COMMENTS FROM OUR DEAR FRIENDS...
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Dearest Anita, Ray and Family,
It is Monday and I have just returned from California or I would have been able to get this to you sooner. I can barely type through the tears so please excuse the typos that will follow. My sister Terri ( who is my partner prayer warrior) and I have prayed for you and your family daily as you have gone through this terrible ordeal.
May God give you comfort as He always will and let you see the glorious seeds that have been planted by Mathew as he walked this path that was ordained for him.
As you know I lost my Dad about three years ago. I had prayed for my "daddy" since I was 6 years old that he would find the Lord and accept Him as his very own. After I prayed for 34 years, my dad was saved. Little did we know that soon after he would be tested with strokes and surgeries and eventually sustain a "beating" in a rehabilitation facility that began the ending of him as we knew him. Now I have told you all that to explain this. My father was a difficult man all his life. After finding the Lord he had a few good years and then the ending began. Several weeks before the incident, he awakened after a "dream" and told my mother the following.
Last night I dreamed that I was walking with the Lord! Along a beach so beautiful you can't imagine. At first I was looking out to the most beautiful blue green ocean with gorgeous white foamy waves that washed upon a glistening beach and as I walked I could see my shadow. I felt a presence beside me and a comforting arm around my shoulders. I could look down and see His feet beside mine as we walked and He began to talk. I tried to look up and see the face of God but the light was so bright it was impossible. He held me to Him and we walked this endless beach of beauty and He told me how things were to be. I would love to tell you of the things He told me but I must not. But I can tell you, and of this I was assured I will be perfect in His presence when I cross over into His arms. My arms will work and my legs will walk and I will wait for those who love me and have the FAITH to come. Do not fear! You are never closer to God and the ones that you love than when you are at the beach and can feel His awesome power.
Only He could make these things as they are.
My dad spent his final days with the ones he loved and assured us that he could not wait to, "Get on with his Life". And now Mathew is getting on with a life that will surpass all others.
My little blonde haired friend Mathew that spent his first night away from home and ate Oreos and milk with me is gone. Gone from his pain and healed and now he plays in the most beautiful orchestra imaginable and for Our Lord Most High!!! When his parents and family get to Heaven you will once more hear Mathew play....and he will play for a choir of angels as you arrive! What a glorious day that will be.
I know that you will have cried a river of tears and there will be many more to come before you will be able to smile and only remember the good things about this beautiful baby that brought so much love and laughter and joy into your life. I firmly believe that Mathew lived the life he had with purpose and reason. Mathew Prince was a "prince" among young men. He has touched the hearts of many and the seeds will go on to grow, you just wait and see.
Please know how sorry I am to have to send you this so late. I hope these words will give you some comfort. Know that we grieve with you and I love you and miss you both. I wish I could be there to wrap my arms around you ...and hold you for awhile........
Our Deepest Sympathies and All our Love at this time, your Pennsylvania friends,
Karen and Steve Ball (We have known Steve and Karen since 1987. They are very dear friends.)
I was so sad to hear about Matthew's passing this morning. But I rejoice with you that he is well and with our Lord! You had asked in your email if anyone wanted to respond with memories of Matthew. I only met Matthew one time when he was selling knives at my neighbor's Rita's house but your son left such an impression on my heart. He was handsome, kind and had such an amazing smile. I remember I left my neighbor's house that day thinking "That’s the kind of boy I would like for my girls to marry" When I first started receiving your e-mails on Matthew's condition, it affected me so much that I surprised myself. I couldn't get that "smile" out of my head. He was such a fine example of what a young gentlemen in the Lord should be. I found myself crying and mourning the loss of someone today that I only had the privilege of meeting once in my life.
For some reason the Lord has given me a special place in my heart for Matthew. My experience with young adults that turn out exceptionally is that they must have witnessed such strong examples of Christ in their home. No parent ever always sets the best examples or always says the right thing. But the proof is in the pudding, if you will. You and your wife, together with God's Blessings raised a fine young man. A young man that I am sure you were both very proud of.
