was born six years and 350 days
after I came into the world. at 30, he died __ years and __ days
before me. it says he was kind-hearted and loved life, but
what else would it say in our eulogy? Matthew is survived by
native parents whose English was seldom mocked in this country.
his father’s name is also a strong one—begins with an E, became
his middle one. his mother seems as nice a lady as mine. somehow
an unmatched pair of his grandparents remain. seeing the names
of his brother and sisters, I think on my childhood of two sisters,
my adulthood with one of each. Matthew found and kept the love
of his life, a longtime companion he did not divorce. they raised
three children from birth until __ years and __ days before I joined
him. his name lives on in them. it occurs to me he was young enough
to have been my student. Matthew only graduated from high school,
earned a welding certificate at the local career center. perhaps he was smarter
than me—making good money and unplagued by the debt of the three
advanced degrees I took to our grave. we played none of the same
sports, enjoyed none of the same hobbies. but we were both known
for our laughter, our ability to make others laugh when they had nothing
to laugh about. it says Matthew will be missed by many, but what else
would it say? it lists the calling hours, the funeral’s time and location,
where to send contributions to help defray the unfortunate expenses.
but I have no idea how we died.
~ MEH
After the other Matthew E. Henry’s obituary.
