Garry Lee Matthews Tribute

It is so difficult to not have you here for Christmas! The little kid in me so misses all of the special gifts you always gave me. Our stockings were not hung and no gifts under the tree for our special Christmas morning. I think of how you struggled to walk and not wanting to go to the hospital until after the holidays - you so wanted to be here with your family to celebrate the New Year. It is quite clear that you knew how serious your condition was. You never complained. You always put your family first. I am so sorry for the diificult life you endured on this earth. I kwow you are in heaven and all is great - your painful struggle is over! You are so missed! I see your sweet smile and your beautiful eyes and know how much you loved me. I am not sure when but I will see you when I get to heaven - please look for me.

Today is the Marine Corp Birthday - this day was always very special to you! The love you have for the Marine Corp, our country and our family is very apparent with all of the sacrifices you made during your life. The Vietnam Wall will be in Las Vegas today and I will be there to honor all you sacrified to keep our country free. Tomorrow is Veteran's Day and I am going to visit your memorial to honor you and all of the others who fought for our country. Yesterday a small bird hovered outside our window and as we looked at each other - eye to eye - I was hoping it was a sign from you. Although it lasted not more than thirty seconds, it was very comforting. It never entered my thoughts that there would come a day that we would not be together. I always felt I could protect you from anything, but I couldn't save you from cancer. Each day is more difficult than the day before. I would do anythinhg to have one more moment with you. You are my best friend and I miss you so much. I think of you every minute of every day. My heart hurts in a way that I can't express in words. I know you see my pain and I hope I haven't created any additional pain for you or hendered your transition in any way. I would do anything for you. I am trying so hard to be strong for you! I love you Sweetie! God has you in His keeping and I have you in my heart. Your loving wife, Linda

Today is the day we honor each and every man and woman who has fought to keep our country free. Your memorial is now final as they have your name for all to see. This was a difficult day as I remember all you have sacrificed for your country and for your family. You have lived your life with amazing courage and inner strength. You were sent to Vietnam during a time when the people of our country were not supportive. A build-up of Marine forces took place and actions around Khe Sanh commenced when the Marine base was isolated. During a series of desperate actions that lasted 77 days, Khe Sanh Combat Base and the hilltop outposts around it were under constant North Vietnamese ground, artillery, mortar, and rocket attacks. You were not able to retrieve the ammunition and food drops due to the danger. Your peers became your shadows because they felt you were protected. In your heart, you did not expect to make it out. The sound of Huey's, helicopters, were music to your ears. You shared that all of a sudden the sky was full of the Huey helicopters and you knew you would be coming home. I remember one night when you heard one in the sky and we rushed out to see and hear it - it was still music to your ears! You received many medals and you also received the Navy Commendation Medal for meritorious service in various capacities with the Third Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. It turns out this was just a temporary home for you - God needed you to be home with Him. Your courage was very apparent during your fight with pancreatic cancer. Never a complaint - always a smile! I love you more today than yesterday and I will love you more tomorrow. I miss you!

Today is your birthday and I miss you so much! We are all releasing ballons today in honor of the love in our hearts for you. You are truly a special person and I am so blessed that you chose me to be your wife. Looking back I now see how you were so busy getting every thing in place for me. You were absolutely right when you told me that I am not as tough as I thought I was. I love you so much and every part of my body aches with that love. We were so blessed to be able to share so many experiences. Coming through the door after work to hear you say "I am glad your home" and "I Love You" is one of my favorite memories. Not a day passed that you didn't tell me that I was beautiful and how much you loved me. I miss you so much! This is diffenently my greatest challenge of this life. I know it is God's plan and he needed you to come home. I sing to you every day from my heart and the song I sing to you the most is "Look For Me" - I know we will be together again. The love we share is our gift from God. Our families merged into one - as they are our kids and our grand kids. Each of them struggles every day with being here without you. As you already know, I will be there for each and every one of them. I love them all so much and our connection is truly special. We are your family and you are our "Hero!"

I love you, thinking about you every day.