delivers all

Who in Him their comfort find.

T lived his life with virtue,

Spoke kind words with every breath.

Lead life through his example,

Continues life after death.

Now it’s time for Matthew

To fulfill our father’s plan.

He now lives on in Heaven,

Sharing the Gospel with every man.

We should not cry sad tears for him,

Because he now lives with God.

The tears we shed are for ourselves,

We live without him on this earthly sod.

Thanks to the Plan created,

I know what Matthew’d say;

That we should all life in worthiness

So we can be with him again someday.

Families can be together forever

Because I know that my Redeemer lives.

Eternal life and endless blessings

To all who seek Him, He freely gives.

So now we’ll life our life for Matthew,

So we can too enjoy

The endless happiness and love
Our Lord lets us employ.

Channel 15

The news program turned out really great. I think Channel 15 did a nice job of giving a brief overview of our temples in a respectful way. The link to the video is:

http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/region_southeast_valley/gilbert/Mormon-temple-in-Gilbert-Inside-look-at-temples-most-sacred-rooms

6 Months Later

Hello to whoever is still reading this blog. After about a six month break I've decided to return and continue the story of my family. These past months since Matthew's passing have been really hard, and we're each coping in different ways. I haven't wanted to come back to this blog because I wasn't emotionally ready. I still don't think I am, but I just need to do it. There is still a lot to cover.

This Friday, the 22nd, at 10:00 PM Channel 15 will be airing an interview they did with my parents. They are doing a piece on the Gilbert Temple opening and wanted to ask us questions about our loss and how the temple plays a role in it. They asked us a lot about Matthew and how our faith gets us through it. The crew was at our house this last Monday night for like four hours getting everything they needed. I'm not exactly sure what they are going to include from that, but I'm sure it will be great!

If you're not able to watch the program but still want to know about what we believe in, what kept Matthew so strong through his cancer, and what gives us comfort as we deal with our loss, you can send me an email (tmanblogg@gmail.com) with your name and address and I will send you a Book of Mormon. My email is also found in the top right corner of this page. I know this book will answer any questions you have about yourself, life, grief, anger, death, etc. Anything you want to know can be found in its pages.

Anyways, stay tuned and I will try to update you with everything that has happened since May. That will include the funeral, his grave location, things others have done for us, how his friends are doing, etc.

Push Along

Alright, so I am incredibly proud of my brother. Chad is serving a mission in Spain, and he has grown so much as a person. He has so much love for others. This morning we got this email from him:

"Hello my dear beloved family. How can I tell you and express my true feelings of love for you through an email? I would say it is impossible, so I pray the Holy Spirit will be here as you read so you can know and feel how much I do love you. I can think back listening to you all say that Matthew just wants to be like me, and how I need to be his example, and how he would always listen to my advice. The truth is, if I'm being honest, I have always looked up to him. I have always been jealous of him because he has always been so obedient to you, Mom, and because he has always been gifted with the ability to work and be happy. It has taken me over a year to learn those things he was born with.

 

I remember looking at his blog and looking at all the pictures one day in the mission office, and the AP asked me, "Why do you do that, doesnt it just make you sad and get you out of the working mood?" I told him no because he got his Patriarchal Blessing it said he will serve a full time mission and be healed. So naturally, when President Deere came to my house on Saturday night and told me that my best friend had passed away, I was really confused. I had forgotten that Patriarchal Blessings we receive are valid here on this earth and in the spirit world. When I heard dad's words from President Deere that he was serving with me, I realized and was amazed that his blessing and my prayer was completed so fast. I now have a perfect brother serving a mission with me and with all the prophets. Do you see why I have always looked up to him? Because even when I lead the way, he was always my GPS and he has, and will guide me by his example he left me.

