Matt's Life

Matthew MacLeod Froese came into this world on October 11, 2000. His arrival was like a storm revealing the hand of God and leaving us in awe and wonder. And that's where we stand today. We stand before God in awe and wonder of our little man who was a fighter, a lover, a big brother, a son, and a special little pal to so many.

Nothing about life with Matthew's body was simple. The damage to his brain, which occurred during birth, left him with a list of challenges a mile high. From a very early age Matt was in and out of many different contraptions that were designed to help him but ended up only making him more uncomfortable.

Eating had it's challenges. Before he was tube fed, his parents had to spoon-feed him. And what can you say about taking three hours to finish your breakfast only to puke it up. Andrea thinks this was because of Doug's choice of chunky baby food. Doug says the chunky stuff tasted better for Matt which makes me wonder if Doug was actually eating it too?

Matthew also had a significant amount of pain, uncontrolled seizures and digestive issues most days. Many of you remember two years ago when Matthew was admitted into Children's Hospital with life threatening pneumonia. At times it really was a challenge for him just to breath.

When Matthew was about five years old he was introduced to the amazing staff at Canuck Place in Vancouver. The doctors and nurses spent almost a year introducing and re-introducing medications, committed to improving his quality of life and making Matthew comfortable. It was at Canuck place that Matt reached a turning point where his life began to see some relief from his daily pains. It became a cool place to hang out, his own personal little get-away, a chance to meet Louie, and it provided his parents with a little time to rest.

Maybe it was Matthew's gentle nature that brought so many incredible people into his life. He was blessed with wonderful support of family and friends. Carleigh and I had the privilege of including him as a member of our family. His teacher Julie at Mountain Elementary spent much of each day caring for Matt, even taking him to her house for little vacations. His Grandparents would take him for special overnight visits. He had many friends who would visit him and just hold his hand. He was deeply loved by many.

If you knew Matt, you knew he a good sense of humour. He found it particularly funny to start singing to everyone in the house when it was the ungodly hour of 3 am. Just singing away, making up his happy songs and laughing to himself while the rest of us were happy that he was happy but unhappy that he was happy so early in the morning.

Matthew enjoyed to be in a room with people he loved, listening to their conversations and sometimes chiming in. He liked to play "nice to meet ya" with a rough handshake. Sometimes he enjoyed music and sometimes he needed peace and quiet. He loved a good head rub and being held. He lit up when he heard his mom's voice and when his dad would snuggle right into his face and ask "How's my little pal today?".

Despite Matthew's daily challenges he had a gentle spirit. He had a way of getting into your heart and grabbing hold of it. He had a soul that would invite you to look past your first impression and fall in love with him. Maybe it was his smile or the way he held your eye - if only for a second. Those who've experienced it know the feeling.

On the morning of August 14th Jesus decided to bring Matt home. He took his last breaths in loving arms. And although we are sad that we won't see his smile anymore or hear his "Matthew sounds" we are so happy that he is with Jesus now. He has a new body. He can finally ride a bike, eat ice cream, and say all the words he was never able to say. I can't wait to see him again.

Matt touched many people's hearts just look around this room. He has left a legacy that will extend beyond the people here today. He is the inspiration for Matthew's House which will provide respite care for children just like him and support their families. With Matthew's house, our little Pal is leaving a legacy of helping children, - some who haven't even been born yet. What a testimony to an amazing little man who was confined to a broken body and who never said a word.

He leaves behind an adoring family: His dad Doug, his mom Andrea his sister Mya and brother Hudsen. His grandparents papa Paul, Grandma Margaret, Grandpa John and Grammie Esther, along with his many aunts, uncles, cousins and family friends will all miss him terribly.

On behalf of Matt's family thank you for coming and celebrating the life of our Pal, our Peanut and our lil buddy.

Email: info@mattshouse.ca
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