COMMENTS FROM OUR VANDERBILT FAMILY...

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Dear Mr. Prince,

Although I have many wonderful memories and stories about Matt, I decided that my hospital story really exemplified Matt's love and friendship.

It was Saturday, October 30, 2004, the night before Halloween. At about 8pm I decided that I should go to the hospital. I was out to dinner with Matt and as soon as I told him that I was having pain he told me he was going to call his sister. He pulled his phone out of his pocket. Having never met his sister I felt bad that she would be bothered. After answering a few questions for Matt he took my hand and told me we were going to the hospital. I told him that I felt so bad that he was spending time going to the hospital and that he should drop me off. He laughed and continued to walk me.

As Matt and I sat in the waiting room of the hospital we began to discuss a variety of topics. He told me about each member of his family and his grandparents. The more he talked so lovingly about each family member, I realized that we both valued family. It was amazing; almost immediately after Matt was telling me about his sister Ashley she called to see how I was doing. I was shocked, it meant so much to me that Ashley cared so much about her brother and his friends that she wanted to know how I was doing. After hanging up the phone, Matt said "by the way I need your parent's phone number so I can give them updates about how you are doing." I was thoroughly impressed that in the midst of chaos in the emergency room Matt was worried about calming my parent's nerves.

As Matt and I sat in the waiting room for eight hours we talked about a wide variety of topics. At one point in the night a woman came out of a room screaming my baby is dead. A few minutes later we were told that her ten year old son was just hit by a car and killed. Matt looked me in the eyes said "that is just awful I hope that her family is able to find peace. I will pray for her." As we were talking about this woman and family a man sat next to me and started talking. Realizing that he was talking about 3 inches from my face Matt sat next to him on the other side hoping to deflect some of his attention. For 4 hours this man sat talking to us, repeating the same five stories. While in the midst of one story he would open up his mouth to show Matt his cavities and state that dental work is very expensive. It was around the tenth round of the stories that I realized how much compassion Matt has for other people. At no point in the four hours of listening to this man talk did Matt seem disengaged.

After eight grueling hours of waiting, I was called back to a room. While the doctor was talking to me Matt called my parents to tell them that I was getting seen. At 6 am when I was released from the hospital Matt still had a smile on his face. It was at this point that I fully understood Matt's friendship and love that he gave to each person he encountered. By the time Matt had walked me up the stairs to my room I had a smile on my face, I realized that Matt was a friend who would be with me in every situation. He was a wonderful person that I will miss tremendously and always cherish the many wonderful memories we had together.

Mr. Prince, Matt was a truly amazing person and I feel so lucky to have had him as a friend. I am sure that my story is just another example of how amazing Matt was but I hope it brings a smile. Please know that my sympathy is with you and your family. I will be in Georgia this weekend for the visitation and funeral and please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you.

Love, Lauren (One of Matthew's closest friends from Vandy)

 

 

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Prince, Ashley and Andrew,

I just want to tell you that there will never be a time when my prayers and thoughts for your family end...you have become my family.

I remember so clearly the first time we met. He was in a wheel chair, and I had been warned by a mutual friend that he was "sick," and that it may be hard to be around him. I can tell you that there has never been a moment of truth to that statement. From that first week in Stallworth, when we barely knew each other, up until the silent moments in the hospital after the seizure, the quiet moments filled with tears after bad news, and the incredible gift of having nothing but a hand to hold to provide reassurance, I have never for one second had a difficult time being around Matthew. His spirit never faltered...he never stopped doing everything in his power to take care of me, and everyone else around him. I grew to love Matthew so deeply, and I will forever cherish every second that I spent with him.

