In the last decade, Matt spent almost every Memorial Day weekend with his close friends and family in the Bay Area over lots of laughter, delicious food, and reminiscing through plenty of story-telling. For the Memorial Day that just past, it seemed appropriate to continue on with this tradition. Matt’s loved ones wanted to show that they were keeping his spirit alive and celebrated exactly how he would have wanted.

Even with very short notice, there was a huge turnout of Team Matthew devotees at Lake Elizabeth in Fremont for a picnic at the park. Once everyone gathered, the grey clouds quickly dissipated, revealing ample rays of sun – an act that can seemingly be accomplished only by a higher power. Many people battled schedule and distance constraints to be there. As if Matt spoke to everyone’s heart to gather there that day. It was simply perfect.

For that day (and for the years to come), Memorial Day had a different definition for those that loved Matt. It was a day for us to remember how Matt lived – a passion and love for life that we should all aspire to. Heed his lesson to simply “live your life and be happy.” One of Matt’s close friends took Matt’s advice to “do something out of the ordinary to make yourself happy” and the picture below represents the result (read definition of Memorial Day).

Wikipedia Posting for Matt's Memorial Day

To celebrate Matt’s life, there were various activities that ensued through the afternoon. Of course, it wouldn’t be right to not have the food dedicated to Matt. Most of the food were chosen based on what he liked to eat. From, pastrami sandwiches with sauce on the side, to a ton of McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets (which he once ate 42 of in one sitting on a friendly food challenge), and even fried rice mixed with sour cream and Ruffle’s chips – his Morrill Middle School classic.

Everyone was encouraged to bring some items that reminded them of memories that they share with Matt. These items quickly came together into a scrapbook of Matt’s life. It’s a long way from being finished, but it was beautiful to hear all of the great memories people had with him.

Before everyone left for the day, we wanted to leave something behind for Matt. Each person wrote a personal note to Matt onto balloons. The idea was that we would collectively release these balloons and let them float up to heaven where Matt can read how much he is loved and missed. As a nod to his and Chloe’s love for the Lakers, the balloons were, of course, purple and gold. The video below show this amazing gesture (Quicktime plugin required).

Overall, the event came together beautifully. Everyone did their part in making Matt’s Memorial Day perfect, which is a symbol of how much we all loved Matt and would go to great lengths to keep his spirit among us. He would have been proud.

Special thanks to all those who attended and contributed to this special day. See you all next year!

Group photo of Team Matthew

Chloe holding as many balloons as she could without flying away

Only smiles were allowed that day

The ladies of Team Matthew

The men of Team Matthew (obviously less coordinated than the ladies) and Chloe

Preparing for the launch

Up, Up and Away - straight to Matt in Heaven