There are only a handful of people whose names
we say in the same breath as family anymore.
Matt helped us redefine the true meaning of friendship, and respect.

In the first week of July,
our family lost everything we had ever valued.
Matt stood through the seizure taking notes of everything removed,
and then, while we tried to return home
from the work we were doing in Spain,
He came the day after the seizure,
and cleaned the torn walls, the broken items,
and the overall mess the receiver and his crew
had left for others to clean up.
He did it before our children saw it,
to ensure they would not be too shocked.
He talked us through the receivership process before we came home,
and prepared us for what we were going to see.

For everytime I cried,
for everytime I felt beaten down,
he was there with support,
and with encouragement.

He was there for every obstacle after we had lost everything.
But what distinguished him from so many others
was his presence in our lives for the years
before when we had experienced wealth and success.

The receiver eventually took his turn at
attacking Matt because of his place in our lives,
and through it all,
Matt remained bright and encouraging.

His faith was unfaltering,
he had more respect and faith in us than we had for ourselves.

We started the new year thinking of priorities,
and Matt's name was on the top of our list.

He reminded us of the priceless gift of
dignity and tenacity.
He reminded us of our will to fight.
For that our family remains,
eternally grateful,
and we remain in admiration of such a true friend.

Be courteous to all,
but intimate with few,
and let those few be well tried
before you give them your confidence.
 
True friendship is a plant of slow growth,
and must undergo and withstand
the shocks of adversity
before it is entitled to the appellation.

George Washington (1732 - 1799)
US president (1st), soldier, surveyor, farmer
Letter, 15 Jan. 1783.

Copyright © 2004 Maryanne & Mark F. Chisholm. All rights reserved.