Reflections
This page is a place for
supporters of Matt and his family to post thoughts, testimonials, support and
memories.
Matt’s story has inspired many
and his journey has affected all that he’s touched.
If you would like
to submit your own reflection:
Please send an email to webmaster@matthewhaines.info with your posting as the body and it will be posted for everyone
Hi
Sean and Debbie,
I
just wanted to say that the both of you are such an inspiration to me. The way you both have such an awesome outlook on the world and how
you make the best of everyday. You don't need to post this, but I just
wanted you to know that you guys, even though you don't know it, touch my life
every day. Thank You…
Sean,
Your
pain must be incomprehensible. I have never lost a son or daughter, but
have lost a twin brother. I have two daughters that are 15 and 12.
They are literally the life of me. I watched your inspirational tribute
to your son and could not hold back the tears and the greif
that I felt for you and your family. I am so terribly sorry. I know
that those are only words and words don't do the justice that love does, but
with all of the love that I have, I am sorry.
I
must say that I admire you alot for how you are going
on. The way that you have put things makes me know that you seem to be
coping as well as anyone can under the circumstances. I read the quote
"where you said something like you know that matthew will always be with you", and you are
right about that. He is still around, we just cannot see him. His
spirit is alive and well, and dancing and laughing like he always was.
He
had a wonderful father while he was on earth and appeared to be extremely
happy! He can thank his Father and Mother for that. I know that his
sibling will be Okay as well with parents like yourselves.
I am sure that he is missed.
It
brings to mind when I lost my twin brother. I couldn't believe it for
awhile. Later on I understood only with the love and compassion that the
Lord gave to me. It also brings to mind the Wonderous,
Most Precious Gift ever given to mankind. The day that
God lost his only Son. God loved his son with all of his heart and
even stated that he was well pleased in him. He too died shortly after
that statement. However, he died so we all could live. So, through
the death of Jesus Christ you get to see your son Matthew again, and I say Amen
to that!
I
am very, very honored to have seen the video that you made in memory of your
son. I am also honored to say that he had a great life while he was on
this planet his short time. That great time is because of you and your
wife. So, remember that Matthew loved you too. If there is ever
anything that I can ever do for you, please email me, even if it is to only
pray.
I just wanted to say to you both that we are all praying for
you and thinking of you. You have a beautiful family and an amazing son who
opened mine and many others eyes, for a child so young he was extremely smart.
I may not know you and you're family personally but I feel like your
unfortunate ordeal has changed so many lives, mine included. I am so sorry that
you had to lose such a precious commodity, but believe me his purpose on earth
has been fulfilled 100 times over. I wish you didn’t have to be the ones who
suffered a loss to change this world for the better, but your son Matthew did
just that. He has made us all who know about you guys see that our little
problems aren’t so bad, they are just little issues nothing in comparison to
what he and you all have been through.
I want you to know this is from all of my friend's and
family's hearts we are always thinking of and praying for Matthew and your
amazing family. You have given me a new sense of faith, a sense I haven't had
for many years, thank you for letting us into your lives and sharing your
thoughts, feelings and beautiful pictures with us. I am truly thankful that you
brought someone like Matthew into this world and shared him with us…
God bless you Sean and your family. I
wish nothing but the best for all of you. Your story has touched my life
in words I can't describe.
My heart is
truly aching at the mere thought of the journey you are
having to endure. It is impossible for any parent to ever imagine,
or even begin to think we know how it must feel. I know that I have had
such a hard time since the beautiful memorial. I came home and sunk
to my knees and cried and cried. I can not get that beautiful
Matthew out of my head. His smile, his mischievous
grin, his wit. I know he is not suffering anymore, I know he is in
a better place surrounded by love.
The storm that
rolled in at the time of the service was so amazing,
it really mirrored the mood that everyone was feeling. The sun did
eventually shine. I think that through this experience I have learned
that no matter how cruel life can be the sun does eventually shine through.
I know your lives have changed forever, they are richer than most because of
the love that Matthew gave to you, such an amazing love that some people never
get to experience in a lifetime.
This experience
will stay with me forever I will never forget Matthew and I will never forget
you Sean or Debbie. Debbie I remember at one of Thomas's birthday
parties at the
Sean I think
you should write a book, the writing is incredible and we can all learn so much
from what you have been through. Thank You for sharing this heart
wrenching story and making us all realize that there is no guarantees and that
we have to make the most of every second. You are the definition of the
"Best Dad" any child could ever had and what every father
should strive to be.
