A week I think we'll never forget around these parts of the internet. Can't believe it's already been one year. A year ago on the 21st, Matthew went into the hospital. on the 26th, he went to his Father. We still miss you bud. ("On the evening of May 26th, Matthew Pieper got all his questions answered, his greatest desire was fulfilled, and Heaven's gates were flung open as I know that our Awesome and Mighty G-d said to Matthew, "Well done my good and faithful servant. Well done!"" -Matthew Gaiser) I think as a good memorial for this week, we should make posts. Lots of posts. The topic: What have you learned from his life? What have you learned from his death? Have you praised God for the day he has given you today? My part: I've learned that the young are not exempt from God's timing. Though I knew this, it never hit home for me. I've always worked with the elderly, so I've come to expect death around your late 70's to 90's.. But never that young. I've learned to speak softly and powerfully, to laugh and love, and to reach out to the random person- even if they are a half a world away. I've learned not to hide in your life, but to accept others presence in it as a good and helpful aid. To treasure each and every friend as not an acquaintance- but a best companion throughout your day. Though the world is "supposedly going to end at 6 pm" (lolz how that worked out...) I will praise God today for the breath in my lungs and the rain that will, without a doubt, fall on my face. Any input is welcome here, you're not limited to those questions. Speak children. Also, I know this is a few hours early, but I'm going to bed soon and I work in the morning, so I wouldn't have been able to post this. I wanted to, so here it is.

I knew that he had passed last year, but I didn't know that he first went to the hospital on my birthday. One of my favorite things about him was that he would debate with the best of them, but every time I saw he would always reach out a hand in friendship to anyone and would always be welcoming to new people who wanted to join our community.

I will never forget the night that Matthew and I were in Xat with Amber, and it was right before school was about to start. It would be her first year in a public school, and she didn't know what to expect. Matthew and I both explained a few things to her, then he gave Amber and I both the "boy talk". I laughed harder that night than any other night I've been in chat. I also spent long hours reading Matthew's debates. He was so full of wisdom. I learned so much from him, however, I would never dare to debate with him. I knew that my argument would always be proved legitimately invalid. He was just that good. I miss him. He's in a better place though.