Here are some more photos to use if you would like to. Thanks again for the site - it is AMAZING and SUCH A GIFT!!! Sandens at Christmas. Remote control fun. Matthew and Grandpa Milt.
Love to all, Michele
Click on photo for larger image, then “back.” Right click on larger image and “save as” to take a copy.
Sandens at Christmas 2006
Nick, Colleen, Mike, Matt, Grandpa Milt and Grandma Joyce
Remote control fun
Matthew and Grandpa Milt
Here are several more of the beautiful tributes read at the Memorial Service by Michelle Norwood and Shari Erlendson -
When I think of Matt, I think of 4 words.
Mysterious, Adventurous, Tenuous, and Tremendous.
Mysterious – Matt has always been mysterious, everyone was always asking where is Matt, what is he doing?
Adventurous – Matt was always experiencing a new adventure.
Tenuous – Matt has taught us that life on Earth is tenuous, everyday is a gift.
Tremendous – because Matt while he was with us for only a short time, will leave a tremendous hole in our hearts.
I will miss him,
My favorite memory with Matt was on one of our family trips to the desert. Matt loved driving off road, and I loved it when he would let me tag along with him. I remember one day spending hours riding shotgun in the old Baja Bug with Matt while he taught me the ins and outs of “fish-tailing”, “roosting”, and “spinning donuts” in the sand. He loved punching the gas and watching the sand shoot high in the air, entertaining me, and making me laugh the whole time.
Matt lived with me on several occasions, during flying school and while he attended his favorite - golf school, his passion. Every night he would come home and tell me all about his day.
I sincerely appreciated Matt while Gary was in the hospital as Matt would take the time to come and visit. Gary took great pleasure in their talks and we truly enjoyed his company. My most memorable moment with Matt is when Gary passed away and I was alone in the room crying and I turned to find Matt at the door way. He was there when I needed him the most. He was there to comfort me.
I am very thankful to have had Matt in my life.
Matt you will be missed yet always with me,
When I think about all the wonderful memories I have of Matthew – there are many that stand out…all point to what a special boy & man he was, his unbelievably kind and gentle nature, and way of caring for others.
Most recently I think of Matthew taking the time and care to play with my two children, Connor & Makenna, during our visits. He and Connor especially bonded and I have a great memory of watching the two of them play with a radio control helicopter that my dad had given Connor knowing Matthew would be there to play with it. They laughed and ran around as that helicopter buzzed all around. Matthew was so patient with Connor who kept flying the copter off course. From that visit on, Connor and Makenna referred to Matthew (& Mikey) affectionately as their “big boy cousins” and would routinely ask me when they would get to play with them again.
The memory that stands out above all others of Matt to me is Thanksgiving 1995. It was the first time that I had taken Hailee and Harlee to California. They were six months old. Matt bonded with the girls right away. Each time I turned around he was holding and playing with them, or rocking them to sleep. He was so attentive to the girls that week we were visiting; I can’t explain how special that was to me. Each time I think of Matt and the love he had for others, I rejoice that God gave us the time and memories He did with Matt. I will miss him!
Love, Melissa
How do we summarize 29 years of memories with a nephew we thought of as a son. We were blessed to be his Hemet home for so many fun years. Matthew when young loved to spend time at our donut shop with his Uncle Dean, eating donuts and sleeping on the flour sacks under the counter.
He was always laughing and had an incredibly quick wit especially when it came to teasing family members. Even though Matthew was very ill when being admitted to the hospital when I went back to see him the first thing he said was that I looked better with hair. During high school Matthew was given many keys to our home but inevitably we could find him climbing through the doggy door.
Our family has a philosophy that it takes a village to raise a child and that has given us the gift of very close relationships with each other. We will miss Matthew more than words could possibly express.
My memory of Matthew starts with a bright blue eyed toddler who cried whenever he was told “NO!” Who became a handsome blue eyed man that had the best sense of humor. I truly enjoyed watching Matt laugh, sometimes at my expense, but it didn’t matter. A fun time was always to be had if Matt was around.
