As you read through this book you will hear stories of many young people who have gone too soon. Our story is no different. We never thought this could happen to us. Not our normal family. But it did. And it can happen to yours. In a blink of an eye you entire existence is changed forever.

Matt was our "middle" child. Actually, he was a twin and born first. Matt struggled to take his first breath and never looked back after that. Matt was a joy to all who knew him. He had an incredible spirit and lived every day to the fullest. He adored his family and was a loyal friend. He was a true "Comet Crazy" at South Gwinnett, where we hoped he will never be forgotten. He waanted to be a coach and a high school teacher. He would have been an awesome teacher.

Matt was a senior at South Gwinnett, scheduled to graduate in May of 2003, when his life and ours was abruptly changed as the result of a very tragic mistake. Matt was a passenger in a vehicle and was hit on his side by a car that was racing another vehicle. In a blink of an eye, he was gone. He survived brain surgury and numerous other injuries for 26 hours before leaving us on February 9, 2003. We watched him take his first breath and watched his take his last. It so hard to believe even now that he is gone.

How do you describe what it is like to bury your son? Words escape me. I just hope that as you read this you all think twice about speeding. SLOW DOWN. No one else should ever have to suffer the fate that Matt did. Not when it is entirely preventable.

He will be forever missed by all of his family and friends. We love you Matt and would give anything to have you back with us.

Believe!