Doing it for Matt

I think it is fitting that I completed this painting today and then I receive an email from Michelle about the way the family is dealing with their loss. I have added Michelle's email for you to read. The next step for this painting is to get it framed and then give it to the family. Thank you for watching its progress and for the prayers that were lifted up for Matthew and his family.

Dear Friends and Family, If you didn't already know, my brother Matthew took his life at the end of July of this year. We've made the commitment to try to do something positive despite our huge loss. We have formed a team, we're calling it "Doing it for Matt" and we would be very glad to have your active participation in joining the walk, or your support from afar if you would like to donate. If you would like to donate, here is a link to my webpage: https://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&eventID=659&participantID=30899 Or you can enter my name in the search engine on the national website www.outofthedarkness.org If you are able to donate in support of this effort, we all want to thank you. If not, here's hoping you have a good holiday season, and please know we'd like to stay in touch, even if we are having a little more trouble initiating social contact this year than normal.

Thinking of all of you, Chelle

More time with Matthew

I was able to spend a few hours with Matthew this weekend. You can click on the picture for a closer look.

I am getting closer to finishing this painting and yet with each stroke I know that there is nothing that can bring him back to us. I will only be able to view this reminder and remember the time spent in prayer for his family and friends. With each day, pain is lessened but that certainly doesnt mean he is being forgotten, that will never be. I know that when we lost Phil's mom, it was well over a year before we could talk about the memories without crying, there were all those "firsts"; the first birthday, anniversary, holiday, all events without her for the first time. I know over the next few months as the holidays come screaming around the corner that there will be smiles through the tears. I will continue to pray for Cindy, Ken, Roy, Martha, Michael, Max, Chelle and their families, I hope you do as well.