Love, Jodi
“The Moment”
The moment he left us God was there The moment he left us He was at peace The moment he left us He found joy in heaven With Grandpa eager to welcome him We will miss him so much But we know one day we will see him again Thank you Lord for your promise Thank you for the gift of everlasting lifeMatt is my cousin. In so many families a cousin simply means that they are your parents, siblings, kids! That is not the case in our family. The term cousin in our family takes on a whole new meaning. It means friend, confidant, partner in crime, someone to cry to, someone to listen, someone who cares, someone that prays for you, someone who always had you best interest at heart, and some one to laugh with. Matt was all of those things to me. He made my life fun. He was always there to be a friend and always there to make me laugh. He was the one to lead all the cousins on a hike because we needed to “go play”. He was the one that would tell a witty joke and have the whole family in tears. I will never forget the time we were at a wedding and Jodi, Matt, my dad and I just sat in the corner with Tami’s camera and just took funny pictures. It did not matter who else was in the room. We never saw the cake cut or the first dance. We were busy laughing in the corner! Matt was a great cousin and friend and I will deeply miss him.
Matt always filled our time together with so much joy and laughter, most of all laughter!!!!! I can think of many times when Matt had us all rolling on the floor with laughter, but what I remember the most is that Matt tried his best to learn sign language for me.
One day while enjoying Matthew’s company when he was just a little “tot”, he said to me, “Gramma, will you marry me?” While he didn’t exactly know what marriage was, I had to chuckle. But in thinking about it, I felt that was a wonderful compliment of how much he loved me. And I shall never forget it!!!
Matthew, my oldest Grandson, Entertainer, Humorist, Love, My Grandson who marched to the beat of a little different drummer. A cliche, but true. GG
Dear Nick and Colleen,
Tim and I just want you to know how much we love you. We cherish your friendship. Our hearts ache with you and your family.
You are not alone.
In Jesus love, Tim and Pam
The program at the Memorial Service included to original poems written by Matthew - one, a tribute to his father, Nick; the other to his Grandfather, Milt. They reflect Matthew’s heart. What an amazing gift these words are to these good men. And now, the words are a gift to us.
To Dad
He’s always there, No matter what we do. He’ll always care, and pull us through. Unconditional love, Shines through every day, And like the Lord above, He knows the way. He inspires a life, Walking with the Lord, For he’s seen the strife, Strife we can’t afford. He always forgives, For everything, Because in his heart lives, That one true King. If I could come even close, To being like him, The heavens would toast, And I’d be the best of men. Like my Father above, You’re full of grace, And I see your love, When I look in your face. I can’t thank you enough, For all that you’ve done. Sometimes it’s been tough, But I’m glad I’m your Son!!!by Matthew Sanden 6/16/02
To Grandpa Milt
Because of you I am here. Because of you many hearts are near. Because of you our life is good, you worked hard so that it would. I don’t even know the hardship you’ve seen, But I do know your humor is keen. That’s just one lesson I’ve learned Because of you. The feeling of love I know because of you. So many things I can’t even say. Unfortunately, I can’t write all day. So thank you Grandpa for choosing your wife, being a great man, and for my good chance at life.Love, Matt Sanden
Christmas 2006
Every week, I write an essay for leaders. This week, the Memorial Service was my inspiration…
I call it Balloons and Blue Sky.
Ken
These words were written by Matthew’s mother, Colleen Sanden. They were read at the Memorial Service on Saturday, April 19, 2008 -
When Matthew was 4 hours old, the doctors at Redlands hospital discovered he had a collapsed lung and because of the pressure his heart had been pushed to the other side of his chest. The they sent over a team from Loma Linda and after both hospital teams prayed with me, they took him to Loma Linda for life saving surgery. At the time, they could not give us assurance that he would be fine. I remember having what I would later call my first ‘wrestling match’ with God over Matthew’s life. At that time, and many times since, I surrendered Matthew to God. Matthew was given to us for 29 years, but he has always been God’s child. His name mean’s ‘Gift of God.’