He took me to my first football game, he cooked me my very first organic pancake, and he took my breath away with every "Amaaaazing!" and every perfect smile. He made me a movie buff, and even gave me his copy of my favorite video. He suprised me with his incredible knowledge of song lyrics ;) and he made me laugh until the very end. I feel so blessed to have had the privilege of being Matthew's friend...he changed my life. Matthew showed me how to believe, and he gave me every reason I have to be brave. His spirit was enough to overwhelm my entire life, and never once was Matthew Prince "sick." He was brave, and he was a fighter, but he is where we long to be. He is where he belongs...your son was too good for this earth...and we will see him in the blink of an eye. Thank you for sharing your son's life with me, and for allowing me to be a part of your lives. The most amazing gift we can know, unending love, has been given to me by both our Lord and your family. Thank you for that.

In my heart, Matthew Prince, truly an angel on earth, is now my very own angel in heaven. He will always be clase to all of us (so make sure your shoes match your belt!)

Love always, Kristen (One of Matthew's closest friends from Vandy)

 

Matthew was truly an inspiration to me, I am so glad to have been able to know him, as brief as it was.

I first met Matthew when he came into our office to make sure that I knew that he was having brain surgery and would miss some classes. I had already been informed of his illness and was preparing to send a memo out to his professors when he appeared in our office and asked to speak to Mrs. Latham. He had a huge smile on his face and kind of laughed as he told me he was having brain surgery and thought that would be a good enough excuse to miss some classes. He assured me that he would be back in classes within a couple of weeks to continue his studies. We were all amazed at his wonderful spirit and attitude about what he was about to endure. As Matthew faced his surgery, numerous chemotherapy treatments over the next months, his wonderful smile and spirit never wavered. He would come into my office every couple of weeks to visit with me and we would enjoy talking about things that were going on. He didn't just talk about his life but wanted to know how I was doing. He was excited for me as I told him about my upcoming music missions trip to Russia and wanted me to tell him about it and show him pictures when I returned.

I never got that chance to share this with him but I will tell him when I see him again in heaven.

He always knew that he had allies in Dean McCarty's and Dean Bergquist's office who would do anything at all that we could to help him. He didn't ask for much at all, he wanted to finish his classes without excuse, but occasionally he would need some extra time, and that was all. If all of our students had his wonderful spirit and willpower, they would all excel.

I will always remember Matthew for his kindness, his ambition, his determination, his bravery and courage, but most of all his sweet smile and never wavering faith. What a blessing his life was to me and so many others. I know you are out of pain now, Matthew, and resting in God's loving arms.

Love, Mrs. V. Latham, Arts and Science Dean's Office, Vanderbilt University (and a very dear friend of our family)

 

 

Matt loved to talk! From the first day I met him I knew that there was something different about him than most of the other kids at Vandy. I could tell that Matt loved the Lord with all his heart soul and mind, and when I found out that he was a Christian, a huge weight was lifted off of me... I was having a hard time adjusting to college life! He helped me to get through it. He would always encourage me! Matt, Lauren, Kevin, and I did everything together. From the movies, to dinner, to just causing a ton of ruckus in our hall in Hemingway!

One thing that I will remember for the rest of my life and that touched my heart, other than his amazing strength, was the day that Lauren and I walked into the hospital room and Matt was in the coma and he had not responded to anyone all day, and as soon as he heard our voices he lifted his hand and then held our hand for a couple hours while we were there! I was so encouraged that day because I knew then that we must have meant a lot to Matt, just like he means so much to me! Matt was and is one of my best friends! He will always have a special place in my heart! I am so comforted by the fact that I know one day we will see each other again in heaven! I am also comforted knowing that he is now perfect and in the presence of the lord! The other day I was speaking with my mom about all this and she reminded me that Matt is no longer suffering, and I suddenly pictured Matt sitting with Jesus and talking His ear off! He must be ecstatic to be able to find out the answers to all the questions that he has ever had. That picture made me smile because I know that he is forever happy!

I love you all and I will always love Matthew! He will always have that special place in my heart and I will never forget all the good times that we had! This is all so hard to write but at least we know that Matt is with Jesus and he is forever with Him! I love you all.

