Matthew

You were the love of my life.
I was sixteen when I met you- sophomore year of high school. You were a freshman.
You were the nerdy kid- played saxophone in band. You had this radiant aura.
You were always smiling- a contrast to my resting angry face.
We became fast friends- you could always make me laugh and... you were my best friend.

We were always together it seems and to be honest, I wasn't sure when I started liking you.
I thought about you every day and you lit up my world; every moment with you was a blessing.
We laughed constantly, had heart-to-heart talks, and sleeping in the band room was the most relaxing with you.
You were a crush everyone thought was funny because 'who could like the goofy kid with the bowl cut and glasses'.
A crush that everyone thought was silly and would never be something more.
But, you had a girlfriend.

I finally graduated- it killed me knowing that I was leaving you. So many tears were shed that day.
But years went by and eventually, I got over you...

Then out of the blue, on a whim, I posted on Facebook one time in 4 years- you replied.
We ended up going out just to catch up and it quickly became something more.
These were the best years of my life. 5 amazing years.
We planned our life together! Our wedding, how many kids we would have, our vacations, honeymoon!
We had so much going for us...

But you were taken from me way... way too soon.

You were going to be my husband, the father to our children;
You were my significant other, my best friend;
You were perfect, even with your imperfections;
You were sweet, funny, handsome, and always put a smile to my face.
You always put others before yourself, and put me on a pedestal;
You always helped anyone out that was in need and never complained;
You were simply perfect.

I will never understand why you were taken away. You were so young, so healthy.
You had your whole life ahead of you! And it's just not fair.

I'm sorry I wasn't perfect, I'm sorry I wasn't better, I'm sorry I was distant sometimes and I wish I could have played my part better. You deserved the world and in the end- at least I could see you one last time. I just wish I could have told you I love you once more.

Rest in peace, my love. I'll see you soon.
Matthew Angelo Miranda Afan: 04/02/1995-03/13/2022

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I see you, Matthew. I hear you and feel you. I'm sorry if I've missed all the signs up until now, but I want to thank you. Even in Heaven you are looking out for me and guiding me. You are lighting my path and bringing me hope and happiness. You will forever be in my heart and soul and I will continue to listen for you whenever you reach out. My love for you is endless and I know your love for me is the same. We'll meet again one day, but until then, you'll always be close to me. Thank you for all you have done.