We are so thankful for the GIFTof Matthew in our lives!
Matthew’s Father, Nick Sanden, wrote this tribute to his son. It was read at the Memorial Service on Saturday, April 19, 2008 -
There are so many memories of Matt that it is hard to pick one. But I’ve selected one that is very meaningful to me. Last October we had a memorial service for my dad. I told the story of when Matt was born with a collapsed lung and had surgery when he was 4 hours old. Even though I did not have time to really know this little baby Matthew, I tried to bargain with God that I would trade my life for Matthew’s if that is what was required to save Matthew’s new life. With the birth of my firstborn son, I finally knew how much my father loved me because I knew how much I loved Matt. While telling that story with my eyes full of tears, my eyes met Matthew’s tear-filled eyes and we knew the depth of each other’s love for the other. I love Matt more than words can express.
Last week, while Matt lay in a coma, I tried to bargain again with God. I would gladly give my life to spare Matt’s. But this time the Lord wanted Matt to be home with Him. Matt will always be with me. Matt will always be with me. But he is now at rest and full of joy with his Lord. Free and full of joy! And I still love Matt more than these or any other words can express.
I LOVE YOU MATTHEW!!!!
Dear Nick, Colleen, and Mike,
What a joy for us to attend the Memorial Service for Matt last Saturday. Sometimes, it is very difficult for us to understand the ways of the Lord. But that is why He is God. In the midst of all of this sorrow, somehow through the memorial service, you were able to fortify our faith in our Heavenly Father. Thank you for that. Please know that we will continue to pray for you, that the Lord would comfort your heart, and see you through this most difficult time. Our Pastor often talks of “faithing” in our Heavenly Father. This is difficult to do when we do not understand. But the One that knew us before the foundation of the universe knows what is best. He loves us more than we can ever understand. Matt is at peace, he is singing with the Lord and the heavenly angels. Due to the Lord for choosing each of us, someday we will all be able to join Matt in Heaven. Thank you for the encouragement that you are. May He continue to bless each of you richly,
Much love, DeWitt & Linda Russell
Dear Sanden Family
It has been over ten years since I’ve seen or spoken to Matt – probably the last time I saw him was at our high school graduation – but I heard of his life and what he was doing through my mother who spoke often with Colleen. I was completely shocked to hear of Matt’s passing and have thought of him frequently since I heard the sad news. My entire family was together this weekend and spent some precious time remembering Matt and the fun times we had during soccer games/practices. My deepest condolences to your family… now that I am a parent of a precious baby boy I can’t even fathom the loss and pain you must be experiencing. It is so comforting; however, to hear of your deep and utter devotion to your family and to God.
You are in my thoughts and prayers…always.
Becky (Pimentel) Teague
It is interesting that every memory I have of Matt includes Michael. My family moved to Idyllwild and started attending IBC when I was in 8th grade. Nick and Colleen were my youth leaders and I adored them and their family. I loved babysitting for the boys. They were always so happy and fun to be around. Matt was the one that got into mischief and Michael tagged along. Whether it was playing hide and seek or reading them a story I loved getting to hang out with them.
When I was in high school I was asked to teach a Sunday School class. Matthew, Michael, Jessica and Ryan were in my class. I knew I wanted to be a teacher and I loved preparing for these lessons. As I recall, Matt always had his hand raised with the answer and loved to ask me tough questions, like “but WHY did that happen?” He definitely kept me on my toes!
The last time I really got to hang out with Matthew and Michael was the day before I got married, 16 years ago. I knew I was marrying the right guy because the Sanden family, especially Matt and Michael, liked and accepted Rich, and the boys even included him in their games of basketball.
I am so very grateful that Rich and I could be at Matt’s service yesterday. What a beautiful remembrance of an incredible young man. I grieve with Nick, Colleen, and Michael at the loss of Matt. I am also humbled that they have allowed me to enter into their pain as they begin living with this devastating loss.
A highlight of the Memorial Service was the six minute video that was played at the Memorial Service for Matthew at the Idyllwild Bible Church on Saturday, April 19, 2008.
