Today is for You Matt

3 years ago today I lost one of my best friends. Matt Meyer was 35 years old and developed a brain tumor at the age of 32. I remember my wife calling me and telling me that Matt was down in Baltimore on a business trip, had passed out and was in a city hospital. I had been on my way to work and simply continued driving to Baltimore.

I was in the room when he and Doris received the news. The X-Rays showed an early stage brain tumor. Needless to say, we were all devastated, and that night started a 3 year fight that showed me what's really important in life. Matt fought valiently. He and Doris went down to Duke University almost every week for treatment. Sometimes I went with them. Sometimes, he hitched "Angel rides," from local pilots flying south, who would transfer him from plane to plane until he and Doris arrived.

I remember when local sportcaster Glenn Brenner died of a brain tumor and how Gordon Peterson said that it would be a lie to say that Glenn did not suffer. He did. But he did so with grace. Same with Matt. How frightening it must have been to face leaving his family and this world. But he faced it with grace and dignity and a sense of humor too. I remember the levity in the air as all 3 of us talked about his funeral plans.

And then, 3 years ago today, I got a message from Doris. And later that week, we said goodbye to Matt.

I said Goodbye to a dear friend
My son said goodbye to his Godfather
Doris and the boys said goodbye to a dad and husband
June said goodbye to her son
and the world said goodbye to a real hero.

There has not been a day that has passed that I have not thought of Matt. I find pennies constantly. Doris said he always talked about "pennies from heaven." I know that they are from Matt.


My run was in tribute and memory to you Matt. You can pay him tribute today by your kindness to others and in remembering your loved ones that have made your life special.

Total 2007 Training Weeks: 14.5
Total 2007 Training Miles: 172
Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 903
ONE DAY AT A TIME