Codi R (One of Matthew's closest friends from Vandy)

 

 

What Matthew means to me is hard to put into words. I loved the way he made me feel because he had a way of making you feel special and to not be afraid to just be yourself. I loved his smile and the fact that if you saw him smiling you could not help but smile yourself. He accepted me for who I was, flaws and all, and he never judged me for my mistakes. He is such an inspiration to my life, and there are so many things that he taught me. He was so strong through out his sickness I can only hope that throughout my life I will have half the strength he did. His heart was so pure; he truly loved everyone and was not afraid to tell them what they meant to him. He always had a positive attitude and would always look for the good in everything. I learned to be more open to love, to laugh more, and to not be afraid to live. He also showed me that the most valuable thing in life is the time we spend with our family and friends and that those the moments are so precious. I cannot pick out a favorite moment with him because I feel that everyone moment I spent with him was truly special, I only wish that there still could be more of those special moments. I miss Matt but I will always love and remember him. He will forever remain in my heart.

Amy K. (Vanderbilt Student and one of Matthew’s close friends)

(Note: One of my favorite memories of Amy and Matt is when I had brought him some shrimp fried rice, which he loved. Due to losing mouth and tongue control, Matthew had a hard time handling the rice. Amy picked out the shrimp so Matthew could eat the best part and the part he was able to deal with in his condition. Her tenderness in sitting beside him on the couch and helping him with this will forever be etched in my memory. Ray)

 

 

Mr. Prince,

Selfishly, I was deeply saddened by our loss of Matthew. I have not treated another patient with more life, determination and drive than him, and I always looked forward to his visits. He was clearly a wonderful person, and my heart is happy to know that he is with our Lord. As a believer, I am envious that he is now in his final home, but we will miss him greatly. Please accept my sympathies for the loss of your son. My prayers are now for you and your family.

Sincerely, Michael Edgeworth, M.D., Neuro‑Oncology

Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center

 

 

Ray and Anita:

My most memorable time with Matthew occurred after his second surgery in 2005. He came in my office for a quick visit and we were discussing his progress in regaining strength and freedom of movement and the selection of his courses for the next semester. Then, out of the blue, he told me that he had high hopes of attending Princeton University and in some ways, he initially settled for Vanderbilt as an alternative when things did not work out at Princeton. However, he emphasized how fortunate he felt then to be a student at Vanderbilt, where outstanding medical care was on the same campus as his dormitory and classrooms and all of his friends and professors. He was so grateful to be a part of our campus community and I think you know how much we loved our time with him. And of course he felt that God had a hand in guiding him to Vanderbilt. I have never been so moved by a comment from a student as I was on that memorable day.

I have cried frequently over the past several months because I felt so helpless to do anything for Matthew. Your e-mail messages have meant more than you will ever know to so many of us on the distribution list. Matthew was a treasure and I will never forget his courage, his kindness, his sense of peace, and his humility in the face of extraordinary odds. In all of my time with him from his first surgery until my final visit with him a few weeks ago, I never heard one word of complaint from him about his medical condition. Truth be told, he did on occasion complain about our campus rules for parking and transportation but this placed him in elite company.

I have told many of my colleagues and other students that Matthew’s heart was a large as the Vanderbilt campus. He set an example for me in how I should lead my life that I will never attain but will always strive for in my daily life. It was also evident that Matthew was guided by a deeply spiritual and loving family and the love of his family and friends sustained him for many months. I will cherish every memory of him for the rest of my life.

I will continue to pray for your family in the weeks and months ahead. Thank you both for sharing Matthew with all of us here at Vanderbilt.

With much love,

Richard McCarty, Dean of Arts and Science

 

 

Ray, My prayers are with you & your family & those who loved Matthew Prince. His courage and strength will continue to be an inspiration to me as long as I live. Matthew is truly an angel. I knew that the first time I laid eyes on him. The way he interacted with people, and the connections he formed so quickly amoung the Vanderbilt community was amazing. I miss him .....I hurt inside...but I know Matthew is pain free now and dancing in the clouds.

