HAPPY BIRTHDAY MATTHEW!!!

Today Matthew would have turned 11 years old (at 3:50pm EST).  We wanted to do a lot of things that Matthew loved, a trip to the Patriots Hall of Fame and eat at Chuck E Cheese, but unfortunately Miranda & Dylan both have colds.  We were able to attend church this morning as we had a mass for Matthew and then left him some balloons.  I think that remembering Matthew's birthday is difficult because it comes less than a month after his being "Lifted Up".   This is Matthew's 3rd birthday in heaven, I found myself wondering today, how do you think the kids celebrate birthdays in heaven.  Matthew always loved birthdays, even if it wasn't his own.  He just loved the cake, the singing and of course the presents.  I remember his 4th birthday party when wasn't feeling well but he wore his birthday crown they had made for him at school.  I remember the party we had for him at Chuck E Cheese, one year we had it at the local zoo and his last one we had a local pizza place where Matthew got to make his own pizza.  We were just getting ready to celebrate his 8th birthday at Chuck E Cheese (he loved that place) when Matthew's tumor started progressing and we never were able to hold it.  We missed it by one day.  I do take a great deal of comfort knowing that Matthew celebrated his birthday with the many wonderful children who are with him in heaven, I picture the most happy party that kids can enjoy, who better to throw a big party than the kids themselves.

I can't thank all of my friends in the DIPG community and beyond.  The last few months have been trying and you have all stood by me and helped me keep going.  You all are the best and I feel so blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful caring people, many whom I've never met but yet you all care about me and my family and especially about Matthew.

I thank you all for your thoughts and many prayers.  Please know my resolve is stronger than ever, I join all in the DIPG community working together to help raise awareness and money to help find a cure.  Together, there is nothing we can't accomplish, what a wonderful tribute this will be to Matthew and all of the wonderful DIPG angels. 

God Bless.

Rich