I sat outside tonight, just looking at the stars... thinking of you.

I thought about all of that times that you made me laugh (I never knew how fun a middle school Spanish class could be until I had one with you).

I thought about your character -- about how you had more drive and ambition than anyone I have ever known.

Just sitting there, looking at the stars, I though about your heart -- about how in my nearly 10 years of knowing you, I had never once thought poorly of you.

There is no denying the impact that you have had on the lives of me and others.

At 20 years old you should be exploring and discovering. You should be trying and learning -- loving and living.

At 20 years old, you should not be gone forever.

I have a hard time understanding everything that has happened; for you, of all people, did not deserve this.

A person so funny, so kind, so smart, so ambitious... so loved... deserves more. You deserved more.

Always know that you left a mark on so many people who knew you, whether you knew it or not. As our community gathers to grieve, we will also be celebrating your life and the good that you have done for yourself and the people that you loved.

We have all been blessed to know you and have you in our lives. I pray to one day be as loved and respected by even half the number of those who did you.

Know that you meant so much to so many and your memory will never be forgotten.

Rest in the sweetest peace, Matt. You will truly be missed eternally.