At the timberline where the storms strike with the most fury, the sturdiest trees are found. But 45 minutes before he died, he presented me with one last gift. A gift even more precious than wildflowers with roots still attached. Promises to my son that I promise I will keep. Memory is not so brilliant as hope, but it is more beautiful, and a thousand times as true.
Some people say that it's impossible to hug a memory.
I disagree, because I hug mine often. Memories of my angel are priceless treasures locked in my heart forever. Matthew was loved with such intensity that part of him will always be alive within me. Though his physical presence isn't with me anymore, it is Matthew that continues to help me face each new day. I've taken on many challenges, each because of a single promise made to a beautiful little boy.