Tummy Time

This online memorial was created in loving memory of Reece Mathon, whose life time with us was so precious. Please sign Reece's guest book and let us know you came to visit. We will remember Reece forever.

Memorial Service for  Baby Reece will be held 11AM Friday, July 2, 2010 at Raymer Funeral Home, 16901 Old Statesville Road  Huntersville, NC  704-892-9669

In lieu of flowers a trust fund has been created in honor of Reece.  Any donations should be made payable to: Reece Mathon Memorial Trust and sent to: 8716 Cool Meadow Drive Huntersville, NC 28078

Dan, Blake, Cooper and I would like to thank everyone who have been there for us.  Whether it has been to drop off food, stop by to say hello, take Blake out for a playdate or offer words of encouragement by texting us or sending us facebook messages...it means so much to us! 

We know the next few days, weeks and months ahead will be difficult.  Please know that we are trying our hardest to get back to everyone.  Thank you again for your love and support!

The Mathon Family

The Mathon Family

Many of those who were able to come to Reece's memorial service heard me give a eulogy.  In one form or another several people told me how inspirational and thought provoking that eulogy was and what an impact it made on their life moving forward from that point.  If my words can in some small way bring into focus what the important lessons one can learn from tragedy, then I think it is appropriate that I share them with all of you who have taken the time to visit this site.  Thank you for your continued support...

On behalf of Asa, Blake, Cooper and Reece I want to thank you all for coming to join us here today.   To begin with, I wanted to share with you a few aspects of Reece’s life to paint a picture of how he lived.

-          For those of you that don’t know, I actually got to deliver Reece, although it was somewhat of a surprise to my wife at the time, I urge any father who is planning on having children to share in the birthing experience, you will not regret it, I promise you.

-          When Reece was just two days old, he was able to hold his head up when lying on your chest and he could gaze into your eyes…as if he was looking into your soul. 

-          At 6 weeks he could prop himself up on his elbows and loved to play tummy time.

-          At 8 weeks he could fully role himself from his tummy to his back and almost, not quite all the way back.

-          Reece loved to be in the water; Blake’s comfort when he was upset was the car; Cooper was your arms, but Reece…some water in tub and it was all he needed.  And he LOVED to go swimming.

-          I know without a doubt that his most favorite thing to do was mix it up on the floor with his brothers.  He loved being with Blake and Cooper; you could see it in his eyes.

-          He was not afraid to stick his nose right in the action and give out a scream to let them both know he was there.

-          He loved to get fed by Blake. There were actual times when neither Asa nor I could feed him; he would only eat for Blake, which created a special bond between them.

-          Every morning, Reece and Cooper, had their Mickey Mouse Clubhouse time - which was absolutely precious to watch.

-          Reece loved to have his feet munched on and a neck zerbert. 

-          One of the funniest things to watch was when Cooper would repeatedly try to give kisses to Reece.  Reece would yell right in his face after so many, then a screaming match would ensue.   A bit of a confession, sometimes Asa and I would instigate just to watch the show.

Although Reece was not with us for as long as all would have wanted, we were so fortunate to share his life.  I personally learned more of the important things (love, family, kindness, respect, and honor) from Reece in the 3 short months he was with us than at any point in my previous 36 years of existence.  Throughout his time with us, Reece taught me how to love - truly love unconditionally.  He brought back a smile to my face; a sincere smile not the one I had been passing along for many years.  Reece had a gift for showing everyone he met what unconditional love really is. He was not afraid to love and I want you all to know that even though he may not have met you, he loved each and every one of you as he does now.  Reece has a cherished gift, he was able to mend fences that seemed to be once beyond repair; he healed wounds that were once thought impossible to heal. Reece did that through his love for us all.  His infectious smile and heart-melting laughter united his family and created bonds so strong that they will never be broken.

                Unfortunately, it took Reece’s passing to teach me one very important lesson…life is short; never…ever take anything for granted.  Don’t be afraid to be sensitive, emotional, to love as Reece loved, to live as Reece lived.  Find something every day to smile about and smile with all of your heart.  Surround yourself with people who make you feel happy, who bring out the best in you as Reece brought out the best in us.  Never leave anything unsaid; speak your mind, but think of the other persons’ feelings and speak with respect.  Don’t take for granted time, make your memories, and never ever put off for tomorrow what you can and should do today because sadly, tomorrow may never come.  I know I have mentioned this previously, but that is how important this is…love.  Love one another without reservation, without hesitation.  Give yourself, not parts of yourself as I have done in the past, but your whole self.  Give everyone in your family your heart and soul, although at times it can be scary…I promise you it is worth it.

I want to read you a poem that was sent to me by someone I haven’t seen in many, many years…

"In one of the stars I shall be living. In one of them I shall be laughing. And so it will be as if all the stars were laughing, when you look at the sky at night...You - only you - will have stars that can laugh."
— Antoine de Saint-Exupéry ...(El Principito / The Little Prince)

I know our sweet baby boy is now among the stars in heaven, watching over us, protecting us as he did in his life.  You will be forever missed and deeply loved for eternity Reece.  You are my soul, my heart, my angel…my son.