President Deere, Elder Valenzuela, Elder Estrada and Elder Mambo gave me a blessing that night and they told me that in my prayer I will bless my family with comfort and peace. That night I prayed a lot and I hope you felt the peace I was asking for. Also, thank you for being with him 24/7. Dad, I remember I asked you if you were tired and you said no, never. I could see it in your eyes that you were. Its okay to be tired, the truth is that I'm tired. I think the Lord was even tired after his minestry and suffering. Being tired doesnt matter to the Lord, it's what you do when you're tired that matters. Family, thanks for being the best and for fighting and spending time with my hero even though you were all tired.

I would love to participate in the funeral, and I am going to love talking to you, and more than anything I'm excited to serve with the one and only T-Man. Like you said mom, God did give us the revelation that we need to lead the mission with Matthew in mind. Jenelle, thanks for the blog and tormenting him, and Hannah, thanks for just being my sister! I love you all so much and I'll be sure to fill you all in with our miracles here serving as missionaries for the one and only God!

Peace and love be to your souls,

Elder Chad Cooper Peters

PS: Alma 40 and D&C138 explain perfectly where T is and what he is doing, if you want to know. <3  LIVE FOR MATTHEW"

I was worried that he would be angry because he wasn't here for Matthew's battle with cancer, and I had the thought in the back of my mind that he might want to come home for the funeral. I'm really proud that his testimony is unwavering and he has a true desire to stay and serve. I have no idea how I got so lucky to be put in this family. All of my siblings are so awesome.

Funeral Info

The visitation for Matthew will be from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., on Thursday, May 23, 2013 at the Gilbert Greenfield Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Gilbert, Az. The address for that building is 2740 S. Lindsay Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85296.

The funeral service will begin at 10:00 A.M., on Friday, May 24, 2013 at the Stake Center where additional visitation will begin 1 hour prior. The concluding service and interment will immediately follow at a cemetery that has not yet been chosen.

It will be a beautiful ceremony.

Facebook Tributes

On Matthew's Facebook page there are a ton of thoughts posted by those who loved him. I didn't feel this blog would be complete without including their thoughts, so I've copied and pasted almost all of them.


"Hey everyone. I just wanted to remind you all that Matthew Peters is most definitely in a better place now. He is no longer in pain, and he is with our Father in Heaven, smiling down on us right now. I may not have been Matthew's best friend, but I genuinely appreciated him and the small friendship we did have. GHS, we are celebrating Matthew's life today. Please wear green to show your love, and don't forget to keep the Peters family in your prayers. We'll miss you, Matthew."

"Matthew, I've known you since elementary school. I've always admired how you always seemed to have a smile on your face and how you could make people laugh. I remember when we first started really talking freshman year when I sat at the same table as you. You were so funny and you always had that goofy amazing smile that brightened up everyone's day when I talked to you. We didn't talk a ton sophomore year and junior year except for a couple of times, and I really regret not making more of an effort to talk to you more. Your an amazing person Matthew and I know your looking down at all the people that love you from heaven and smiling."

"Remembering this fun night celebrating Nick's and Dylan's birthdays with Matt at Buffalo Wild Wings."

"Matthew, You were a great example of courage and strength for all those around you. You will be so missed and always treasured. Thanks for being such an awesome friend to my Cameron. I remember right when we moved here, he was in playing x-box, and I asked who he was playing with, it was you. A good friend right from the start. We know you are in a beautiful place, free from the pain of this world!!! Thanks for being in our lives, if only for a short time!"

"R.I.P Matthew you were strong and it's sad your gone, but you’re in heaven now. The best place you deserve to be."

"Rip Matthew Peters I'm so glad to have known you in English last year. It was a great time! I know I will see you again on the other side. You have inspired all of Gilbert High School to be better people by your great example. I'm so proud of how big of a fight you put up. And thank you for giving something for us Gilbert students to strive for. You will be missed."

"Matthew Peters, you were always a great kid and will always be a great kid. You were a great friend to my brother and a fantastic teammate to me. Even though we were never on the same team, training for what we enjoyed most in life was a team within itself. Always pushing one another to go past our limits. You have fought hard and bravely. Your courage will live through each and every one of us as we struggle to push ourselves past our limits. Thanks for being such a great guy. You will be missed. Rest in peace buddy. See you soon."