I will continue to pray for you and your family. I may never have the opportunity to meet you Rev. Prince but I just wanted to let you know that even though I only met your son once, I was blessed by him.
In God's Love & Grace, Jill M. Vincent
Following is one of the fond memories I have of Matthew, if you would like to publish this on the website please feel free to do so.
I was fortunate enough to get to know Matthew during his junior year at Lumpkin County High School. Matthew was a member of the Mock Trail Team at LCHS. I remember watching him during the Mock Trail Competitions at UGA. It was during this time that I realized what brilliant, warm, and loving, young man Matthew was. He was always there for the other team members to cheer them on or to give advice and support.
The fondest memory I have of Matthew is the time my daughter and I went on a little weekend trip to Nashville to celebrate my birthday. We called Matthew up on the spur of the moment and asked him if he would like to meet up with us. Matthew being the accommodating young man, said "Sure, we can go out and eat, then tour the campus". We met up with Matthew and had a wonderful dinner at one of his favorite restaurants near the campus. After dinner I was in for the hike of a lifetime. Matthew and my daughter about walked my legs off around campus. He was so excited about being at Vanderbilt. After I was totally exhausted, we went to Matthew dorm room and relaxed for a while. We sat and talked about his plans as well as Dena's plan for college and the future. It was a wonderful time to be able to sit and listen to these two young adults map out their plans. I could not have asked for a better birthday present, than spending time with Matthew and Dena.
I will always cherish that wonderful fall evening in Nashville.
Brenda B. (Mother of Dena B., Classmate and friend from LCHS)
Ray and Anita,
My thoughts of Matthew go back to when he was selling knives. Matthew called and asked if he come by and talk with us about the knife set. That was the first time that Kermit and I met Matthew. I remember feeling that there was such a presence about him. I have heard so much about Matthew over the past few years...his intelligence, his musical gift and what a strong and outstanding young man he had become.
I believe that Matthew was a SPECIAL gift from the Good Lord above. Matthew touched everyone that he came in contact with. His presence was that strong. He left a lasting impression with everyone. Sometimes, I find myself wondering... WHY? Why was this young man taken at such a young age with so much of his life ahead of him. Then I stop and know that God has plans for us all.
I'm glad that I did get the pleasure to meet Matthew and I know he will live on through the many people he touched. He will live on through you. He received his strength from such a strong family, his faith and that will live on for an eternity.
God Bless You All, Lesha Patterson
The most wonderful connection I have had with Matthew has been through the incredible e-mails sent via his Dad giving us the ups, the downs, the humorous and the somber side of this incredible journey.
My first connection with Matthew was at his High School graduation when he was giving his speech and said "Hello" in five (actually four) different languages! I can remember thinking, who is this kid and what is he doing at Lumpkin County! It actually boosted my confidence in the Lumpkin County School system for my own daughter...that they could help in producing such an incredible scholar.
The movie, The Last Samurai, has many wonderful quotes, my favorite being, as the two men who were born worlds and cultures apart learned from each other and developed a brother bond were parting, "I will miss our conversations." As this earthly part of Matthew's journey has transitioned to a higher realm, I will miss my email conversations with Ray and family were they to end. They have been such a source of inspiration and comfort that I have used in many parts of my own life. Thank you, Matthew. Thank you Ray and family.
With great love, Sue Ann L. and family (my dear friend in Dahlonega)
Matthew is an incredible young man. I am so glad that I knew him. He was easy to talk to. He wasn't like most young people, that just tolerated people. He made you feel like he really was interested in what you had to say. He encouraged Cameron with her music and home‑schooling. And he made Logan feel like he wanted to hear what he had to say. I really enjoyed our conversations at the college when I waited on Cameron to finish her music lessons.