Brent McPherson

 

 

Dear Ray, Anita and family,

I am so sad to read this news this morning.

I will always remember Matthew as my bravest, nicest, strongest, best student. He remains an example for all and especially for me. I was still wishing to see his sweet face on campus or in Beth's office at the end of August. He was always upbeat and positive. He truly impacted my life and always will.

Now, I know he sees us and smiles at us and is able again to converse with everybody up there in all languages like he loved to and was so good at! I will always remember how in my conversation class he stood up for what he beleived in remaining very respectful against the opinion of all of the students in the class. He did that so nicely and politely, in French of course, that everybody admired his eloquence as much as his good heart.

I am in Belgium until the the beginning of August. I wish I could come to say "au revoir et à bientôt, Matt" but will not be able to. Please tell him for me.

Please accept my humble prayers, Much love, Nathalie (from the French Dpt at Vanderbilt)

(also from Nathalie)

Dear Ray,

The Memorial was beautiful and very touching. I know Matthew was looking at us from Heaven and smiling, saying "Amazing, I love all of you!!!" That is the picture I will always keep of him...

I have attached as a document what I said about him as my student in French. Feel free to post it on his website. I love reading everything about what close ones have to say about Matthew. It is heart‑breaking and so beautiful!

Here is what Nathalie shared at the Memorial Service at Vanderbilt on Aug 31, 2006:

I first met Matthew in his freshman year. He was in my advanced French conversation class. He found out about his brain tumor the spring that I taught him.

Let me tell you what kind of student Matthew was ¼ .

Matthew loved French

Matthew was serious

Matthew was zealous

Matthew was never tardy to class

Matthew did his homework and turned his assignments on time

And Matthew was very polite

Mathew had his very own opinions though

Matthew never was shy about sharing them during class time

Matthew could debate in French for long periods of time

Matthew could disagree with the whole class

But Matthew was respectful of others’ opinions and beliefs

Matthew was humble

And Matthew was strong and courageous

As such,

Matthew set an example in my class and in my life

I wish I had Matthew’s strength.

I saw Matthew for the last time in early July before I was getting ready to leave the country. I talked to him, I held his hand, he made sure everybody knew how much he loved them. He told me “please tell all of my Professors that they are amazing”. I felt his love.

Matthew you will never be forgotten. Matthew, YOU are amazing!

Matthew, I miss you!

Nathalie (Dieu-Porter)

 

 

Ray and Anita,

I don't know that I can share a particular memory with you about Matthew. Just that to me his was a bright and beautiful star who time was cut much to short. He always had a smile on his face, ready to cut up and an ability to laugh at almost anything. He always took whatever news we gave him with an " ok what do we do now?" attitude and how soon can I go back to school?

I know that your hearts are breaking. I also know that Matthew is with Jesus and doesn't hurt, is running around easily and has all the knowledge that he ever wanted. He is also at peace. While this doesn't ease your pain. He is not in pain. Many tears will be shed over the next days, weeks, months, for him and for you. Here also. God will watch over you, give all of you strength.

Love,

Tracy Johnson, Vanderbilt Medical Team

 

 

I am so sad to hear of our loss. I took some French classes with Matt and we used to watch scary movies together because we would both get so freaked out while our friend Jamie laughed at us. I was always inspired by his resolve and determination to continue to take classes and learn and be

an active part of the Vanderbilt community despite his various challenges. He will be deeply missed.

Love, Sara Juengst

 

 

Dear Mr. Prince,

I am so sorry for your loss. Although Matthew is now beyond this world of sin and suffering, I can only imagine how it must be for you to remain here without him.

I knew Matthew only briefly, but I will never forget him. Others I know at Vanderbilt who had the good fortune of knowing Matthew while he was with us feel the same way. I will remember Matthew and his example of quiet courage, dignity, intelligence, and humor will remain before me for the rest of my life, inspiring me and challenging me to live up to what I saw in him.