"Yesterday I lost a great friend.. His name was Matthew Peters, he was a brave, strong, truthful young man. Cancer eventually won the fight. Matt you are in a better place now.. I love you and we will see each other again one day."

"I am so blessed to have known Matt how I did... You were such a nice guy and you always had something funny to say. It sucks it had to happen like this but you're in a better place now. You're not suffering anymore and all the pain is gone... I wish I had the chance to visit you in the hospital before this happened... See you again Matt. We will miss you... prayers going out to the Peters family."

"I'm so grateful to have such amazing friends to help get me through today. I'm especially grateful to know that Matthew is up there watching over me and is right here with me. I still can't believe he's gone. I'm just so happy I know about God’s Plan of Happiness. I can't wait to see you again soon Matthew."

"Wow can't believe your gone Matthew Peters, It feels just like yesterday we were back in freshman year hanging out having fun in Mr. Dunn's class. I still remember our conversations about sports and video-games and just having a good laugh. You will never be forgotten because you were always that cool, fun guy to be around always making people’s day when they weren't feeling that great. Rest in Peace buddy."

"It was a blessing to get to know you and call you my friend. You'll really be missed."

"Although I didn't know you as well as I wish, I know you were a great person. My favorite memory is my birthday party freshman year. I still have the bracelet you made me, and I will never forget that day. You were so sweet, and that's something I will never forget. Its great the atmosphere you create, and that is noticed by everyone. Rest in peace Matthew Peters, you will forever be remembered."

"Never have I been so encouraged by a family’s strength, love, and togetherness through a trial. What an incredible blessing to meet all of you. Matthew Peters was a great kid, great friend to all and a joy to have visit.... He will be missed and we pray God will grant peace to the family."

"Matthew Peters was an amazing person and an awesome friend. He was such a huge inspiration to our entire team and to so many others. He will be missed incredibly by many. We are praying for the Peters family."

"There is no such thing as death but the beginning of new life. When spirits leave their bodies here on the earth, they are on their way to a better life with their Father in Heaven. Free from the physical strife that their tangible bodies have suffered. You were a strong warrior, my friend, and now your battle is over. Enjoy your much deserved rest for there is work to do in God's kingdom. My prayers are with your family and may you rest in peace, brother. I look forward to seeing you again."

"I didn't know you very well, but I have been reading your blog and praying for you for a long time. Nobody deserves to go through what you did, but you fought it with a smile. Heaven gained a wonderful angel today! Rest in Peace Matthew Peters."

"I going to miss you Matt, I know we didn't hang out a lot but whenever I talked to you or was around you, I knew that you were one of my greatest friends. I can't believe you are gone now, I always miss seeing you in the halls and having a laugh. I will always remember at my cousin's reception and having a blast hanging out with you there. Goodbye Matt, I'm going to miss you, rest in peace buddy."

"Matthew Peters was an amazing person and an awesome friend. He was such a huge inspiration to our entire team and to so many others. He will be missed incredibly by many. We are praying for the Peters family."

"This is BY FAR the most important shout out and post I've ever done. Shout out to Matthew Peters. You were literally the heart and soul of Gilbert High School, and you will forever live in our hearts. You fought until your last breath and you were truly an amazing person, inside and out. We love you Matthew."

"Our Heavenly Father just received one of the most strongest spirits I know. Matthew Peters fought and fought, and he still had the beautiful glow to him through all that he went through. He shines so bright and I know that he truly is happy in Paradise. And that's what Heaven needed. I will miss Matt dearly. Prayers to him and his family because he truly was an amazing guy. He left his mark on this world, on GHS, and on me...and he'll always be remembered as the one who never let down. RIP Matthew"

"Matt you are one of the best seminary partners I have had! You had a great testimony and a great spirit about you. You will truly be missed, my prayers go out to you and your family. Rest in paradise my friend."

