| Author | Message | ||
     Jerry_haughton |
Alex, if i may...  Everyone, Matt is in Faith Hospice (84th street and US 131) and is declining a little each and every day. Thankfully, he is not in pain, and has a great deal of peace. I don't think he will be moving home. He cannot sit up by himself anymore. His breathing is more labored, and has trouble swallowing. He cannot see the tv and his speach is somewhat slurred. We are going to try to take a day trip to his house this afternoon or tomorrow, as he wants to see it again. However, everyday he loses just a little more functionality. He processes most things slower now, but does understand who you are and what you are saying. His phone number is 616-862-7540 if you want to give him a jingle. Or better yet, stop by the Trillium Woods, it is a brand new facility (about a year old) with huge individual suites. It is very non-clinical... and very comfortable. Each suite will accomodate a dozen or more visitors at a time with sofas easy chairs etc. There are no specific visiting hours just that recognize that he goes to sleep around 9:30 pm... or so. As many of you know, we will not be participating in the Kentwood Relay For Life. However, they as an organization are dedicating the entire event to Matt this year. The Chairman of the event came by Matt's room yesterday and presented him with a wonderful plaque. The past few days have been interesting and filled with joy and grief. God is really moving and working in our lives. We had a long tear filled talk with Matt regarding the frustration he fills as his body closes up shop. As we began to talk about his new limitations, he began to cry and said he felt like an 80 year old man... I told him that soon he would be in heaven with the Lord. Lori chimmed in that he would be able to run and jump again. He has told me that he is not afraid, but I could sense he felt that he was looking at this transition alone... come into this world alone, and go out alone. As we sat there on his bed, I grabbed his arm and told him that we would hold onto him until God reached down and took his other hand and pulled him to heaven, and that I would not let go even then. Even after God took him home, I would still be holding his hand. He would never be alone, and that we will be with him at his side and God will be there with the heavenly host on the otherside. He will not be alone. Matt smiled and nodded. I cannot imagine going through this without having God there to help. It is true when scripture says God gives you peace that surpasses anyones ability to undestand. That peace comes with assurance that there is a loving God who is in control and has made a place for you ... and to absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. We all feel that peace and experience God's grace. We are so thankful for that mercy. As usual, this note is longer then I intended, so thank you for taking the time to read through it. Let me leave you with a gift, two years ago, a doctor friend of our hospice doctor, Dr Mulder (who is also a musician) wrote the perfect song for this situation. Attached to this note is a studio track (a demo) of Davids song 'Where Joy and Sorrow Meet', sang by Susan Ashton. Crank up your sound and prepare to be blessed! [EDIT: MP3 link Where Joy and Sorrow Meet ] Let me know what you think... and thank you for keeping us in your prayers. Mitch and family Verse 1 There's a place of quiet stillness 'tween the light and shadows reach Where the hurting and the hopeless Seek everlasting peace Words of men and songs of angels Whisper comfort bittersweet Mingling grief and life eternal Where joy and sorrow meet Chorus There is a place where hope remains In crowns of thorns and crimson stains And tears that fall on Jesus feet Where joy and sorrow meet Verse 2 There's a place the lost surrender And the weary will retreat Full of grace and mercy tender In times of unbelief For the wounded there is healing Strength is given to the weak Broken hearts find love redeeming Where joy and sorrow meet Verse 3 There's a place of thirst and hunger Where the roots of faith grow deep And there is rain and rolling thunder When the road is rough and steep But there is hope in desperation There is victory in defeat At the cross of restoration Where joy and sorrow meet CCLI #48841. C 2005 Everytown Music Publishing, Inc./ASCAP. David White. (Message edited by jerry_haughton on April 23, 2007) | ||
| Bcordb3 |
Mitch and family A very difficult time. May God bless you and give you peace. Matt is not alone. Bill Cordeiro (Message edited by BCordb3 on April 20, 2007) | ||
| Rubberdown |
Thinking of you and your loved ones. | ||
| Swordsman |
Dammit, you made me cry at work. Definitely best wishes. I'll say a little prayer right now. I've seen some of the wonders of this universe in my astronomy class... tell Matt he's in for a wild ride home.  ~SM (Message edited by Swordsman on April 20, 2007) | ||
| Hughlysses |