I also am grateful to you for sharing your ordeal with us in your e-mails. Your love for Matthew is so clear throughout and I hope that I will be able to give my own children the kind of love, comfort, and guidance with which you helped Matthew grow into such a fine young man. I will miss him very much and my thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family for strength to bear your pain and for the hope that you can draw sustaining comfort from your memories of your wonderful son.

With my deepest sympathy, Jonathan Gilligan (Vanderbilt Professor)

 

 

I am so saddened by Matthew's passing. I have to say that he was one of my very favorite patients. He would always come in asking for me. I would go out to the lobby and give him a hug. The last time I saw Matthew, he reached up and touched my hair. He liked the way I had it cut. He was always so happy and cheerful, no matter what the circumstance. He was not only a patient, but a friend. I remember discussing Diane's passing with him. We discussed that she was no longer suffering, and as Christians, we knew that we would see her again. I know Matthew is with Jesus now, but at that time I had every hope that he would beat this. You know there are so many people who accomplish much more for the Lord in a very short lifetime than a lot of us do in a longer time. Matthew was one of those. It is hard to know why God allows such hardships on individuals and families, but He is in control and we have that assurance. I have prayed for your family and Matthew all along, and I will continue to pray for you in this time of sorrow. I will never forget Matthew and will always hold him dear in my heart

Kay Armstrong, RN, OCN

 

 

Dear Ray, dear Anita,

The pain of having lost Matthew cannot be alleviated by any words. I wish I could express my gratitude of having known your son. Matthew was an exceptional young man, and ‑ as the little anecdote, Anita told me on Tuesday, of him inviting his friend to a game... he was unusually aware and compassionate besides his many other great characteristics and talents.

Writing this, tears are running over my face, but when I first read Ray’s e-mail about Matthew having deceased, an immediate feeling of peace filled me. We know that he is now with God, and all the good people who went there before him. Matthew is now allowed to exist in a painfree peace and happiness unknown to us in this world.

I know that he is there, that he is – alive, waiting to meet us again, and it is only our own limited understanding, our wish to hold on to him, that causes our pain.

Matthew mentioned once in a conversation, a heated discussion he had had in his French class. The teacher had asked the students to discuss [a current social/moral issue]... ...Matthew said it was wrong... (as he also explained to me, he did not judge and condemn... but was speaking for himself, and his understanding of the subject according to his faith). I was impressed, a nineteen year old arguing for his own – in this setting – very unpopular standpoint in front of a group of teenagers. The usual 19‑year old Vanderbilt student would keep silent, being afraid of peer pressure, of being ridiculed by fellow students, ¼ not so Matthew. He argued against his classmates who were, as he described, all agitated and angry how he could be so conservative, tied up etc. He had no chance convincing anyone of his point of view, and he said that there were not too many rational arguments he could make to support his position. He told me, “Well, I said it was wrong. I cannot yet explain why, but I BELIEVE that it is wrong. Sometimes I cannot explain, I have to think some more about it, but I KNOW it.” – Isn’t this what faith is about? Being content with knowing, feeling the truth, with believing in His word, instead of asking for a rational or scientific reason for it.

I also do not share Matthew’s view on this... Anyways, when Matthew talked about the deep convictions he held, coming from his belief in the word of God and out of love and gratefulness towards our creator, I respected this very much, and I admired him and was touched by his strength.

Another time, about 17 months ago, Matthew came up to me after a German class and told me, “I have to show you something really cool.” Upon his wish, we went to the nearest media room and sat down at one of the computers. Matthew pulled out a little device that was on his key chain.

On it, there were photographs from his surgery stored. He showed me the photographs on the computer screen. You know the pictures, so I do not have to describe how shocking they were. Matthew however, explained to me every single one with the greatest enthusiasm and admiration for what his doctors had been able to do. Much to his joy, I almost felt over. I still see him sitting next to me, laughing at me ¼

The most beautiful memory I will always cherish, is the way Matthew looked at me, hugged me and expressed his joy when we last met. I will never forget this.