Our thanks to those who put the photos together, and to the Sandens for permission to make it available here. Click on the Image below and follow the prompts…
Here is the text of Mike’s message read at the Memorial -
My brother used to always say he paved the way for me, and in the last few weeks I realized that he did. As many little brothers do, I followed in my brother’s footsteps in many different ways. I watched him riding bikes down our street, so I wanted to learn how to ride. I watched him play basketball and soccer, and I wanted to be more like him so I took up these sports. Of course there are too many memories that I could possibly share today to celebrate my brother’s life. But I wanted to share with you the most important thing that I got from my brother, and that is the Lord, Jesus Christ who has helped me through this almost unbearable time.
I was in the back seat of my mom’s car listening to my brother discussing and asking questions about God with my mom. Listening to what they were saying I decided I wanted what my brother was talking about in my life. I was only about 4 or 5, but I remember pulling over next to Hemet High School and being lead by my brother and mom in prayer. God was using him even in his last days to bring me closer to the Lord. The last words I heard my brother utter was a cry to our creator. He was suffering on the other side of the bathroom door at our house in Idyllwild. As I was leaving I said I loved him and he was able to say, “I love you too.” Then I stalled next to the door because I was hurting with my brother. As he was laying on the bathroom floor he cried, ” Oh Jesus, oh Jesus, oh Jesus.” Today I am crying because I miss my brother, but I know that my brother is being embraced by Jesus Christ and his love…and for that reason alone I have peace.
________________________________________________________________________
Now that the service for my brother is complete I want to thank all of those who have been praying for my brother and my family. We appreciate all the love that we have been surrounded with in this time of suffering. I also wanted to say thank you to everyone who came to the service to show honor to my brother. I now have a glimpse into how many people’s lives he touched in his 29 years here. If you were at his service you saw that we were blessed with so many friends and family that we could not provide enough room to occupy everyone. I want to send my apologies to those who did not get a seat, but I hope you were blessed with the sharing of memories of my brother. The astounding number of people that were standing in the parking lot when I exited for the last part of the service brought tears to my eyes. I truly cannot voice how thankful I was to see each one of your faces. I wish I could have spent much more time sharing memories of brother with each of you, and feel free to continue sharing these memories with me in the future. Please keep praying for my family and I as we are still suffering from our loss, but we will continue to trust in our Lord!
Sanden’s,
What a beautiful memorial for Matt. What a blessing to see so many come to pay their respects. You all are such an inspiration and example of God’s strength and mercy. What a true testimony for Christ! I’m praying with you, that Matt’s death will have reached someone and they will have committed their life over to Him.
When I heard about Matt’s passing, my heart ached, and was deeply saddened. I remember his wonderful smile with those great dimples. I’ve always loved his dimples! When I think of Matt, I remember how he was always very good about including Christopher in some of his activites and taking Christopher with him at the river with all the bigger kids! It meant a lot to him and me too!
God continue to give you His peace throughout this grieving time.
Know that you are in our prayers daily.
Much love to you,
Matt was loved and this has always been so evident. And today was no different, as many people came to honor him at his memorial service. From his elementary teachers and childhood friends to church family and of course his amazingly loving family. People from all over…who all have memories of Matt. When I think about the memories I have of Matt I can’t help but feel blessed. Blessed to have shared laughter and tears with him and his family. Blessed to have gone on family trips together, summer camp at Hume, prom (and that was funny), and many more.
Nick, Colleen and Mikey…you have always and will always be such dear people to me. Your example of Christ in how you live your lives is so evident…and shone clearly even today in the midst of such great loss. You are in my prayers and will remain in my prayers. I love you each so much! Thank you for the memories of Matt and your family.
In thinking back on all the time that I spent with Matt, Mikey, Nick, & Colleen growing up, the word “adventure” comes to mind. Matt had an adventurous soul and spirit, one that pushed us to the top of San Gorgonio Peak, one that drove us to fish every hour of the day just to see who could cathc the biggest and the most.
