Uncle Matt

On December 14th I got a call from Dad saying Uncle Matt and Aunt Michele were in a car accident. Head on with a snow plow. The road was slick and going around the curvy road their car slid over the center line and struck a snow plow. Aunt Michele survived with minimal injuries, however Uncle Matt died at the scene. I couldn't believe it. I was literally in shock. A roadway he's traveled hundreds of times for work. It just didn't seem real. I cried and cried. 

Our family chatted via text trying to get as much information as possible. On Maps we could see where the roadway was closed due to the accident. 

As you do when you lose someone you love, you start recalling memories and moments with them. I love this picture of Matt and Jaime. Matt wasn't one to get in many pictures so at our family reunion in  Bear Lake Jaime said he was going to get a picture with Uncle Matt. 

The service ended up being just a couple day before Christmas, December 23rd. With all we had going on it just wasn't going to work out for us to go. Dad and Lori were going to fly and go but their flight was canceled due to weather. So even if I had tried to go it looks like I wouldn't have been able to make it. Jaime and I plan to go and visit sometime in the Spring. 

Brian and Darin were able to make it up to Idaho to represent our family and give our condolences. We did all contribute money to dad and he sent flowers and cash to Aunt Michele from all of us. 

My cousin Mike was there. It's been way too long since I've seen him. He was hoping to see me there, and I really wish I could have been there. Funerals are sad but they do bring people together creating a celebration of life and friendships. 

I will miss Uncle Matt and I hurt so much for Michele and his kids.