If there
was anything I could do to take away your heartache I would do it. I know
there is nothing that can ease the pain, I want you to know the profound
impact you have had on my life and I will never be quite the same. I will
be more loving, smile more and do all I can to be a better person. Every
time I see a rainbow I will think of Matthew, every time I see a beautiful
sunset I will think of Matthew, he will always be in my heart.
My love to you
all, you have Matthew as your angel now so I am confident that he will guide
you through the rest of this journey and eventually your hearts will be able to
smile once again.
Your son is an inspiration and an angel on earth. I just had an upsetting discussion with my 25 year old daughter about her irresponsible lifestyle. I told her about Matthew and his fight to live long enough to have a "lifestyle" and I could tell by the look on her face that she heard me in a different manner than usual...she was actually hearing something for a change. She was tearful and obviously moved by Matthew's story and his brave battle. Thank Matthew for touching our lives. I am still praying for a miracle. Please hug your wife and other son for me. God bless you all.
He came for a purpose and
now he is being called home for his reward. There will be life for him
again in that place where sickness can never touch him
again. You will all be reunited with him again. This is a
great kid and I guess it is now his time to prepare the mansions for all
of you...me too I hope. I don't even know him, but I love him like
my own...I wish I could have met him face to face!!!! I'm glad
to have had the pleasure of knowing him through his web site...what a
tremendous blessing to all of us who have visited
there!!! This kid has left enough love and wisdom behind for
us all to live life purposely to its fullest. To do any less
would be to insult his memory. As I said, I'm still hanging put
for the miracle!!!!!!!
Hi Matthew,
my name is Sarah my mom works with your grandma. You are a
truly amazing person after all you have been through I cant believe
that you can still keep that beautiful smile of yours glued on your
face all the time. I hope you are doing well and are not in much pain.
I can’t tell you how much you have touched my life and my friends lives
even though we don’t know you personally, but I have to say that you
are in my heart and my prayers constantly, and I am always thinking of
you and that adorable face. I recently read a book on angels by Sylvia
Brown, and she tells you about all the different types of angels, their
purpose, and how you can call on them for help for you and others. I
loved this book and I always ask my angels to help you and come to you
and to send as many of them that I can. It makes me feel great to know
that you have seen God and angels in your dreams and meditations. I
wish you all the best and we are all pulling for, praying, and
thinking of you constantly. You have the support and love of so many
people I don’t think you can truly understand how many people really
love you and are touched by what a courageous person you are. With all
of my heart and soul I really mean it when I say you are so AMAZING
Matthew I always think of you. Stay positive we all love you a lot!
Matthew, you are such a
brave young man. You have given me such hope in
life and a desire to keep fighting the best I can. God bless
you. Give your
parents and brother a big hug from my family. Much love to
you Matthew. I
hope we can meet someday!!!!!
Hi, Matthew,
I wanted to let you know that I think
you are such a brave little guy and I think about you every day. I heard
all about your trip to Walt Disney World. Isn't that a fabulous
place????? Our family went there in 1994 and we loved it. My family
liked Epcot a lot but the whole place is wonderful. It's like being away
from all of the rest of the world. I'm glad you had such a good time.
I heard about your visit from the fire department. Wow, I don't think
I'll ever get the chance to drive a fire engine and my brother-in-law is a
fireman. He's the one that drives the really long ladder truck. He
only lets us look at the truck so that was a very special ride you took.
I'll check in on you through this website each day. I hope tomorrow when
you, hopefully, read this that it will be a good day for you. Everyone in
your life loves you very much and you are so fortunate to have such a wonderful
family.
I'm sending a big hug to you and hope
you can feel it. Close your eyes and imagine.
Dear Sean
and Debbie,
I just
wanted to take a moment and let you know what an inspiration Matthew has been
to me, my husband and the rest of my family. Although we have never met him, he
has changed our lives. I am now part of the bone marrow donor database and my
husband, siblings and parents plan to do the same. I visit Matthew's website
for regular updates and my husband and I pray for him every night. He has
become a regular part of our lives...
We were
crushed to hear about Matthew's prognosis and have shed many tears over this
news. He sounds like a remarkable boy with so much to give -- he must be, after
all, because how else could he touch the lives of so many people he's never
met? I just know he will continue to be blessed in heaven and truly
believe that God and his angels are communicating with him and paving the way
for a peaceful transition. I have been blessed to see that very thing happen
with my own family members who have passed. What a gift.