Matt and I shared a love for God’s great outdoors and all the incredible things we could see and do in them. Now Matt is on a new adventure, the greatest of all. But in the mean time, he will be missed. Our hearts and prayers are with you Sanden family. We love you.
Growing up I always thought Matt and Mikey were the two coolest kids in Idyllwild. I remember tagging along with my older brother Josh when he’d hang out with Matt. I even followed the Sanden boys to Hume Lake thinking “if these two think Hume is cool than it must be.”
My thoughts and prayers are with the Sanden’s. I hope you feel support as I have always felt supported by you.
Love and glory to God.
Jared
Dear Nick, Colleen & Mike,
At a time like this we seek Gods counsel to tell us what words of comfort can we mere mortals possibly convey that God has put on our hearts. Over & over as I remembered Mathews beautiful smile & how wonderful you all are, he said please tell them I think so too & love them very much. In Mathews life that smile of his reflected the love of God to all who knew him. You all have touched so many peoples lives with your love & care, I count it a privilege to have been one of them.
Mathew was Gods gift to so many. He was heaven’s custom design. He was born prepacked, God looked at his entire life, determined his assignment & gave him the tools to be who he was meant to be in life. “Before I made you in your mother’s womb, I chose you. Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work.” Jeremiah 1:5
He could do things no one else could do in a fashion no one else could do it. Mathew was, without a doubt, “Fearfully & wonderfully made”. Psalm 139:14
With all my love in Christ,
Diane (Rice) Guidry
Nick, Colleen and Michael,
I am a teacher at the San Diego Golf Academy and had the privilege to have had Matthew in my Computer and accounting classes. Matthew’s love of learning is an inspiration to all and I appreciate his sense of humor and dedication to his work. I will always remember Matthew as one of my best students and I will miss him greatly.
Dear Nick, Colleen and Mike
I am so sad for the loss of Matthew. He will be greatly missed. I spent many hours on the beach with Colleen talking about our children. I learned Matthew had a great sense of humor and was well liked. He was very special to all that knew him. You are in our thoughts and prayers. You have a wonderful family, great friends and a strong relationship with God to help you through this very hard time. We love you.
Anne and Roger Pieper
Comfortable composure, leaning against a tree, with shining eyes, delight in his spirit that splashed out on others, fun waiting to happen, thoughtfulness of other’s feelings and interested in what they believed, gentle watching of what people did, lean, spry and fast on his feet, in a moment he was gone, looks in his face that said he had a deep heart and deeper feelings, taking time to think before speaking, letting others speak first, accepting direction but having an obvious look of wheels spinning in his head, a clarity of what he was thinking, asking questions and actually listening, a heart of compassion and a joy that warmed hearts, a delight and yet a bit of a sweet rascal! These are a few of the things that flash in my mind as I grieve and wonder how parents and a brother handle so many precious memories at a time like this. I thank the Lord that He gives us memories so we can remember and not forget special people who have impacted our lives!
Matthew was in our home often from age 2-10, as our daughter considered him as her best friend during their young years because he was a GOOD FRIEND! Babysitting him was easy. As he grew older he was still always easy to talk to and conversations were always deep, no shallowness!
God…it hurts! But how delightful to view the pictures of when Matthew was young. I have often noticed a familiarity in the young face of Jordan Gates that I wondered why it seemed so similar.The first photo I saw on the blog jumped at me as I saw Jordon’s face in Matthews and delighted to know why I loved Jordon’s face. The same sweet, gentle, active spirit is in Jordon and I love it.
One person can impact our lives so deeply and we are connected literally forever! We don’t even know God is skillfully, intentionally putting eternity into our relationships. In the painful passing of one who is forever connected to us, we probably all sense the “blessed hope” which is quickened in us as well as a call to use our lives well. I rejoice that we can look forward to an expected reunion and share with Matthew what his unsuspected departure worked in us. With Matthew’s seemingly untimely exit, I am reminded that God is Thee Almighty, sovereignly in control of the affairs of men. I bow in awe and praise for all He is doing through this in our hearts.