Matt and family are in my prayers this weekend. I'm glad he's able to know what's going on and talk to his family about it. My dad declined in a similar way before he passed on, but unfortunately he was unable to talk to us after it became clear he wasn't going to get better. 3 years later, my mom still can't come to terms with it. Matt is obviously blessed with a wonderful family. I've seen some of the wonders of this universe in my astronomy class... tell Matt he's in for a wild ride home. Swordsman- what a cool thought.  | ||
| Blackbelt |
Matt has always been in my and my families prayers, it saddens me every time I see a posting, but makes me happy that one day he will be able to be his own self again. To Matt and all his family God Bless, you are always in our prayers | ||
| Bluzm2 |
That is some of the most powerful reading I've done in recent memory. I too have tears in my eyes. Matt, may the rest of your journey here be as meaningful and peaceful as possible. You are blessed to have so many people around you that care deeply. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and friends as your time with us draws to a close. We will all meet again. Brad | ||
| Court |
That number goes to Matt's voice mail. I just left a message on behalf of Buell folks to let him know many people around the world had him and his family in our prayers. Who's in the area? We need to get somebody there. Court | ||
| Bomber |
if the love and good wishes of others are worth anything at all (and I believe they are ALL that are worth anything), Matt is a rich man, indeed journey far, Matt -- the things you'll see! | ||
| Jb2 |
Kim and I are thinking of driving up tomorrow. | ||
| Stingaroo |
Matt, go your blessed way, may your heart be peaceful on the way home. The tears are swelling, yet my heart feels sense of joy for him. Matt's spirit that could never be broken will be alive within us all, through reflections, stories, prayer,pictures, and thoughts. He has brought so many people together, it is truely incredible. Forever his strength and fortitude will stick with me. Brian | ||
| Ulywife |
Though we do not "know" Matt, we have followed his journey here on BadWeb. He, his friends and family have shown the true definition of what friends and family are. As I sit here typing, tears are flowing for a young man and his family. Your family's journey has touched so many of us. It reminds us each day to take nothing for granted and to remind us to tell those close to us that we love them. Our hearts go out to Matt and his friends and family. His memory will always live within them. God Bless you all. | ||
| Brumbear |
May GOD receive you with all the love a father has for his children. I am sorry I have no words for this only feelings I can not express. | ||
| CJXB |
Though we do not "know" Matt, we have followed his journey here on BadWeb. Matt, his family, and friends are in my thoughts and prayers !! I've also followed the journey on badweb, have admired Matt, his family, and friends for their courage, positive outlook, and faith !! God Bless you Matt, you've touched a lot of lives and added something positive to them all !! | ||
| Rocketman |
I can think of no greater heartache and pain than losing a child. I feel so very very sad for you all. Your charm, dignity and bravery in the face of such adversity is not easy to comprehend. Please tell Matt the Rocket says goodbye for now. My warmest thoughts are truly with you all.  Rocket | ||
| Bjack |
Matt and family, may the difficulties you're currently going through be tempered by the promise and anticipation of Matt's reunion with our Savior in paradise. My prayers are with you all. God bless and God speed Matt. | ||
| Blake |
Gerry, Thank you for the update, sorrowful as it may be. Matt and his family continue to act as a powerful inspiration. Words, my words at least, are insufficient. I feel God's blessings flowing through you out to so many with hopefully a little going back to you in return. Thank you for that Matt, Mitch, Lori, and Alex. | ||
| Crusty |
Matt and family; you are all in my thoughts and I am praying for you. | ||
| Unibear12r |
Matt is rich in family and friends, which is what matters most by far. My best hopes and wishes to Matt and all who care. (Message edited by unibear12r on April 21, 2007) | ||
| Daves |
very sad news indeed Matt and I never met, that is my loss. His courage thru all of this is the definition of a man. | ||
| Prior |
