TITLE: In memory of Matthew Robert Clark.

SUMMARY: In memory of Matthew Robert Clark.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Matthew Robert Clark of Frisco lost his life in a tragic accident on June 3, 2012, at the age of 21, and family and friends are honoring his memory by performing simple acts of kindness for others; and WHEREAS, Born on January 1, 1991, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Matt Clark was the son of John and Sandra Clark and the brother of Byron Clark; at the time of his passing, he was in his senior year as a health science major at Baylor University and had dreams of a career in the medical field; he was a graduate of Legacy Christian Academy, where he belonged to the National Honor Society and received a host of awards for his achievements in football, basketball, baseball, and track; and WHEREAS, Guided by a strong faith in his every endeavor, Mr. Clark had a particular affinity for the verse Proverbs 16:3, which reads, "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed"; he strove to be a leader and a positive example, and his compassionate nature was readily apparent in his words and actions; and WHEREAS, In May 2011, he drove out to bring aid to the victims of the tornado that devastated Joplin, Missouri; on the return trip, he rescued from the side of the road an abandoned puppy, which he welcomed into his home and named "Joplin"; he was known for brightening the days of those around him with his many good deeds, such as helping a friend move, offering a lift to the airport, tutoring a classmate, or simply sharing a smile or a joke; and WHEREAS, Inspired by the sense of purpose that this caring young man demonstrated throughout his life, his family has provided a list of 22 suggested acts of kindness that they are asking their fellow Texans to perform during 2013 in celebration of what would have been Matt's 22nd birthday: 1. Write a note to a person who could use some encouragement. 2. Say "I love you" to someone you hold dear. 3. Bring coffee or treats to an acquaintance. 4. Say "please" and "thank you" and mean it. 5. Call or write to a teacher who made a difference in your life. 6. Help a friend move. 7. Forgive a debt, and never bring it up again. 8. Say "I'm sorry" when you are wrong. 9. Ask someone "How are you really doing?" and genuinely listen to the response. 10. Offer to babysit for a single mom. 11. Return shopping carts for people in parking lots. 12. Smile and say "hello" to people. 13. Donate clothing. 14. Make someone laugh. 15. Hold the door open for the person behind you. 16. Give a compliment. 17. Pay for the person behind you in line at a restaurant or coffee shop. 18. Buy a homeless person a meal. 19. Volunteer at or take towels and blankets to an animal shelter. 20. Take doughnuts to the fire station, the police station, or the office. 21. Pass along a great book that you have just finished reading. 22. Spend time at a nursing home by playing board games or conversing with residents; and WHEREAS, Intended to be unexpected and unreciprocated, these quiet yet meaningful gestures are seldom forgotten, and through the journey of sharing them, participants are ensuring that the vibrant spirit of Matt Clark will forever shine brightly for those who were blessed to share in his love and friendship, and many more beyond; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the life of Matthew Robert Clark and urge all who hear of this heartfelt endeavor to seek out opportunities to help and encourage friends and strangers alike. Paxton President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 23, 2013, by a rising vote.