Love, Kathrin Seidl

 

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Prince,

On behalf of the Office of Active Citizenship and Service at Vanderbilt, I want to express our deepest sympathies and condolences to you. We were so impressed with Matthew this spring when he applied for an internship in Washington, DC through our summer internship program. I wanted you to know that after he finished his interview with us, our selection committee decided immediately to offer an internship to him. His grace, courage, good humor and commitment to service shone through in his interview with us, and we were confident that he possessed the requisite qualities that would make him an outstanding representative for Vanderbilt.

He was very open with us about his illness, and we discussed how his periodic departures from Washington would not in any way detract from his participation in the program. When Matthew decided that his summer treatment regimen would not allow him to participate, we shared his disappointment but agreed we'd stay in touch. Afterward, I often saw your son on campus, and he invariably had a smile and warm word of greeting.

I cannot even begin to imagine your loss, but please know that your son and his life graced our campus and we will feel his absence deeply. Please know of our support for you and your family.

You have great reason to be proud of your son.

Respectfully, Mark Dalhouse, Ph.D.

Director, Office of Active Citizenship and Service

 

 

Matty was possibly the strongest and most faithful person I have ever known in my life. We lived in the same dorm freshman year and we would hang out and play pool when I was stressed (he graciously played with me because I liked it). But I really grew close to him this past year. I went to church every Sunday with him, and I am so thankful because he helped me to find a home at CBC. I had gone to several other churches in the area, but none of them fit quite right. So not only was he an incredible friend, but he brought me back to a place spiritually that I had not been since I left home. Along with his sense of humor and our cup of Starbucks coffee (he always got a shot of espresso in it because he was useless in the morning without his caffeine!), church became enjoyable and exciting for me again instead of just a search for something I just couldn't find. He also became my relaxation buddy. Whenever we were feeling stressed, we would go watch a movie or listen to music, then he would desperately try to teach me French. And he never gave up on me.

Three to four nights a week we would just forget about school for a couple of hours. I grew to love Matty very much, and I will miss him incredibly, but his effect in my life has never been greater. If he could stay as strong as he did through everything he suffered, I know I can make it through anything - I need only to maintain my commitments to God and keep myself firmly anchored in the truth I found with him at CBC. Thank you for raising your son the way you did - he impacted my life with incredible force.

Sincerely, Jamie McCormick

 

 

I have to admit, I don't really know how to begin an e-mail like this. My name is Liz Rieckmann and I guess I should begin from when we met. I met Matthew at school the fall of last year. We met through a mutual friend Candice when he came to our Mayfield in the Winter of last year. He was very polite and we had some quick small chat. He told me he was going through cancer treatments and I told him that I had been treated for cancer as a child. That was it. That was the spark. We were bonded through a common experience like only those who have experienced such a struggle can be. We continued talking for a while and the three of us went out and did various little things. We went to blockbuster and the drug store. After that night, I didn't see him again until after Christmas break, but he remained in my thoughts. I just happened to pass him outside of Rand on the first day of classes. We were both busy but eagerly said hi. I then wrote on his facebook wall when I got home and soon after he got my number off my profile and were never far out of touch since then.

He really was a God send. We procrastinated by talking about French, Family guy, papers, chemo, doctor appointments, anything and everything. I would call him on the long walk back to highland when I wanted to talk to someone. We explored different nicknames. I asked if he ever went by Matthew and he said only some did. I can't remember if it was his mom or dad that had said he should get people to call him by his full name. Anyway, I then tried Matty. He did not like that and threatened to call me Lizzy, so we stuck with Matt.

