The Happy Walker

This entry is a little more tender and close to my heart that some others. This is to wish my sweet nephew, Matthew Madsen Palmer, a happy birthday. He has left behind him a beautiful family and many friends who have been greatly affected by their association with him.

One particular quality I have admired of Matthew is his natural service ability. He seemed to be born with an inherent “sixth sense”, an internal compass, which has helped him know when people would need aid. His assistance in many small and grand ways touched many lives; simple gestures such as placing garbage cans to the curb for people, fixing sprinklers, running errands, sharing a laugh or a quirky grin, jumping up from what he was doing to help my parents bring in the groceries from the car, or set the table for dinner. I know that he helped many with their service projects, whether it was for a Boy Scout Eagle project, a city, school, or church project.  Matthew could always be counted on to help.

He was a sweet addition to my sister’s family. He was the youngest and did a lot with his parents, but especially with his dad mowing lawns and helping with many activities. He was a good friend to his older siblings Nick and Jennifer. He was a great brother in-law to Victoria and Zach, a wonderful uncle, and great grandson, nephew and cousin to many. His love of family was felt and reciprocated.

Matthew enjoyed life! He knew how to have fun-hunting, water skiing, fishing, hanging around with friends; it didn’t matter what he did, Matthew knew how to enjoy each day.

Days like today, Matthew’s first birthday after his death this past June, cause me to pause in silent gratitude for having the opportunity of knowing him and being a part of his life. Among the many blessings I have in my life, he is one of many. I feel this way about all of my family. We are each a beautiful piece of this family puzzle; some quirky, some goofy, or whatever personalities and parts we play, but we are loved. We are cared about. We have each other.

One of the most important gifts we have been given as a family is the gift of the gospel. What a sweet and loving reminder Matthew’s memory will be to me, as he served the last part of his life here on earth sharing the gospel and his testimony with others.

Here’s to you Matthew. Happy Birthday!