You are amazing Matt Ward! And, your wife and daughters are amazing too. I’m so happy that you are able to write again, to make us, your friends and family, laugh, and cry, and celebrate your latest triumph. I’m sorry you have had so much suffering to endure. Thank you for sharing you journey. I’m looking forward to the next installment.

Glad that you are writing, and writing so beautifully funnily. Liked the way you gave pleasure to everyone the Head of ICU relayed your words to. Even though I am healthy and sequestered with family away from the New Normal, I can sympathize with how your sense of time got warped - and now you are in a good position to write episodes for something like Dr. Who. Take care, you all.

Well, that was a fun read. I’m so sad to think of the hard times you’ve had. Somehow, the phrase “It couldn’t happen to a better person” comes to mind— with enormous irony. But you clearly have what it takes to get through this: an adoring (and adorable) family, an oversized heart, and enormous perspective. You help us face our own fears, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have you all among our most treasured friends.

You and Cindy and your kids are amazing. I had heard much of this from Cindy in January when we were able to have a good long phone call. As always I love your writing; your descriptions put us right in the "action" with you. Terry has just read this also and we both hope the future brings much less "hell" to relate. It is just hard to imagine having the guts to survive all this; I really doubt I would! Having Cindy and the lovely ladies you two raised I'm sure makes it more bearable.
We look forward to your next installment "from HOME."

I love your writing. Reading your descriptions of having a feeding tube and working with a "Swallow-ologist" makes me chuckle, remembering mom's frustration at not being allowed anything to drink. After a few days of working on her swallow skills, my brother thought she needed an incentive, brought a can of 7-Up (her favorite beverage) into her room and placed it on the shelf under the window. After he left, I sat there with her asking me every three minutes to open up that can and pour some into a cup for her. She asked nicely, she begged, she threatened, she tried shaming me. I took the can home with me, hahaha.

I have a bit of guilt over laughing at your unbelievable saga of suffering. Your writing is so dang good and funny- and I’m so glad you are around to share your stories. And - What a story! You've had enough medical crap for 26 lifetimes! .Thank you for sharing your story, Matt!
Well wishes to you and Cindy ❤️

Wow, Matt. Only you could make torture so funny! I guess I should stop complaining about just about everything now. You win!

Raced through reading this 1st installment, and like any page turning book ,can’t wait for the next chapter. Stay well and keep writing

Well.....what a great memory for all of the details. Thank you for making us privy to what your experience was really like, all with warmth and humor. I appreciate the fact that you are still with us, and even moreso after having read this. You are a special man, Matt Ward! Sending love to you and yours.

Matt, even though you don't hear from me much, you and Cindy have been in my thoughts *every* day -- for years! I doubt that you signed up to be an Inspiring Hero, but you are one! Back when you were in hospital, Savannah kept me as up-to-date as she could as to your health and progress. Your compiled journal entires would make a terrific book. Much love to you and Cindy!