Cathi J. (long-time family friend in Dahlonega)
Dear Ray and Anita,
Thank you for allowing me time with Matthew on Wednesday night. Although I didn't arrive intending to visit, I'm so thankful that I was able to say, "Goodbye." I've pondered those moments for the last three days, trying to put my finger on what was so important to me about seeing Matthew. I felt as if I were in a sanctuary of sorts -- a holy place, if you will. Little did I know, or you, how soon he would be in that holiest of places -- with the Lord. I was so surprised to see Matthew in the gym last summer. I honestly thought at that time that he was probably bedridden. How refreshing and encouraging it was to see him bicycling at NGC. How much he accomplished since this time last year! How many people he blessed and encouraged as he continued to go to school, visit other places, play the piano -- just live until the Lord called him home. I mentioned to Anita Wed. evening that the whole world -- your world and even people whom you will never meet who read your story as you went through this with Matthew -- were watching to see how people of faith -- specifically faith in our Lord Jesus Christ -- would handle or react to Matthew's situation. God brought you through with such grace, with such love, with such openness as you shared your story. You will never know how many people you have touched...
Yours, Janey C. (Wife of Dr. Joe C., Mother of Hannah, long-time family friend)
I was not blessed to really know Matthew well. However, I did see him a couple of times in town during his ordeal. I was always greatly impressed by his big smile and positive attitude. You would think that he was someone without a care in the world. In a way, that was right, because it was obvious that he had turned his cares over to the Lord and was just living each day to its fullest. The greatest desire that anyone should have is that they live their life so that everyone sees Christ when they look at them. Well, it was easy to see Christ when you looked into Matthew's face. Now, I am sure that that big smile is brightening Heaven. God bless you all and may He give you strength in the days ahead.
Lynn P. (Dahlonega resident and friend)
I still smile when I think of Matthew as a German soldier in "The Sound of Music" at the high school. It seemed so incongruous with his usual sweet spirit. He was a delightful, talented, intelligent young man. This place is better because he passed through.
Thank you for sharing your hearts and Matthew with us.
My love to you!!!
Lisa Thompson
Some time ago I asked my son Max [who was in Matthew's LCHS graduating class] if Matthew was friendly to him in school -- he immediately replied "Matthew was friendly to everyone".
Charly Perethian
Dear Ray and Anita and family,
Just to let you know you have our prayers and sincere sympathy in Matt's homegoing. He made such an impression on us at Drema's birthday party. His cheerful manner and ability to relate to us "old folks" will be treasured for years to come. Reminds us very much of Ray at that age when he would be home from school and drop by Perdue/Paramount Office. We are so glad we had the chance to meet Matt (and catch up with the other members of the family, too) God bless you and continue to keep his loving arms around you all in the days ahead.
In His Love, Allan & Pat (Tanner) Pearce
This is Laura Hamilton, and I remeber that Mom always helped Matthew with his music and they would sit at the piano together with her turning his pages. Also, every time Matthew saw Allyson, he would call her Barbie. I don't know exactly how much of matthew Allyson remembers, but
she know enough to be sad. You are your family are all in our prayers and we love yall. I'm sure Mom will send her own reply later, but this is mine.
Laura
(Laura, see the Picture at the snapfish.com link where Matthew was standing beside your Mom with Allyson on her lap. It was the 1999 Christmas dinner at Berea.)
I am so sorry for your loss. Matthew was a great person and will be missed.
I knew Matthew from coaching him in mock trial. He was so bright and articulate. He really excelled in mock trial.
Matthew always made me smile with his wit and sometimes sarcasm. I will always remember him with a sheepish grin on his face ready to give me a witty response to something I just said.
Matthew was loved and respected by his peers (and for the right reasons).
You are undoubtably grieving his loss today and for many days, however, you should be proud that you brought such a wonderful creature into this world.