I know you
are quite busy, so I don't want to write a book here. Please know, though, that
we continue to pray for Matthew (and ALL of you) each and every day and
look forward to meeting your son someday -- if not here then in
heaven. This little boy is such an inspiration and has taught us all a lot
about life. He has done more with his few short years than many of us will do
in a lifetime! It is because of Matthew that I hope to someday give
someone else the gift of life. We will never forget him!
God bless
you all!
This
beautiful site that you have built for your son is a testament of the love of a
parent for their child. My heart breaks for you as I think of your
pending loss, but at the same time, I rejoice that you have had the privilege
to share such a beautiful love with your son. What an absolute treasure
you have to carry with you in your heart until you are reunited with this
beautiful child. I am ashamed at the weaknesses in my own family, in the
time that we waste over the "little things." Matthew has made a
profound difference in my life...I can never thank him, or you, for opening my
eyes to what love should be. God bless you my friends. I wish
I could hug you all and take away your pain, but I can't...I just hope it helps
to know how much I care. I will pray for you always. I hope you
(we) will be able to, somehow, carry on Matthew's legacy of love and
good work...we must never let his joy for life fade.
<From
his best friend from school>
I hope you come to the party tomorrow. I hope you enjoy the memory box
when you get it. I hope you like the presents I got you. I was so
happy to see you last Wednesday! I will never ever ever
forget you!
You were a true friend to me.
My mom and I are excited to see our pictures your dad took of us! We
can't wait until he emails them to my mom. I will put them in a frame
and keep them on my shelf above my desk in my room, and smile every
time I look at them!!!! :)
I am wishing you are feeling good and pray for you every night.
Matthew is
an inspiration to us all. He has given me a reality check every time
I've needed one. All the moaning and groaning we do about every day
"stuff" just goes down the drain. If only Matthew could grow up
and do the "moaning and groaning" about daily things.
I am just
so proud of his strength of character and his great capacity for compassion and
love. He has been an example for all of us of the very best qualities that you
could ever hope for in a person.
Hoping all
is well this Christmas Day. We have been able to see the
holidays (and each day) through different and compassionate eyes this year
thanks to Matthew and your family. Thank you and God bless you always.
The tears
run easily here for Matthew and his family. He has been such a strong
force in so many lives of so many people he has never met. What a
beautiful little boy he is and what strength he has shown us all.
God Bless him and all of
you. Please give him a hug for me.
Oh, I have been praying
daily for a miracle for this little guy! He deserves every chance in life and I
hope and pray that he can see the New Year through. I will send
out a pray that will circle the world tonight...we can still hope that a
miracle is in the plan for Matthew's life. Sadly, he may have
been the miracle that woke many of us up and brought us to our
Knees. How little and insignificant we look compared to this
wonderful little boy!!! I only hope that I can live the rest of
my life in the spirit of Matthew...I know I will fall short, but I will
try my best!!! Love you Deb. Keep praying. No matter
what happens, Matthew already knows he will be taken care of...remember,
the angels told him that.
What a beautiful poem you wrote for Matthew. What a beautiful father, family you are. I wish we could all love one anther the way Matthew has taught you to love...there would be no more sorrow, pain, anger, hate in this world. God bless you all. We will continue to pray for that miracle for Matthew...he has already been a miracle for many of us! God bless you.
I Remember Son...
Your years of growing,
all our shared thoughts and feelings,
the carefree and happy times a family shares.
I remember the joy, the tears, and the sorrow -
stormy emotions for changing times.
I remember the squeeze of your hand,
whispered "I love you's,"
The snapshots and memories
of time and years.
I remember all the ways
you've kept my life busy.
Every day, I celebrate and honor
all the ways you make my heart proud.
You, son, are loving memories,
close and strong and celebrated....
I wish you all the best in the New Year...I especially wish
for a miracle for your wonderful Matthew! My New Year will be so
different from many past years that started off with halfhearted
resolutions. I promise to live my life in the spirit that Matthew lives
his life ...full of dreams, hope, love, curiosity, respect, understanding,
generosity, caring, and a peaceful acceptance of God's plan for us. I am
so very thankful for the things I have learned from all of you. I pray
that your blessings are many in the New Year!!!!!!!
I don't know why bad things happen to good people, but I do
know there is a Master plan far beyond our
understanding. Unfortunately to us earthbound mortals that plan
seems to suck every now and again and this really sucks! We can say all the
words, but the bottom line is...we want Matthew to live, to have more time, to
spread more joy...to be a kid. Sadly, this doesn't seem to be God's
plan and we are forced to accept it.
