Matt gave me one of the best hugs of my life, which is kind of impressive, considering we mostly took the piss out of each other any chance we got and pretended to hate each other for amusement. I've known Matt since high school, through Brianna, who has been my friend since I claimed her as my new buddy in 6th grade when she moved to Troy from Alabama. Matt and Brianna were visiting me and my husband, Adam, in Knoxville, TN a few years ago and I remember going  in to hug Matt, intending for it to be the usual short greeting hug but he said, "No, no, we're not done here yet" in a silly and slightly condescending tone, and continued to hold me and pat my back, which was funny and awkward at first but it actually turned into one of those warming, memorable, soothing hugs I didn't even know I needed until it was (slightly) forced upon me. There's research I've since heard about since that shows how powerful and regulating hugs longer than 20 seconds can be. It would be easy to think it's BS, but damn if it didn't leave a mark on me.

My other favorite Matt memory involves the best damn scrambled eggs of my life. I think on the same visit, he insisted on cooking breakfast for us. I tried to resist because he was our guest and I didn't want to put him to work. Alas, he loves to cook and is really good at it so I didn't fight him long. He asked to see the spice cabinet and said, "Now this is a grown up's spice collection!" He pulled down about 7 different jars and got to work making scrambled eggs with leftover kielbasa. I watched him dump an alarming amount of seasoning in the eggs! I am not a bad cook, but these eggs were a milestone in my understanding of how to season with abandon and really get some flavors going in even the simplest of meals. Adam and I have never cooked the same since. I think of Matt every damn time I make eggs which is frequently.

Matt and Bri, I love you both so damn much. Your friendship and love have and continue to be a gift to my life and I am so grateful to have known you.

I remember meeting Matt sometime in middle school. He had some cool factor and I had no cool factor, but that has always been the thing about Matt. He includes everyone, he enjoys everyone's company. He's the first person to start laughing with you, and the last person to judge. 

Thanks, Matt, for all the years of laughter, sarcasm, Risk, Legos in your basement, and random choir conversations. I have, and always will, cherish those times. 

My deepest condolences, thoughts, and love to Bri, Emerson and the entire Vance family.

I remember all (or at least most) of the times we chatted at work about random stuff, from me not knowing anything about Dungeons and Dragons to the mundane monotonous stuff at work. You always made whatever we had to do more fun by your sense of humor and perspective on things. 

I also remember you having fun at the party for Luis that we put together. I had never really put a dinner like that together before, and I remember being happy to see you there, as well as how happy you were next to Empress Bri. You always knew that Emerson has always been the true and rightful king, and laughed as we called you the false king, celebrating this joyous truth. While our memories may be few, they were good ones, and I'll always remember you bringing a light to monotonous days at work or a fancy dinner at Granite City Cafe. Your laugh, sincerity and smile are contagious and will never be forgotten. Empress Bri and the true king are beyond blessed to have you in their lives, and we are all blessed to know you and/or be your friend. 

We may not get to do all the stuff I had planned for the future here on Earth, but I look forward to hanging out with you on the other side. Here's to the good memories we can cherish, as well as all the upcoming good times ahead in outer space, on my own planet, various planets, or wherever the hereafter is located.  See you on the other side, false king. It's going to be a blast.