Friday, December 3, 2010

Rest In Peace, sweet Matthew

Friday afternoon, I got the call that I’ve been dreading for months now.

Matthew was back home from the hospital, but they had brought him home for the very last time... and the end was near.
I wanted to go see him that night, but due to work commitments, I didn’t get the chance.


So, I got up early Saturday morning and prepared myself for the sad task of going to say goodbye to a gorgeous little boy... a little boy who had captured my heart - and the hearts of everyone who knew him - from the very beginning...

Just as we were getting ready to leave, I got a call from Mary – Matthew's grandmother - who told me that Matthew had passed away peacefully, just after midnight the night before.


I never got the chance to say goodbye to him, but I know that he knew that my thoughts and my heart were with him... always.




Matthew Lizzul
February 25, 2002 – December 4, 2010

Rest in Peace, my darling boy.
Katie loves you... for always and forever
~~~~


Please say a prayer for Matthews' Mother, Sue... his Grandmother Mary... and his sisters Emily and Caitlin.
I can't even imagine what they're going through right now, so please ask God to lift them up and give them peace...


When you are sorrowful, look again in your heart,
and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.
~Kahlil Gibran



(For those of you who don't know, Matty was one of my daycare children... and I was blessed to be able to take care of him on a respite arrangement - for several wonderful years - so that his mother could have a bit of a break a few times a week.
Sue's middle daughter Caitlin also has serious issues, (autism, epilepsy and a brain tumor) so this wonderful woman has certainly had her hands full - as does her older daughter Emily...
Emily, who has always been a rock, a helping hand, and a complete blessing to her mum.

Sue's one of those people who no matter how hard life is for her personally, she's always there for other people... and I can't begin to tell you how many times she reached out to me, when I was sick or feeling down.
I would call her and say I wouldn't be available today because of a migraine or whatever... and a few hours later, Sue would bring me flowers, or go out of her way to make me smile, or to cheer me up.


Sue trusted me to not only care for Matty, but Caitlin as well..., and I'll always be eternally grateful for the trust she's shown in me, and also for the joy that her entire family has brought me.)


God well and truly blessed me, when he brought this beautiful family into my life...

18 comments:

Kurichan said...

Katie--My heart goes out to you and to Matty's family. His mother sounds as amazing as you. I am sorry you didn't get the chance to say goodbye, but Matty knew how special he was to you and will always be. He captured my heart as well, in the brief minutes that I was lucky to meet him that one time. He is at peace now, thankfully. (((HUGS)))

Robynn's Ravings said...

Yes, Kate. You DO know what she's going through because you have walked the hardest roads anyone can walk, you love her children, and you SEE her, as you do so many people. Their are few like you and I'm grateful to God she has you to help her right now.

I'm SO TERRIBLY sorry for the loss of little Matty. What a tragedy and I am glad for a God who noes holds him, loves him, and has restored him. But for this precious mother and all she has walked through? My heart just aches. God be with them all and with you. She obviously knows you DO truly understand. Thank you for being in the world and being who you are, Kate. Praying for you all.

I love you,

Robynn

Anonymous said...

My thoughts and prayers to Matthew's family and friends.
I am so glad they have you for a friend and that you have them.

Take care.
Pam

Gramma 2 Many said...

If there is anyone in the world who knows exactly what Sue is feeling it is you. I am so sorry little Matty is not here any longer, but on the bright side he is now with our Lord.
He is spared any further suffering. God always knows what he is doing and why. I praise him that he has placed you in their lives, you will be able t just be there for them when they need it.
Love you and am sorry for all who are "Left Behind."

Kathy said...

Katie, I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep Matty's family and you in my prayers. You are a special lady and he was lucky to have had you in his short life. I am sure he knew how much he meant to you and now he is with the Lord

Tania said...

Kate, my eyes are very misty, now. I was reluctant to read this post, but you said it beautifully. This little boy was also very lucky to have someone like you in his short life.

I think Robynn's comment has summed it up very well, what more can I say?

Sending big hugs to you and Matty's family xx

Anonymous said...

I´m so sorry for Your loss.
They and You are in my prayers.
Christer.

Momlady said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and Matty's family. Once in a while a person comes into our lives that is special. The loss is painful. To remember the good times and know that there are people who care hopefully helps. Blessed be.

Fruitcake Sandy said...

I read your post last night and couldn't find the words to express my sorrow for you and Matty's family. This morning my heart is still grieving for all of you. My background of being a Hospice nurse doesn't make it any easier, especially when a child is involved. A priest once shared a thought during a funeral of a small child that I have found helpful (?) WE are grieving for all the 'things' this child will never do or experience ... the child never knew all these things. There is a young, sweet, innocent angel in Heaven this morning ... a guardian angel watching over his loved ones. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Matty's family. You are such a blessing, Kate ... Matty is smiling, pain-free and whole now. I HAVE to believe that as I know in your heart you do as well.

Becky said...

A very dear little lad. I thought I had left a comment on here but guess it was FB. I know without a doubt he knows how much you cared for him. Prayers go out for you and his family.

Kerry O'Gorman said...

I suppose you were lucky all around, to have known such powerful love. My grandma was suffering from the end stages of dementia and I too didn't get to see her as I had planned today. She died early this morning but I know she went peacefully and is in good company with Mat. Sorry for you loss.

Marjie said...

Sad day. I am sorry for all of you, but happy that you had the pleasure of knowing Matthew even for a short time.

Joolz said...

I'm so sorry you've lost your little mate. Thinking of you,

Joolz

PS I love the verse you added to his tribute. Beautiful.

Treehouse Chef said...

What a beautiful tribute to a special child. You really have a gift for words. I have been thinking about you lately and I am so glad I looked up your blog today. It always touches my heart. Have a blessed day!

Roslyn said...

Prayers for all of you who love Matthew.
The losses keep piling up, it feels like deja vue, doesn't it?

Homestay Mama said...

I am so sorry for your loss.
My heart goes out to anyone who has lost a child. What a wonderful tribute to Matthew--so beautifully written, Katie.

Bz said...

I know I've said it times before ... you may even think "can't she comment differently"... but you DO have a special place in Heaven. I think he was lucky to cross YOUR path. Can you imagine if mum had placed someone so vulnerable with an UN-caring soul? "Care-giver" is the perfect word... you do give care... and 'care' is a form of love.

Nancy M. said...

I'm sorry you didn't get to see him one last time! Sounds like a wonderful family to have been a part of their life!


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