Ecc 8:8 ” No man has the power over the wind to contain it; so no one has the power over the day of his death.”
Prov 14:31 When calamity comes the wicked are brought down, BUT EVEN IN DEATH THE RIGHTEOUS HAVE A REFUGE(!)”
Php 1:21″For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Dear Nick and Colleen and Mike,
We love you dearly. We try to put ourselves in your place. We try to feel what it would be like to lose a child or a brother. It just doesn’t work. Only God knows what you are going through and only God can provide what you need right now and in the days ahead. We know that He already is providing because that is who He is. Without Him it would be hopeless. Because of His great love and grace we are confident that you will come through this, the most difficult of times.
How can we ease your pain? Our words fall far short. The emotion of grief and the experience of grieving is not common to any of us. It’s a part of life that we would all like to skip. But without these deep emotions how would we know the depths of God’s love and his provision. Many verses will probably take on new meaning during this time, like Psalm 91. Where else can we go but to the Lord when our heart or mind takes us to a dark place.
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”
We will continue to do battle with you and for you in prayer. We know the enemy wants to use this time to disrupt, discourage, dishearten and even destroy. Our prayer is that he will not find a foothold anywhere. We are also praying that the Memorial Service on Saturday will be a great testimony to the grace and love of our God and that it will touch any and all hearts that are far from him and bring them close to Him.
We celebrate Matt’s home going and grieve with you as you miss him.
All our love,
Robin & Karen Wood
As a fellow student, Matt was one of the people I most looked forward to seeing everyday at the San Diego Golf Academy. I enjoyed his good nature and friendship. I will miss him.
I wish his family God’s peace and joyful memories of a very special son and brother.
To the Nick and Colleen Sanden Family,
My name is Joe Davis. I am very acquainted with Matt as he was a former student of mine at the San Diego Golf Academy where I am a resident instructor with expertise in Sport Psychology. Matt was known for his engaging personality and for his passion for the game golf. He was well liked by all that knew him at the academy. I am so sorry for your loss. My sincerest condolences. He will be missed. JADavis, Ph.D.
Dear Nick and Colleen
I woke up early this morning and could not go back to sleep. I was thinking of Matt and as I lay in bed staring up with tears in my eyes, my thoughts went back 19 years ago to a Sunday school class room at the Idyllwild Bible Church. I remember a room of young people and a fun loving young man with a beautiful grin who loved to play soccer. I remember times when we would take the kids out and how Matt would clown around always with that grin. I remember teaching Matt and his classmates Ephesians 2:8,
“For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves,………It is the gift of God, not of works so that no one can boast.”
I clearly remember how easy it was for Matt to remember verses we taught. I wish I could go back to that time and sit out on the grass again, talk with Matt and run and play soccer with him and his classmates. I remember a father’s day celebration two or three years ago I believe, when Matt and Michael came up to Idyllwild to honor their Dad. I remember talking with Matt afterwards and him telling me how he would never forget Psalms 1:1-6 a verse I was able to teach him and one he told me he would never forget. He then recounted the verse for me.
1 Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers………………………………….
Matt went on from that time and classroom and he and I lost touch with each other which is so common with Sunday school teachers and students. I am however grateful to God for the time I had with Matt. I am thankful for Nick and Colleen who so loved their son and who raised him and brought him to church every Sunday. I thank God for the gift of Matt’s life.
I want to briefly encourage all who read this, to invest in the life of a young person like Matt. Share your time, energy and love for young people who need to know God’s love and plan for their lives. It won’t be easy, they’ll giggle, squirm, talk out of turn, act up and generally be kids, but I promise that the privilege of teaching and getting to know one who is created in the image of God will bring great reward. Matt did all this for me 19 years ago.
I love you Matt and can’t wait to see that beautiful grin of yours on the day the Lord takes me home.
Wayne Clark
Nick, Colleen and Mikey,
my heart aches for you during this sad, sad time. i know words can not change what has happened but, know that you are loved, lifted up in prayer, supported by friends and family and thought of by many. know that the memories you have will always be. my thoughts and prayers are with you all!!!
