Mat’s dad here….. I’ve been learning my new role as her father. Part of that role knowing when to share her story or to share her impact.
A woman overheard me telling Mat’s story and loss. The woman found me and confided that she struggles with her mental health and thoughts of suicide. I could not get all the words out fast enough through my tears. All the words I wish I could have said to Matalyn on March 30th. I kicked myself for not having a reminder of my pain and joy of Mat’s life to give her. Since then, I’ve started carrying a puzzle piece with me.
For you puzzle piece holders,
Please feel free to gift that your piece to someone that is struggling. Nothing would please me more than sending you another piece because you and Mat worked to make a difference in someone’s life.
Today was one of those is sharing her impact days. Mat’s mom, Reece and I went to a festival/fundraiser for veteran suicide. There were vendors from small side hustles all the way up to full time crafts people. Tucked in the back corner booth were two teenage girls. They were selling paper prints and t-shirts made from hand carved wooden blocks.
I recently did a block print project of my own. So I spent some time chatting and asking them about their craft. I could tell by the instant uptick in enthusiasm that business had been slow. We finished our conversation and I let them know I’d think about it and maybe come back. We went about the rest of our adventure. But it nagged at me that I needed to go back and buy a piece.
I went back to the girl’s booth before leaving and announced I’d really thought about it and I wanted a print. I told them I get the art and that I believed in what they are doing. They walked me through picking out one of the print pressings from the piece I chose. As I walked away, I could hear their squeals and clapping from their “FIRST SALE”.
These girls were exactly the kind of people that Mat found value and beauty in. And I’m so extraordinarily sad and grateful to be Mat for them today.
Mat’s dad
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