"Matthew Peters will truly be missed. I didn't know you that well, but every time I saw you there was always a smile on your face! Even when you were going through your battle with cancer you always had a smile! You inspired me so much! Now our Heavenly Father gets to see your smiling face! You were so strong. Rest in Peace, Matthew."

"You were the sweetest, happiest person I have ever met. I will alway cherish the memories we had together. You have made an impact on so many people. You are deeply loved and missed and I know I'll see you again someday. Love you Matt."

"I'm so lucky to have known Matthew Peters. He was the toughest and bravest person I have ever met. At last his suffering has stopped, and he is now in a better place. You will be missed, Matt. Love you man."

"Haven't seen you since Finley (which is a shame), but I know for certain that Heaven has gained an angel today. Thoughts and prayers go out to the Peters family. Rest in peace, Matthew."

"We all lost a great friend today. He has impacted so many people’s lives. His suffering has finally stopped and he is at peace. We will miss you so much, but we know you are in a better place. We love you Matthew Peters."

"Heaven has missed you too Matthew... I know you are in good hands and there isn't any doubt in that. From your smile to just being so incredibly inspirational and strong, you have showed me that there are no true worries in life but to just live it to the fullest. I know you and my little brother are hushing us telling us not to cry. Not to hurt. Because you are happy. In the eternal gates of Heaven watching over us. But you will always be missed and on my Mind. Love you Matthew."

"Matthew Peters you were so strong. My prayers go out to your family. You'll be missed by everyone. We all love the way you made everyone laugh and smile. Now it's your turn to make God smile and laugh. I love you Matthew. Forever a Tiger."

"I am just stunned right now. I can't believe that someone I feel like I was just playing with is gone. Matthew Peters was one amazing kid! He was gifted, loving, and hilarious! I'm so blessed to have known him! RIP Matthew, we all love you."

"I feel so blessed to have known Matthew as well as I did. He is such an amazing person and has taught me so much. I know he's in a better place now, and he fought a good fight. I know God has a plan for all of us and it was time for Matthew to go. I can't wait to see him again on the other side. I love you Matthew Peters and I will miss you so much. Rest in peace bud."

"Matthew Peters is one of the funniest kids ever, and I'll always remember his constant smile. Praying for the Peters family today, so grateful for the knowledge that families can be together forever."

"Matthew, you were always a wonderful smiling person and you were such a great friend to Angela. You will be missed. RIP Matthew Peters, you were so strong!"

"Rest in peace Matt. You were such a tough, funny, and amazing guy and I'm so glad that I got to know you."

"Today the world lost an amazing person. No matter what, he was always the light in the room and I will forever cherish the many memories we've had. You will be missed Matthew Peters."

"I just want my sister and her family to know how much I love them, and how sad I am for all of them (us). My nephew, Matthew Peters, lost his life this morning to cancer and I can't even pretend to know how they feel. There is nothing I can say or do to make it better, but know I love you all!! Matthew is home and happy now. There is a celebration in Heaven! You will forever be missed Matthew!!!"

"I don't like to get religious on Facebook, but I believe God has a plan for all of us. Matthew Peters touched our hearts in so many ways this past year. I'm so fortunate to know such a brave kid like Matt, and I hope that someday I can I can have half the courage he had. You have changed my life in so many ways. I love you Matt."

"R.I.P Matthew Peters! You are truly the strongest tiger out there and no one knows what battles you went through! I'm truly blessed to have gotten closer with you this past year, and it’s hard to overcome that you are gone, but I know you are in a better place now! Once a tiger, always a tiger!! Love you Matthew."

"I didn't know him very well...but he was an inspiration and inspired a lot of people to come together. He fought long and hard, never gave up. He had such a positive attitude. He will be missed. I hope we can all be as strong as you are when we each fight our own trials. Rest in Peace Matthew Peters."

