Happy Sunday,

I hope everyone is staying warm and safe.  We prepared for "the storm" which wasn't quite what they had predicted, but didn't make travel easy either.  We will be blessed with family and friends arriving to celebrate Matt today and tomorrow, so I am continuing to pray for uneventful weather.  It has been two weeks since Matt left the kids and I and entered into eternal life.  The past ten days have been filled with paperwork, appointments, paperwork, appointments and then some more of the same.  Although many of these things have been difficult, they have been somewhat distracting.  As I have stated before, nights are the roughest for me.  I yearn to hear his loud booming voice, his infectious laugh and the touch of his hand.

We have received so many messages from God and from Matt too.  I will probably share many of these as I transition from Caring Bridge to a blog.  One I would like to share happened before Matt passed away.  The Friday night before Matt left our earth a prayer vigil was held outside our house. I did not go out but have seen pictures and it was truly an amazing site.  People of all ages, faith, backgrounds coming together to share prayer and comfort with one another.  Shortly after the vigil was complete, Matt was surrounded by the kids and Adam, our pastor.  He sat up and said "I am going to be fine."  You have to understand that Matt was in and out of sleeping, he never fully fell into that deep sleep they prepare you for, but he was so fatigued.  He at this point was out of energy to sit up on his own, drink or eat.  However, he was able to sit up on his own, speak words that have become the most comforting to our family, and then simply lay back down to where he had started.  This was so powerful to us all, it was confirmation that Matt would be okay when he could let go the body that was in so much pain for a brand new body in heaven.  He is fine now, he is wonderful!

The pain for us is not having Matt here with us physically.  We want so badly to hear his voice, touch his face and hug him tightly.  I am sure this pain will lesson but our need to have him physically near us will remain until we see him again.

The kids and I are preparing for Matt's Celebration of Life tomorrow.  Life has been so busy with things that are important but not important when you are talking about life.  I know that tomorrow will be both beautiful and difficult.  I know that Matt will be there with all of us, I know he will be in awe of the impact he had on those around him while walking on earth.  Like I have said before, he has left the greatest gift to our kids, his legacy.  Please continue to pray for us as we celebrate Matt tomorrow and for the days that will follow.  I know I am struggling with our service tomorrow because it kinda feels like we are closing the chapter on Matt Fouch.  However, I try to remind myself that we are only starting the chapter and Matt will be leading the way along side of God.

Love to all,
Team Fouch

Faith Over Fear Forever