Condolence: In Memorium, October 6, 2016:

Matt,
I believe you know the sadness that Rita and I, your family, friends and loved ones will carry as we continue our journey without your physical presence. I believe you also know how much you have touched and blessed us with your love.
It isn’t possible to share every moment I have been blessed by you although I would like to share a few of the memories I will cherish forever. Rita and I have heard from a lot of people who knew you how much love and happiness you shared with them. The enormous pride we feel that you blessed so many lives will never die in our hearts.
When you told Rita and I we were the first to spend time with you after you had been away for the last time we knew how much you appreciated us for that. You often told us how much you appreciated our keeping in touch with you when we couldn’t spend as much time with you as we would have liked.
I am indebted to Rita for her faithfulness to stay in touch with you far better than I did. I am truly grateful that you reassured me that although I did not stay in touch with you all I would have liked that you knew I thought of you often.
Although your obituary looks as though you had favorites, I never saw that in you. In my heart, everyone was special to you equally. I believe your love for others showed your charity, “the pure love of Christ”, and His love is the same for every one of us.
We felt honored to be able to share some time with you around your birthday. I was honored you called on us to pick you up last April. What a tremendous blessing it was that you stayed with us a couple of days and went with us to see your Grandpa Menges. We were also blessed with your company when we went to your Grandma Menges’ Memorial Service in La Junta.
It isn’t possible to forget the feeling of respect and trust you had for Rita and I. Some of the things you shared with us took a great deal of courage and the feeling of being trusted with some of your most difficult personal challenges told us of your tremendous love for us.
I am blessed with knowing how willing you were to listen to my thoughts and advice. Your enthusiasm for learning about our Savior and Heavenly Father inspired me greatly. I’m sure you knew how hard it was for me to see and hear about your struggles. I pray, and think you did, feel loved, heard and validated.
Until I write again, all my love, Dad

Condolence: Our hearts are heavy with the loss of Matthew. May the beautiful memories of him sustain everyone during this time of sorrow. Bless each and everyone one of the family members and friends he had. Love and prayers to all.