Death is rarely something I find unsettling. I'm not convinced there is an afterlife, and I find a real comfort in the finality of that outlook. It pushes me to do the right things in life. It inspires me to give as much of myself and to make as much of myself as possible, for the good of everyone. It helps me to prioritize things that really matter in life. If this is all we have, we owe it to each other to make it the best we can. We may never have anything better, no paradisaical glory to later attain. There is a sense of urgency to life, but also a reminder to stop frequently and indulge in the beauty and paradise that is around us everyday.
Maybe that's why Matt's death hit me so hard. He exemplified these ideals like no one else and he fought for them with passion, everyday. All with a smile, never losing his incredible sense of mischief and humor. Every race was a better race with Matt there. It was impossible not to smile when you saw him.
You were an incredible example to me and I will miss you very much. Your impact was lost on no one. We'll all live better by our strong memories of you. "So long!! It's been a good ride!"