"I didn't know you personally, but I know you were a lot stronger than any of us ever will be. My prayers go out to all of your family and friends. Have fun chillin' with Jesus until the rest of us get there. Rest in Paradise."

"You were a blessing. Matthew, my words cannot express all the emotions I have right now. All I know is that I am thankful God gave you the opportunity to change so many lives, and no doubt about it you did. You are immensely loved. We will never forget you. My prayers go out to you and your family."

"I'm going to miss you so much Matthew. I can honestly say you were the kindest, most selfless person I have ever met, and I am so lucky to have been your friend, even if it was for just a short while. You will be so unbelievably missed."

"Matthew, even though it's been years since we've talked, we've known each other since elementary and you were such a sweet kid and everyone was blessed to know you. Obviously God wanted you up there right now for a reason, and I have no doubt you're in the presence of Him now."

"R.I.P. Matthew Peters. I can't believe you're gone. Its a shame that this kind of thing had to happen to one of the nicest people I have ever met. You were always very kind to everyone, and I have never seen or heard anything to disprove that. You were a great person and you deserved a full life. It’s devastating to think it has been cut short. I've never even seen you upset with someone, its always been smiling and laughter. I'll always remember the fun times we had in junior high, and high school. I'll always remember that smiling face. R.I.P. Matthew you will be missed. You were too good for this world."

"Matthew Peters was a very strong person. It just won't be the same without you bro. You're with your Father in Heaven now though, and He has a plan for you as well as all of us. I'll see you when the time comes. RIP buddy."

"I can't even explain what I’m feeling right now. Matt, I miss you so much. I am so sorry that I never changed schools like you wanted me to, but I want you to know how much you mean to me. You are without a doubt one of my greatest friends. You helped me through my hardest times. I only wish I could've been there more for you. I love you. Can't wait to see you again someday. R.I.P Matthew"

"You were such a good friend to me, always smiling, positive, and had such a kind heart. I remember being so excited to have you in my seminary class with me this year. Heavenly Father has a plan for you and I'm eternally grateful for the Plan of Salvation, that families can be together for forever. You're such an inspiration, and Gilbert High will never be the same without you. I will miss you so much, Matthew Peters."

"Back in the day when all we cared about was when are we going to hangout again?!"

"Today is the day that my heart broke... A very close friend of mine, Matthew Peters, lost his battle with cancer today... I am still trying to take in the fact that I will never be to see you again... My emotions are running wild, and I am going through all the amazing times that we've had together. Matthew I will never forget you, and hopefully one day we can see each other again! Love You."

"Today we lost such an unbelievable fighter. Matthew Peters, you truly are an inspiration to us all. I know you will be kept in so many of our hearts due to the amazing young man you were. We all love you Matt, and may you rest peacefully in Heaven looking down on those who have admired you through your unbelievable fight."

"We all loved you so much for who you were for what you stood for. For me, you stood as a figure of perspective. Here I was complaining about homework, when you were going through pain I can't even imagine. I love you so much for what you have taught me. RIP Matthew Peters."

"Rest in Peace Matthew Peters... We all love you so much and you will always be in my heart. You changed Gilbert High students, alumni and faculty. You brought us all closer and made us one! You made us forget about how different we all are, and made us feel like a family! You are someone who will never be forgotten! I love you so much!"

"Rest in peace Matthew Peters, you always put a smile on my face, you were always so positive and kind, and a friend to me. I'm so thankful I came to meet you and get to know you almost three years ago in volleyball. You were an inspiration and the definition of strong hearted. I'll see you Matt."

"I took a long walk down memory lane this morning. I am sharing some of the pictures from that walk. Rhett's friend, Matthew Peters, has been fighting for his life since Sept 1, 2012. What a charming, handsome, strong, happy, (I could go on and on..) We love you Matthew!"

Thank you all for your thoughts, memories and pictures.

I just want to make one thing very clear. Matthew did not lose to cancer. Cancer lost to him. He lives on in an amazing place, and his cancer is dead.