Happy Birthday Matt

I have needed to post about this for quite some time, but could never bring myself to do so.  I think it's because it is so close to my heart, and it's been a bit of a struggle to deal with.  2 months ago, one of my best friends died.  He was serving in Madagascar on a LDS mission and got really sick, he was sick for a couple weeks, when he was called home to our Heavenly Father.  I know it was his time to go, but it's still been hard to accept.
Today is his birthday, he would have been 20 years old, although he never really did seem to be 4 years younger than me.  My mom used to babysit him and his two siblings Jen and Nick, while their Mom and Dad were at work.  This helped us to become closer than cousins, he became the little brother I never had.   Matt is the definition of a true friend, he always knew when someone needed help and was willing to do whatever was asked of him to help out.  He had the kindest heart, he was always more concerned about others than himself, especially after his niece Allie, and nephew Axton were born.  They were truly his pride and joy, he talked about them all the time.
I loved being able to play the piano with him, work together landscaping, have conversations about absolutely anything under the sun, watch him become the amazing missionary he was and is today. Most of all, enjoy his true friendship.
So allow me to go down memory lane and enjoy some pictures:

Lights at temple square in SLC

Riding the Catapult at Lagoon

Watching a movie during a trip to CO

Flight to CO

A collage someone made of Matt

Lights at temple square in SLC

Matt in Madagascar

The fountain that Matt built in his parents yard, it will always remind me of him.

I hope one day I can be the kind of person you always were/are, "Until We Meet Again!"
Happy Birthday Little Buddy!

A few songs that describe my current thoughts: First, Second, Third, a song I am going to dedicate to Matt, and lastly the last song Matt and I ever played on the piano together.