In peace, Jeffrey L. Wolff
Dear Ray, Anita, Ashley, and Andrew,
To God be the glory for allowing all of us to be a part of the life of His precious child Matthew. I personally never met Matthew but I felt as if I'd always known him, through all Anita shared with me about her 3 children and through Ray's e-mails giving us updates. Matthew's personality, faith, sense of humor, and courage were captured through Ray's e-mails and I thank Ray for writing so regularly and letting us see Matthew through his father's eyes. I know Matthew was intellectually gifted, handsome, dedicated to his goals and to his family and friends, loved Vandy, and deeply loved and trusted his Saviour Jesus. He was destined for great things, yet the greatest proved to be the way he embraced his final battle with illness and death. . .in this natural life. Matthew and all of you have given us so much and I know I'm not the only one who has felt that we received much more from you than what we were able to give back. My heart is braking as I attempt to imagine your sorrow today, and every day, especially in the last few months. A feeling of impotence accompanies my sadness, because there is nothing a person can say or do to alleviate your loss. My prayer has been and will continue to be for His grace and mercy for the four of you, your extended family, and everyone else who knew and loved Matthew. Anita once told me that she and Ray knew that Matthew had been placed in their care for as long as he was on this earth, but that he really belonged to God. She spoke of knowing that one day Matthew would go back to the Father and she and Ray would have to let go. I'm clueless as to how parents are able to do this but I'm sure that your faith and conviction will prevail, in the midst of all the pain. Please know I'm here, as are many who love you, and I'll be with you physically when we gather to celebrate Matthew's going home to his Saviour.
Love, Carmen Mas
Dear Ray and Anita,
Joe Meyer has been keeping me posted on Matthew over the past couple of years. You probably know, but Matthew was my student in French at NGCSU while he was still in high school. Do I need to say that he was the best student in the class? You probably would have assumed that, and with pride.
Matthew was simply just a pleasure to be around, to have in class, to talk with after class. He was the kind of student every teacher longs for, not just because he was smart (which he certainly was), but because he wanted to learn, and he made it fun for me and for other students. He liked to tease me in class with that twinkle in his eye, head slightly tucked, and that smile. He kept me on my toes, to say the least. And it was a pleasure.
I was in my office last summer, getting ready to leave with my group of students to come to Quebec (where I am now). I didn't have my glasses on. Someone came through the door--my office in a long one and I sit in the back of it‑‑and I squinted to see who it was. Matthew said,
- C'est moi, M. Chesnut, Matthieu.
- Matthieu! Comment ça va?
- Mais ça va bien?! Et vous? Je suis venu vous voir.
- Et je suis très content de te revoir. Ça fait trop longtemps.
We spoke French the whole time, for 30 or 40 minutes, until Nancy came in. Then we switched into English and all three chatted quite a while longer.
Physically, Matthew had changed somewhat, but not all that much considering everything. But he was the same sweet, endearing person. So positive. Always smiling. Still engaging.
By the way, Matthew's French was very good. If I had a class room full of Matthew's, I could claim with confidence to be a great and wonderful teacher. But Matthew was special, very special.
It has been an honor and a privilege to have known Matthew. I want to add that I greatly admire your strength and courage, as well. I can see where Matthew got his. Quite a family.
Sincerely, Jim Chesnut
Dear Ray and Anita,
I could not believe the email I read today. I have been praying for Matthew since I first heard of his tumor, and had hoped that maybe a miracle was in God's plan, but God is all knowing and in complete control and we have to trust Him with all our hearts right now ‑ because this was His plan for Matthew. What a testimony for Matthew though, that in such a short time, his life and how he lived it has influenced more people than those of us that are still here. He completed all God had for him, that's truly amazing! Matthew was one of those kids that stood out from all the rest, at such a young age he had the maturity that surpasses most adults! He was a consistent witness at school, and all the kids that knew him, knew he Loved Jesus, I saw that every I had him in the classroom. Ben always admired his talent, and used to tense that until he left Mr. Abee, he would never be last on the piano program!! I can't say I know what it's like for your family, but I know where you draw your strength, and in the days ahead I will be praying for that strength to get you through one day at a time. We love you both, and hopefully Anita I'll see you back on the track in the future - you're one very special lady, I've always thought that and admired your faith and courage.
We Love you, Janet Jones
I recall the times at Bethlehem Baptist Church and Matthew's sweet smile that he always had. He was a precious young man. God bless you all.