Ferris, Thanks for posting that. I've not been in quite the right state of mind lately to do that. I spent most of my day on the bike and wrenching in the garage; I figure Matt was there with me in spirit. Matt's probably not answering his cell, he's been sleeping a lot lately and probably has it turned off. I talked to his Dad for a while last night, he said Matt was peaceful and his whole family was there. I chose not to make the trip up today, I think for me it's best foe me to foster the good memories of my last visit and all of the other good times. I am sure Matt understands that. It's been an odd journey for me since all of this started. Going to college, getting a job and starting a real life/career are what many gage life on. For me, I guess one of the defining moments of the past 6 years of my life have been knowing Matt and being involved with his struggle. Not many have hopped on a motorcycle and ventured off into the unknown the way I did, and the reason I did so was Matt. It truly was an experience of a lifetime. I've learned so much about life, courage and strength from Matt over the past few years and not a day goes by that I don't think 'what would Matt do'? People are put on this earth to serve a purpose. Some ride through life just to be there, others have far reaching affects on other people and we never know the true magnitude. So many people have heard about Matt and his family; there is not a doubt in my mind that he will be remembered forever. I will really miss my friend. Alex | ||
| Gian4 |
God speed Matt. Gian4....... | ||
| Bigdaddy |
Well said Prior. Clarity is the gift of tragedy. It's so much easier to define what's important once you've seen loved ones suffer, lost a loved one or great friend. We'll be praying for Matt, his family, and all his great friends. G2 | ||
| Jerry_haughton |
Alex, you're welcome, and remember: we're ALL here for you. ---------------- i've added a link to Mitch's post above (and to the header photos at the top of the page) to the song "Where Joy and Sorrow Meet" that Mitch references in his e-mail. it's an MP3 audio file, and Blake was kind enough to host the file on BadWeB's server and provide the link, for which i'm extremely grateful. i've listened to the song twice now. it's beautiful, and brought tears to my eyes. i encourage everyone reading this thread to give it a listen, and remember Matt and his family as they continue their battle for Matt's life. thank you to everyone who has posted. FB | ||
| Bomber |
Alex -- you needn't be there to "be there," if you follow -- you're in Matt's heart, no matter where you might find yourself -- You're a good friend, indeed - a tough, but most rewarding gig -- stand tall (Message edited by bomber on April 23, 2007) | ||
| Sleez |
again i am brought to tears, thanks for the update, my heart is heavy....i am not able to put my feelings into words right now.... | ||
| Oldog |
Thanks Ferris: Alex: Thanks for sharing Matt's story with us, I had a good long sit on the porch this evening, an a good long prayer too. FWIW Matts' story reminds me that riches are not material items but the love of friends and family. Also that acomplishments are about more than just what was done But who was touched, who was reached, who was comforted, Who was helped. We all can make a difference in the life of another, friend or stranger Few have the goodness and strength do as you have done, My prayers and thoughts to Matt His family, and to you Alex, Every person should be so fortunate as to have a friend like you in times of adversity God Bless.. Oldog.. | ||
| Jerry_haughton |
you're welcome, Oldog. ------------ here's the latest from Mitch, as of 4/24/07. keep those thoughts and prayers coming, folks!!! the Ware Family is aware of this thread, and from speaking with Alex last night i know they are thrilled to hear from you, whether it's here, via e-mail, or by phone. THANK YOU!!! ------------ April 24, 2007, Everyone, Just a quick note to bring you up to speed on a few details. First, Matt and his fighting spirit is really hanging in there. At one point, we weren't sure he would be with us for more then a week or so. It appears his decline, although very significant, has seemed to level off some for now. Second, this past Saturday we took him to his house as promised. It took Ken, Kevin, Ben, and Mitch to get him into and out of the car and into his house. It was nice to run up the ramp that Bob Schuyler, the deacons of Madison Church and the kids from Wyoming High School helped us assemble. Attached to this note are a photo of the ramp and Matt's return to his house or you can go to www.flickr.com/photos/team_matt_ware and see more photos of the entire process as well as other photo's taken at the Red Geranium and other notable events. God is really humbling us in this process. We discovered that the Hospice care that Matt is receiving is not covered by his insurance. Nor does he have the life insurance that he thought he had (what young person does??). Less then 1/10th of what he thought he had. And he does not qualify for medicare/medicaid etc. So, with the help of a great new friend and attorney, we have set up a 'trust' account with Chase Bank here in Kentwood to accept and hold money for Matt's expenses. A trust account is an account used for collecting money to be used for a specific purpose. It is a non-interest bearing account that is closely monitored. In this case, after Matt's expenses have been met, the remainder of the money will be given