I got some horrible and shocking news last night, this is the type of thing that really hits you hard and unexpectedly. Most of you didn't know him but Matt was a dear friend to me in high school. We met my sophomore year in the weight room at Tualatin High School. I have memories of us singing to "Rock You Like" by Def Leppard in the weight room. Anyways, we became better friends throughout our high school years and ran in the same circle of friends. As most of us went to college, Matt went into the US Marines. He loved the work that he did, he sent us letters and picture of his whereabouts. He went to Hawaii for training and he truly loved it. In the past four years he has been back and forth from overseas to the US. Recently he was shipped to Afghanistan and he was only going to be there for 6 months and after that Matt would be done with his 4 years of service. Last night, I was informed that Matt was injured on a foot patrol in Afghanistan by an IED attack and he lost both of his legs. As of 9:45 pm on Tuesday the 23rd he was in stable condition with Strong Respiratory, Blood Pressure and Heart readings. As of Tuesday night, he will be in Germany within 24 hrs and in Maryland within 48 hrs.
This was the last email we got from him about two weeks ago:
"What's up dude, how you guys doing?! I received a letter from you guys a week or so ago but we just ran an internet line into our cell so I figured this would be much more simple and efficient. This place is absolutely ghastly. We are currently located in the district of Now Zad in Helmand province, Afghanistan. Our first month is already behind us, now only about half a year left. It's very hot and the insects are attrocious. The mountains are pretty cool lookin though and it's pretty green, which makes for a nice change of pace from Iraq. I gotta go, but hit me up with an update whenever you get a free moment and I will reply accordingly. Take it easy, and say hi to everyone worth saying hello to for me. Later dude!"
I spent almost all of last night awake. As an American it is so easy to forget the people that are fighting for our freedom right now so that we may live the lives that we do. This is the first time that this war has hit me personally and now I feel the pain that thousands of Americans have had to deal with. I feel so guilty and spoiled for the life that I have. I worry about petty things and argue with the people I love while thousands of Americans are risking their lives for me and you. This makes everything seem so irrelevant. While the rest of us are graduating from college, Matt is in a hospital bed.... it is just not fair. I am thankful now, more than ever, that my brother-in-law came home safely and in one piece. So I ask you all to please remember that you are so privileged and remember that people are fighting for you. They are giving up their freedom so that you might have yours. Please pray for Matt and his family and I will keep you updated as I learn more.