Sharon Owenby
Ray and Anita,
I have been receiving your emails via Greg Harper since your family began this journey. I don't know Matthew; however, through your emails, I feel that I have gotten to know his sweet and courageous spirit. Your emails have touched me in a way that I did not anticipate nor expect. I have cried many times after reading your emails. Matthew and his family have inspired me in ways that will continue to touch my life. When times get tough, I will remember Matthew and how he lived his life during this time.
Ray and Anita, your love, devotion, commitment and strength have touched my heart. You are such an incredible model for what family love and caring is about. There are no words to express how your hearts have touched my heart, how your lives have touched my life.
I found Matthew to be the pinnacle of inspiration. It seemed that no matter what life dealt him....he was going to be strong, courageous and as independent as he could be....even when it was tough and painful. He didn't give up....he kept living life as largely as he could. These are among the many things that I learned about Matthew through your emails....that inspire me.....that taught me about living life largely.
I am so sad that Matthew has left the physical world and so glad that he will be with the Lord. My heart is with you. I have been praying for all of you since the emails began and I will continue to keep you in my prayers.
Thank you for sharing your heart and your lives with me. Thank you for reaching out and providing me an opportunity to pray for your family.
Your family has been such an inspiration....and I am grateful. Matthew and his family have made a difference in my life and touched my heart.
In gratitude and sadness, Kalle
Our memories of Matthew is of a small boy in children's choir. Although he never had much to say he always sang with a smile on his face. He was ready and willing to "direct" the next song and never let us down when the group sang in church.
After being away from Dahlonega for serveral years, we had the opportunity to renew our friendship with you all and were impressed to find that Matthew had a love for languages and a desire to learn more.
We are saddened at his passing, but we know that we will see Matthew again in that heavenly choir!
Rick & Patti Sprouse, Paul & Erica
We did not know Matthew for a very long time as many did - not long enough at all - certainly, not as long as we had hoped to know him. It has been too short. However, he has made a big impact on our lives - he is unforgettable.
My memories of Matthew are of a young man playing classical piano, planning for college and going to college with so much enthusiasm and determination. His smile is unforgettable - big, genuine, and always there. His hugs at church could just make my day but his smile was just awesome. I always felt a little in awe of Matthew because he was so intelligent but never boasted about it. He gave us a tape of his playing piano - we will cherish it.
I truly believe that if Jesus were on this earth today that Matthew would be one of His chosen disciples. I believe Matthew was a disciple any way.
Matthew made an impact on this community like none other that I have ever experienced. From my Bible study group to people in Chick Filet to people in Wal-Mart, and many other places, everyone talked of his courage, his determination, his kindness, his good looks and his love of God. Everyone knew how Matthew loved God. It is wonderful that you and Anita raised a child like Matthew. All of our children are special to us, but Matthew was so exceptional.
I don't know why Matthew was taken from us at such a young age - I guess only God knows that, but Matthew certainly made a wonderful impact on young and old.
God Bless you, Anita, Ashley and Andrew during this time. Our prayers continue.
Carol and Charles King
Ray, I have been silent for a good while watching the e-mails in stunned fashion as I had convinced myself that all was well after the initial remission. What I saw from your e-mails in Matthew is someone of amazing resilience focused and always doing everything each day as if unto the Lord. It was so clear. Matthew never appeared to waste a single moment, always in pursuit of life rather than letting life take one step without his keeping pace. As he worked around health problems, maintained his schedule at school, all the while he taught us lessons in courageous living. He was a real hero of mine and I am sure many others.
Doug Parks
Ray,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Anita. Hilda and I wanted to note for you that Jeremy was lead to accepting the Lord as his Savior as a result of his witnessing the great faith you, Matthew and Anita showed during the past many months of your struggle. We attended your church one Sunday and you spoke of your love of the Lord inspite of all the heartache you felt. Late that same day Jeremy told us, "I want to love the Lord like Brother Ray and his family." We thank you for helping bring this wonderful gift to Jeremy.
I wish there were consoling words I could share with you, but I know you feel great sorrow. We will continue to pray for you and your family. Please do not hesitate to call on us if there is anything we can do for you and Anita.