Our job now, even tough I am still praying for a miracle, is
to simply rejoice in the miracle of Matthew and cherish the gift of
"life" that he has given us...yes life. I don't know
about you, but I know my life has more meaning and a greater value than
before I "met" Matthew and his incredible father (and family). While
the tears flow here too, I will honor Matthew with the legacy of my life
by living it to the fullest and loving all those close to me without
condition. This exceptional child has lived a lifetime in the last
few years and, in spite of his suffering, he chooses to LIVE and
LOVE. How can we do less?
Even if that miracle on earth doesn't come in time for us to
keep Matthew here, how wonderful to know that he is excited about
becoming an Angel!!!! Now that is facing adversity with total
faith. We have been witness to a miracle of faith...pure faith, not
TV faith. Matthew has already released us by telling us about his angel
dreams and by acknowledging the fact that "he will be taken care
of." It won't stop the grieving or the tears, but it will help
in the long term. I can't honestly say that I will always be
remembered once I leave this earth, but Matthew’s legacy of strength and
courage will stay alive...his family, friends, and total strangers world
wide will see to that.
I am still praying for that miracle for this wonderful boy
and his loving
family. Pure love only passes through our lives
once or twice in a lifetime...thank you Matthew and family. God
bless you
Sean
and family - if only we can have a sliver of the courage, determination,
kindness and love that Matthew has we will all be better for it.
Your
family's love and devotion to Matthew is a ray of sunshine. God has
blessed you, even for a short time, with a wonderful child.
It's
hard to understand why the jerks of the world continue to thrive while the
sweet and innocent children don't. I can only think that this is God's
way of bringing pure joy and laughter into heaven to be there when the rest of
us leave this earth.
My
heart is heavy with sadness for your pain yet joyful that Matthew will soon be
free again. God's love and arms are wrapped around you all. The
angels will protect Matthew and guide him. He will always be with
you.
God
we get down on our knees and pray that your love will surround the Haines
family as they go through this period of time. Help them through the days
ahead. Send your angels to protect them. Help us all to be strong
and supportive for their family. Matthew has been your messenger to so
many around the world. I thank you God for bringing him into all of our
lives. May we live our lives as he did. Amen
Dear Matthew,
I just wanted you to know that you are one of my best
friends. I will always remember all the
good times we shared at
Love
Your best friend,
Emily
Sean and family
I know God will carry Matthew peacefully to Heaven when the
time comes. I guess the miracle was Matthew and that miracle was given to
all of us who, sometimes, take life so lightly. I, personally, have
been blessed to know the two of you. Matthew's strength and wisdom, and
courage have opened my eyes to the preciousness of "living," not just
of life. You taught me about really loving our family and friends with
all that we have inside us. Matthew's illness illustrates that time
definitely operates on a continuum...it does not stop for anyone or
anything. It is meant to be used wisely and deliberately...Matthew did
that with his time. Because of you, he made each day count and because of
you, each day was filled with love, hope, courage, and dignity.
Thank you for sharing Matthew and yourself with all of us. You will
always be in my prayers and I look forward to the day when we all meet each
other in the grace of our Heavenly Father. I can not ease your pain,
but I can let know that I care. If I can ever be of assistance to
you...you only have to ask. I promise to keep Matthew's spirit alive at
my end of the world...he will never be forgotten. God bless you
all. Thank you Matthew...you will always be the gentle breeze that
reminds me that life is a precious gift.
You are such a beautiful father and friend to your
son. Your prose dedicated to memories of time well spent is such a loving
tribute to Matthew and a testament to how God would want us to love one
another. You have been placed on this planet to show others what love and
courage in the face of adversity really is. It is not about getting angry
and giving up, but about recognizing, accepting, and using the blessings that
God has given us to live life to the fullest until very end. You have
given Matthew quality of life...what a beautiful gift. Your pure
and all encompassing love for one another will transcend the loss of a
physical presence. You will never be apart...ever. Our miracle was
here all along, it was the love you have for one another. The love
you were kind enough to share with those of us who have no real concept of
"time." God bless you my special friends. In my lifetime,
I will always carry the treasured memories of a father and son living life
together to the fullest in spite of adversity and pain.
Sean and Debbie - The
I know of no other who has fought such a valiant battle as
Matthew has. He is a warrior of the highest degree.
Through his battle with cancer he has won the hearts of millions.
His short time on this earth has enriched so many lives I only wish he could
stay to grow up and teach us more.
So many of us have had no physical contact with Matthew but,
he is engrained into our hearts forever, never to be forgotten. My life,
as with many, has been changed by his courage, strength and love for his
family. He truly is an Angel sent from God.