One time, I made (reheated) us some nuggets and harvest apples once. He went on to teach me about how bad hydrogenated foods were for me and proceeded to invite me over to his apartment for dinner. He made(really cooked) some chicken, and we watched The Family Guy Movie while drinking bubbly water. Another night we went to see Whitney in Vanderbilt Off‑Broadway's Brigadoon. A few minutes into the play we were fighting back laughter. The actors were doing there best, but it is an awful musical. It's such a warm memory. Matt's smile and laugh is unforgettable. It was infectious and always made you forget what he was battling. That is what I will remember most about Matt.

Later, I proclaimed that he had to see a VUTheatre production, so he came to see Hamlet. Unfortunately, he told me that he was coming too late for me to reserve us tickets together, so we sat across the theater from one another. However, we text messaged each other back and forth during breaks in the show. I remember that he was sitting right below a wall light in the theater, and it was throwing shadows on his face. I told him it made him look scary and he of course replied "Boo." I know that moment is so insignificant, but every moment I spent with Matt is significant not only because I only had a short time with him but because of who he was. I knew I was with someone special. Someone blessed and filled with a light that is powerful and rare. I am also trying to share with you as much as I can because I know that in a similar situation my mother would want to hear as much as she could about time I spent away from her.

Above all, I am grateful to you, his parents, for allowing Matthew to stay at Vanderbilt and continue working at school. I can't imagine how difficult it was to let him stay on his own, but I do know that decision allowed him to touch many lives such as my own. For that I am forever indebted to you. Now I take comfort in the fact that he is at peace where he belongs with the Lord. My prayers are with you and your family in the times ahead.

In love and faith, Liz Rieckmann

 

 

Ray, The hours Matt sat here in the French office at my desk, eating his lunch, doing homework or just chatting were priceless. Not only did we talk about his life and what he was going through, your son was a concerned and caring person to listen to me as I traveled my own road with my husband's brain cancer journey.

Matt came to Dave's memorial service, held on campus. That was a gift of his time and energy to me. What he said to me may be a meaningful message to you as well. I knew a lot of people had come, but we were using the small chapel with a seating capacity of 40. What I didn't know was that, behind me, as I sat in the front row prior to the start of the service, chairs were being brought in. When I stood up to talk at the end of the service I faced a standing room only crowd. It blew me away that so many people, maybe 100, were in that room. No more than 20 had known Dave. So I realized most had come in respect for me and Sam (our 11‑year‑old). Matthew, when I asked him, pointed out that I had been walking a walk few people do, so many had been watching me, learning, and their admiration and respect were strong.

I think you will find the same message in the e-mails and comments you must be receiving now and will continue to receive for some time.

I know you will get through this....and there will always be a hole. Like a sore tooth that has been pulled, there will be some relief, but you will feel the missing spot, like your tongue in your mouth. And Matthew will always be with you. In time, perhaps, the pain will diminish....

hugs and peace,

Beth Smith

 

Ray, Anita, and family,

I was very saddened to learn that Matthew had passed away. It is so difficult to believe because he was so full of life even through the hardest days of his illness. I first met Matthew during the first week of first semester of his freshman year. He was enrolled in my French composition class. From the first week of class he was actively participating in discussions. It turned out that the class was too big and we had to send five students to Cecile Guillard's section. Five students were chosen at random and I remember thinking... I wish that I could keep Matthew. I always enjoyed running into him on campus and hearing his latest intellectual musings. I had a long conversation with him in April about his hope to go to France in the spring semester. His eyes were just brimming with excitement. We all hoped that we would have this wonderful student around for many more semesters. He was excited about everything from French literature to organic seltzer water with a squeeze of organic lemon (I didn't know about organic seltzer before then!)

I am happy that I had a chance to visit with him in the hospital on that day when his words were jumbled up but his eyes conveyed such love. I also saw him in late June in the apartment with my colleague Martine Prieto. He was still upbeat and hoping to return to campus in the spring.

Most of all, I am happy that I attended the church service here in Nashville where Ray gave the sermon. It was a sad day but gave all of us a better sense of the importance of faith in this unpredictable world.