John, Hilda, Mathew, Jeremy Cruthirds
Hey Ray. I just now got your email & wanted to drop a quick note before heading to bed. I wish so much I had gotten the chance to know Matthew better than I did (one day when it's MY turn to be able to look into that beautiful face of Jesus, I SHALL be able to find out more about your wonderful son!). You know, I have been praying on and off for you & your family all day (as I had already been doing) and from time I have just had these little pics in my mind of a perfectly WHOLE and HEALTHY, SMILING Matthew DANCING before the throne of God with PLENTY OF STRENGTH AND ENERGY! It's like I can almost see him talking to Jesus and saying, "Wow! This is an AMAZING place!! I'm thrilled to be here, out of my pain and HEALED, but I do have one request... please take care of my family as they are grieving. Please minister to them" and I know God is faithful to do that very thing. I also can just envision that young man playing beautiful music on a piano (hey, it probably has solid gold keys on that keyboard!) and just enjoying every second of being HEALTHY again (AND enjoying an incredible piano!)!!
Ray, I so wish I had more memories of Matthew to share with you. I know Dan has some wonderful memories and if he's not already done so, I KNOW he'll be sharing his memories of all the kids growing up together, and I know one of his fondest memories was the year he coached Matthew. But again, I'm sure he'll share all that with you.
But I do have a WONDERFUL memory of him on our wedding day! What a gifted pianist! Oh my! I was totally shocked that such a young teen (we got married Jan. 19, 2002 so he was 15 or 16, I guess) had such incredible talent!! He did a PHENOMENAL job!! I do hope he knew how very grateful we were for his gift of music to us that day. It truly "made" the wedding SO much more special than to simply have "recorded" music or what‑not. He MADE the day a marvelous one, that's for sure!
Becky Poisson
Dear Anita and Ray,
Thank you so much for all of your faithful emails, they have helped so much as I have prayed for you. I know it had to have been so difficult to write them. We have fun memories of your and our families together at all the Bryan homecomings. We're so glad to call you friends.
Love, Linda Ballard (Randy and Linda have been dear friends since college. We have often stayed with them on our visits to the Chattanooga area. We watched our kids grow up together, and they like so many other dear friends were with us as we laid Matthew to rest, one last time.)
Dear Anita and Ray,
My heart is broken for you and your family. Though I had only met Matthew a few times and did not know him intimately, I was affected deeply by his life. We are told in the Word to “shine as lights in the world” Matthew’s light was so bright and intense that it touched innumberable lives (I Peter 1: 13 “Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;”) Your Matthew, like Peter, affected many by “stirring” hearts and lives to rememberance of those things that are so precious to all of us. Thank you for sharing your son with us ¼ “That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;” (Col 2:2)
We love you all, Mike Wright, Jacksonville, Florida
Matthew was one of the smartest students that I have taught. He was one of the most well-mannered and respectful students as well. More important than these, although these qualities may have resulted from it, was that Matthew had faith. Faith is the victory. I had a vision. When I heard that Matthew was near death, I saw a vision of a Lion/Lamb in the sky. The Lion of Judah representing God's power and the Lamb of God representing God's love and compassion. When I saw this, I knew that even if he didn't beat the tumor, Matthew was in the all powerful and loving hands of God. So, rest assured, Matthew is in heaven.
Eddie Green (Dr. Green taught Matthew in Calculus II his senior year of High School which was done at North Georgia, except for one class at LCHS. Matthew made the Presidents List with perfect 4.0 in all his classes at NGCSU.)
What a great young man and what a great work he has done for the Lord.
Matthew has touched so many lives of people he never met only when we follow him will we really understand. Your whole family has touched so many hearts, and there so many praying for you, God is control and we love you .
Sleetia, Don, and the Kelsey family (Don and Sleetia have been friends for over... oh, just lets say for many years!)
Dear Prince family,
I met Matthew three years ago when we attended together Princeton University. Well, actually in NYC, while making the line in South Street Seaport to get pizza before going back to the campus after attending a long day of conferences in the UN. While on line, my roommate skipped him and he didn’t even say anything. As the New Yorkers we are, we expected him to push her out of the line or at least tell her that she was skipping him. Appalled by his manners, she turns around and says “you know, I am skipping you” to which he replies “No, I let you get ahead of me as you seem to be in a rush” with the sweetest smile I have ever seen.