to the American Cancer Society for brain cancer research. If you want to contribute please make your check out to: The Matt Ware Benevolent Trust c/o Chase Bank - Jeff Pasma Personal Banker 6261 Kalamazoo Ave. S.E. Kentwood MI 49508 Many of you know that our church sent out a camera crew about 4 weeks ago to catch us in 'normal' family activities and then interview each of us regarding this journey we are on. They asked for 30 to 45 minutes of our time. They came over to Matt's house and shot over 3 hours of video in the process (who among us Ware's is shy or lacking in opinions??). They then had to somehow edit it down to about 3 minutes for a church service. With the help of Bill Wiarda and his production team at Madison Church are going to make it available to you via Matt's flickr site (or some other means) in the next few weeks or so. You can meet Matt's brothers Timmy and Scotty as well as his parents and hear Matt himself speaking to the tough issues of why 'bad' things happen to good people! It is very well done and very powerful! Thank you again to Pastor Dave, Bill, Bob and the servants at Madison for this wonderful video documentary that we will treasure forever. We are planning another day-trip to Matt's house this week if he is up to it. We will keep you posted on how that goes as well. Finally, thank you for hanging in there with us! A special thanks to the gang at Monroe that have taken lunch hours to come over and visit. Matt still considers himself part of the family and an engineer there. It is a big part of his identity. He is very proud to have been one of you!! Thanks also, to his many high school, church and college friends as well as members of our family who have come out to the Trillium. Many of you have driven long distances to spend a few precious hours with him. By the way, some of those high school and college tales are more information then parents really want to know :-) You guys are really great though! Those visits are very meaningful for all, and create wonderful new memories! We really love hearing from you and know that we read each of your emails to Matt. I wish you could see his smile as they are being read. They are like music to his ears and for a moment sooth his frustrations. We also really appreciate your prayers more then you will ever know! Time to run... so, no matter where you are when you read this, here is to a sunny new day... full of hope and promise! We hope you enjoy every moment of it! Mitch and Family e-mail the Ware Family at: gr_wares at hotmail dot com | ||
| Jerry_haughton |
this is so cool! the following is part of an e-mail exchange that took place between BadWeB'er Milo and me last night and today, posted with his permission.  ----------------------- Jerry, Milo here, from northern Kalamazoo County. I've been following your last post to BadWeb, and was wondering if you think it would still be alright to visit Matt. I was thinking about a ride up there tomorrow. Thanks Peace Milo hi Milo :-) well, to be honest...i'm not sure. Matt's condition is grave, and it's doubtful that he has much time, but Mitch's last update seemed to indicate that Matt had maybe "stabilized" a bit. if it were me, i'd give it a shot. i'm sure the family will appreciate the effort. as do i. :-) thx Milo. please keep me posted, and please pass on our love and respect to the entire Ware Family. best regards, Jerry Haughton I took a ride this morning, to Trillium Woods. It is a beautiful place. When I arrived, I was told that Matt had just fallen asleep (after his meds), and that the family had just left. But, might be around the building or grounds somewhere. I wandered around the three wings of the facility, hoping to meet up with some of Matt's family. On my last pass by the front desk, one of the folks there said it would be alright if I went and sat with Matt. When I went in his room, Matt was indeed sleeping. I sat next to his bed and held his hand in mine. He stirred some, and turned his head towards me. Introducing myself, I told him I had "brought love and utmost respect for him and his family, from myself and all of BadWeb. He asked me how my ride was. I told him, "It's one of those perfect days for riding in Michigan. I think he smiled a bit, then drifted back to sleep. I held his hand a while longer. I told him "From now on Matt Ware rides with me". Back outside in the parking lot, Matt's folks were just pulling in. I recognized them from the pictures on BadWeb. Flagging them down, I introduced myself, and told them of my visit with Matt. They said to make sure and say Thank You to all of those who sent e-mail, cards, and have kept them in their prayers. It means so very much to them. I'm glad I went to see Matt and his family. Peace Milo ----------------------- very, very cool, Milo, thank you. Matt & Family: You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. FB&D (Message edited by jerry_haughton on April 28, 2007) | ||
| Daves |
Wow very cool Milo |