-rachel
To our Dear Friends…Nick, Colleen, Mickey,
We cannot begin to describe our sadness and grief over the loss of your precious Matthew. And we cannot even imagine the depth of your grief. We so wish we could be there to weep with you and to hold you close. We do, however, know that GOD is holding you close in His loving arms, and for that we are so grateful.
Beth wrote Jana the words of the Steven Curtis Chapman song, With Hope. Jim found it on CCLI and bought it on i-tunes. We have listened to it over and over and over…we weep every time we hear the words and think of your incredible loss.
We rejoice that Matthew is with Jesus, that he is whole and well, that he is free from pain. We weep with you, Nick, Colleen, Mickey and Melissa. We pray Rom. 15:13 for you…May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
We love you,
Jan and Jim
This is not at all how
We thought it was supposed to be
We had so many plans for you
We had so many dreams
And now you’ve gone away
And left us with the memories of your smile
And nothing we can say
And nothing we can do
Can take away the pain
The pain of losing you, but …
We can cry with hope
We can say goodbye with hope
‘Cause we know our goodbye is not the end
And we can grieve with hope
‘Cause we believe with hope
There’s a place where we’ll see your face again
We’ll see your face again
And never have I known
Anything so hard to understand
And never have I questioned more
The wisdom of God’s plan
But through the cloud of tears
I see the Father’s smile and say well done
And I imagine you
Where you wanted most to be
Seeing all your dreams come true
‘Cause now you’re home
And now you’re free, and …
We have this hope as an anchor
‘Cause we believe that everything
God promised us is true, so …
So we can cry with hope
And say goodbye with hope
We wait with hope
And we ache with hope
We hold on with hope
We let go with hope
Steven Curtis Chapman
Nick, Colleen and Michael,
We can hardly imagine the grief you bear in experiencing the loss of a precious child and brother. We treasure all of the experiences with your family, the fun, the laughter, the lightening storms in the Colorado sky and sharing each others burdens over the years. Like so many others, we grieve and weep with you when we ponder Matt’s departure. We rest in the eternal and blessed hope of worshiping our God together with ALL of you in eternity. We believe there can be a healing power in our tears when we ask God “why” and He replies with the comfort of encouraging friends who know Him, and while sharing in our tears, also bring encouraging and Godly words that help us to heal from our grief over time. We believe He leaves us with a scar that continually reminds us of His love and healing power so that we are forever changed for the good. We pray for your patient healing and the strengthening of faith from our loving God.
Love,
Joel and Chris
Dear Nick, Colleen and Mike,
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.”
“But I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”
John 16:22
I am sure the mystery of being sorrowful yet rejoicing describes your hearts and thoughts these days. Remembering what a friend said in the face of death one day .. We are not ready to live until we are ready to die. Matt was ready in both accounts. Do you know Linda and Roy Crandall? They are long time friends who lost their son in a motorcycle accident when he was 22 – and Linda said many months later … “You know … even if God answered the question … Why? It wouldn’t be good enough!” There is nothing that spans the gap of the loss of presence. We know of your wonderful family and the incredible support of friends far and wide – but in those silent moments alone it is our prayer that the God of all comfort will meet your every question, tear, and angst with the memories and moments of a lifetime with your beloved Matt. We have always felt privileged to be your friends as we have shared in love our lives in Christ.
We love you so much. Hyatt & Jeanne Baker
I have tried to write something here more than a few times, and am overwhelmed at the pure thought. I am at a loss, and am so saddened by the passing of Matthew. My heart breaks for our loss, and for the grief process we are all about to embark.
love to all,
Jo
I just got back from Sacramento & a class & was able to find these pictures. The only one that had a date was the one of all the gang on the log in Colorado, 1989. The boys & I are planning on being in Idyllwild Saturday. I’ll have more we’re getting copied for a small album. Thanks for all you’re doing for the Sandens.
Steve Lloyd
NOTE: Click on each photo for larger image.