A couple of days later, I was at Starbucks buying my usual vanilla frap with a friend when he came in with a bunch of girls (Matthew was always surrounded by a bunch of girls after him, they all wanted to take his sun glasses). Matthew sees me and says “Bonjour” to me not knowing that I spoke French. I replied in French and he smiled seeing that there was someone else who shared his love for the language. We began to talk and realized about a block down the street that we had left the people that we went inside Starbucks with. We were very into our conversation, switching from English, to Spanish to French without even realizing it. We learned that we so much in common and we even finished each other sentences sometimes. He even learned how to jump rope from a group of girls at the program who were from Philly. We engaged in various conversations about Colombia (where I was born) and heated debates on whether the South was better than the North. He would always call me and say that New Yorkers were crazy and even laugh when I had seven feet of snow one winter outside of my house while the weather down in Georgia was beautiful. Unfortunately I never got to visit the South and he never got to show me around the town he claimed was better than any other city.
Even though the last time I saw Matthew was three years ago as he was boarding a bus and was wearing a shirt with red squares and kaki shorts (Vanessa, I think I have a picture of him in that shirt, will try to find and post on the snapfish.com link), we continued to talk constantly throughout these three years, always making plans of going to Paris together one day and even tour Europe as UN translators. We were planning to visit each other’s homes even up until about three months ago. I cant remember how many times I helped him edit his French and Spanish papers, nor how many times he helped me with my math homework and heard me complain about how much my math teacher wanted to make my life impossible.
Matthew Prince was an angel. I have never and will never meet such a smart, kind and wholesome young man. I am truly sorry for your loss, which is also mine. I am not able right now to attend the services but I truly hope that one day I will get to meet you, the family of someone who means so much to me. Thank you so much for keeping my updated and bearing with my phone calls even when I am so far away. Please please please let me know if I can ever do anything for you. If you ever come to NYC and need a place to stay or a tour guide or anything please do not hesitate to contact me. I am currently looking for some pictures that I took of Matthew at Princeton and I will send those to you as soon as I have them if you want. Again I am truly and deeply sorry for your loss and please feel free to contact me if you need anything. I know Matthew is sitting with God right now smiling down on his family and the others who loved him. I will never forget the lesson of hope and strength that he taught me. I loved Matthew very much and I will continue to cherish the memories and the times we spent together.
Your Truly, Vanessa Salazar
Dear Prince Family,
The Kearns family here. We are grieving with you and rejoicing for Matthew and imagining how much joy he is experiencing with Jesus in his brand new glorified body. Matthew had such a large personality‑our entire family loves him.
Matthew has always been so kind to us. When he agreed to take Amey to her senior prom we were so happy‑we knew she'd have a wonderful time and that she would be well taken care of. Matthew was so careful to get just the right flowers to go with her dress, and they both looked wonderful. The best part was that they came back to our house at around 11pm and played cards.
Amey said it was one of the most fun times she's ever had.
We were thrilled when we heard Matthew chose Vanderbilt - really excited and proud. When Catherine came up to look at Vanderbilt, Matthew was such a great host, even though he was busy. We could tell how much he loved his school and his professors and friends. It was the exact right fit for him. We went out to eat at his favorite restaurant and he got the chicken salad - he said it was his favorite dish in Nashville.
When Matthew was playing tennis for Lumpkin High School, his team played Amey's. Matthew sat and cheered Amey on, even though she was on the opposing team. It was one of Amey's first varsity matches and she was so nervous, but having Matthew there to encourage her and inspire her got her through it. He really had that gift, and he was so generous with it. He gave encouragement and love away like there was an endless supply - and made us all realize that that is the way God wants us to live - because there is an endless supply. We just have to believe it. Matthew believed it,and his life was a reflection of that belief.
We'll see you Saturday and Sunday - Lynn Kearns