Words of Wisdom and Memories of Matthew

Leave a memory of Matthew or advice for his venture out into the post-high-school world.

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2 entries.

David Prater from Pennington Gap, VA wrote on September 29, 2024 at 6:36 pm

So I hate the sport. Not like HATE the sport, but I hate it for you because I obviously don't want you to abuse yourself in any way. Anyway, I was legit heartbroken when I got diagnosed with the Flu (hopefully you heard that's why I wasn't there). I had it all worked out and had even stayed in Bowling Green for like several extra days just to bring Lexy with me to Louisville, and then got sick as shit and didn't get to go.

All that aside, I am SUPER proud of you. Like tears in my eyes proud. I should probably say that I'd never have guessed in a million years that the little 3-year-old that I met 15 years ago would grow up to accomplish this, but I don't think that would have surprised me at all. I did see video of it, and you looked great and you have that accomplishment to carry with you the rest of your life. Obviously I hope you move on to other things, but this is huge for you to see that working hard towards ANYTHING can get you there. As incredibly impressive as this has been, it's not even remotely the most impressed I've been over the years. This time you were flexing muscle, but I've seen you flex SO much SO many times over the years. You've consistently gone from noob to pro in every single thing you wanted to. Like, everything. Any challenge, from an eye patch to a family just chocked full of disfunction, you've met head-on and conquered it. Any role that I've had in your life has slowly shifted from clearing a path or leading the way to drifting along in your slip stream, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I can't wait to see what's next. I hope it's a college degree, only because that would be the last tether holding you down. You cut that…. Jesus, I don't even know. I mean, I'll vote for you for president I guess?

Well done. Love you.

David Prater from Bowling Green, KY wrote on May 9, 2024 at 1:40 am

I met Matthew when he was three years old. He was not stoked that I was around at first, which is understandable. Over the years, though, we've grown close and I'm all the better for it. Matthew doesn't remember a life without me in it, and I barely remember one without him in mine.

We've shared a ton of hobbies over the years and secretly love belting out songs at the top of our lungs anytime we're in a car together. I'm honored when he emulates me in some ways, and furious when he reflects some of my less desirable traits.

My advice to you, Matthew, is to keep doing what you're doing. Whatever it is you choose to do, do it. Do that thing until you're the best at it and do it for as long as it makes you happy. I hope you find something that makes you happy the rest of your life, and always remember to live. Enjoy every day that you're blessed with, and learn to respect the opportunity to find happiness in every day. Work hard and make sure to relax when you've earned it.

No matter how bad a day seems in the future, there will ABSOLUTELY come a time when you'd do anything to relive that day. Always remember that. Spend your life. Don't save it all up for another day. Make memories every chance you get. I hope to be a part of many of those.

I love you and I'm proud of you. I am excited to see the man you become, you're off to a great start.

Matthew Trivia

Out of these sports, which has Matthew never played on a team? Football, Baseball, Basketball, Lacrosse, Soccer

Not Lacrosse. All the others he’s played at some point, and excelled at all of them.

What is the name of the first videogame that got Matthew’s undivided attention, sometimes for days at a time?

Minecraft. He’s always gotten into a game casually, but Minecraft became a lifestyle for awhile and we credit it with being instrumental to the speed in which he learned to read.

Matthew has a natural inclination towards musical instruments, though he may not admit it. What was the first instrument for which he took lessons?

Drums! Matthew had a very brief and intense love of the drums, which fizzled out probably more than any other hobby he’s had. Since then, he’s picked up playing piano on his own and has an incredible natural talent for remembering notes in his head.

Name one career Matthew has shown an interest in throughout his childhood.

There are several! Of course, the obvious ones follow in the footsteps of his father: Fireman and Real Estate Agent. He also occasionally thinks he might be interested in being a computer programmer like his step-father, though thoughts of a sedentary career usually knock that out. Since an early age, he’s also frequently mentioned building houses like his grandfather. There have also been some career paths that came out of nowhere. For nearly a year he wanted to be a chef. Then, for awhile, he wanted to be a streamer, back when many kids wanted to be streamers. He’s also weirdly talented at video editing and graphic design. I’m positive there are some I don’t know about. Lately, his passion is body building and thinks he may want a career somewhere in that industry. He frequently invokes his entrepreneurial spirit and wants to release a product related to his current area of focus.

Matthew Daniel

Matthew has always been a determined kid. Like, always. Now he is a determined adult and we can’t wait to see what he accomplishes in his life.

Everyone in his life feels proud and lucky to know him. We all wish him the best. Write him a note, comment, or words of wisdom above in the guestbook. Just click/tap “Write a new entry”.