Nathalie Porter and I sat next to Matthew and read along in his French bible. We teased him that he had brought it along just to impress his French teachers but we knew that that wasn't the case. It was just a moment when his wonderful faith and love for learning came together in a beautiful way.

In the French department we hope to honor his passion for learning, his Christian values and his beautiful smile (even when his face was half paralyzed it was still beautiful)in a special way. He taught us all far more than we taught him although he always tried to disagree with that...

Thinking of you, Andrew and Ashley at this very sad time. Matthew's generous, energetic and loving spirit will live on through us all. He made us better teachers and we will so miss our interactions with him.

I am forwarding an e‑mail exchange I had with him prior to the biopsy in May which just conveys his intellectual curiosity even though he probably knew that he was in a serious medical predicament.

Wishing you strength as you struggle with this tremendous loss. I will keep you in my prayers.

Sincerely, Mary Beth Raycraft-Guzman

(THIS IS THE E-MAIL MATTHEW SENT TO HER:)

Hi Prof. Raycraft,

I wanted to send you an email to thank you for the one you sent me. It truly meant a lot to me, and I am certainly blessed to have friendship with you and many others in the French department (particularly the lunch group!). Assuming that you get the email that my dad sends, I won't repeat all of it, but I will go ahead and let you know (maybe again!) that yesterday I got another spinal tap to see if any tumor cells are down my spine. And on Friday, I'll have a surgery to remove a little bit of the tumor to examine the type. An interesting aspect is it being in the language section of the brain. So, hopefully it won't, but there's the chance that it'll affect my language. Maybe you already have this idea that I think is fascinating, which is the location of

foreign languages. The idea of the later learned ones in a location different from my base language, English. It's going to be really interesting to have the chance of my English not being perfect, but me maintaining my French, Spanish, or German capability. It's just an interesting

"scientific" aspect. Now that I've written a really long email, I'll let you go. I just wanted to send you my thanks and appreciation of the email. I hope that the you, Mme Prieto, Mme Guillard, and Mme Porter had a great lunch! Merci beaucoup!

Bises à vous aussi, Matthew

 

 

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Prince,

Matt and I had a few classes together at Vanderbilt, most notably our freshman seminar, and french this past semester. I am so sorry that I can t find the right words to tell you in a more personal way how sorry I am to hear about Matt. He was one of the most optimistic and positive people I have ever met. He was always upbeat, and whenever I talked with him, be it before class or meeting randomly on our way back to Highland Quad, I always had the best of times, just talking.

Matt and I were studying for an Anthro. exam last spring and spent the entire evening together moving from one part of campus to the other. We started in the Central Library and moved to the Biomedical Engineering Library (to which I had never had the courage to go before) where Matt just charged right in as I tiptoed behind in the silence. Then we went to Starbuck s to feed his caffeine addiction and my sweet tooth. Finally we went to Towers, back to his suite, where I met Mr. Prince and Matt tried to persuade me that we had actually been studying for the past few hours. In fact, I don t believe we had stopped talking once the entire evening, most of the conversation, of course, relating only in the most indirect way to Anthropology.

Thank you so much for giving me the chance to remember Matt to you. I am actually in Buenos Aires, so I won t be able to attend the funeral, but I am praying for Matt and for you, for the rest of his family and friends. If somehow there is anything I can do at any time, please let me know. Matt was truly an amazing and inspiring friend; I will never forget him and the impact that he has had on my life.

Emilie Flynn

 

 

Mr. and Mrs. Prince,

I am a graduate student at Vanderbilt and work in the Office of Active Citizenship and Service. I had the honor of getting to know your son during the Spring semester of 2006. I wanted to express my deepest condolences and my prayers for your family during this time. In all my years of working with young people, I have rarely come across a student who impresses me as much as Matt. I am thankful I had the chance to get to know him, and I wanted to let you know how much he was loved and respected within the Vanderbilt community. Please let us know if there is anything that we can ever do for you.

All the best, Chris Long

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