Not long ago Roy brought to my attention a rather peculiar posting on the obituary pages of the Denver Post that was written about a week after Matty died.
Roy explained it as a sort of narative encounter by a woman who actually met Matty at Crown Lake the morning of his accident. For those of you who are not aware of this, Crown Lake is pretty much the same place where we held Matty's memorial service and where he and Norton always went walking. If you've seen the slide show, you'll remember several pictures of Matty pulling Norton on a green wagon which was Norton's last ride around Crown Lake before Matty put him down a week later. After reading the obituary posting I also found the entire story quite bizarre and only thought it fitting to post it here for everyone to read. I've made an attempt to contact the author but have heard no reply as of yet. |
September 23, 2007
I met Matty that Saturday morning before his last flight. I was completing my typical Saturday morning run at Crown Hill Park. Instead of running the last mile, I decided to walk and enjoy the lake. As I was walking at a tad bit faster pace than the man in front of me, I begin to pass him on his left. We exchange friendly “hellos” and then I hear him ask me a question, but I was sure I heard him wrong. I took out a headphone and asked, “What?” He repeats with a grin on his face, arms stretched to the sky, “The sun’s shining, the weather is beautiful, horrible day, isn’t it?” “Oh,” I replied laughing, “a bit of sarcasm. Sorry, I didn’t pick up on that.” Matty picked up the pace and we began walking side by side for the next 45 minutes. As we walked around the lake twice together, I will never forget how much this friendly stranger impacted my life. We started the conversation with discussing the dangers of rock climbing. I had gone the night before (he out for a few drinks with some buddies), and Matty said there is no way he would ever do that. He said he would jump out of planes, bike through the mountains, but never rock climb. “Much too dangerous,” he remarked. He talked about his love for cycling. He pointed to Lookout Mountain and mentioned the hundreds of cyclists probably heading up there that morning. He said the ride down was definitely worth the ride up. Then he found out that I am a teacher. He was very curious if I had any advice about how to handle argumentative students. He really wanted to be a great instructor and wanted to know what I would recommend. After some brainstorming, he seemed really excited to go back to class and try a few techniques. During the second lap of our walk, we stopped mid-conversation when I was looking at a bird. He asked me if I was a “bird nerd.” I wouldn’t consider myself that, but the bird I saw just caught my eye to just come to a halt. Matty explained that it was a Great Blue Heron. It was so beautiful perched on a rock in the lake. We both stopped to admire its beauty. And our walk continued. Matty and I talked about the “regulars” at the park, and the people he has met. Matty talked about the love he had for his dog, and all the times he took Norton out there. Even when he realized that his dog was getting really sick, Matty showed me how great of heart he had when he said he went to the store to buy a wagon type thing and put blankets down, and gave Norton a ride around the lake one last time. He said how he sensed Norton knew where he was and seemed peaceful with his last “walk” at the park. Matty mentioned that Norton died a week or so after that walk. His last walk with Norton reminded me of my last walk I took with my Dad who just passed away of cancer two months ago. We talked briefly of the loss of loved ones. He talked about his change of careers a few years ago. He mentioned that it was initially hard to think of changing a career at that point in his life, but he was so happy he had done it. He loved teaching. He loved the doors that opened for him. He talked very highly of two specific instructors he had personally. He felt very fortunate to have had them as his instructors. He loved the people he had meet since getting into aviation. He said he loved to take people flying to “see Colorado from a new perspective.” He concluded that his profession was so rewarding for him personally. He loved knowing that he was helping people make new memories. Our walk is coming to an end, and he said he was going flying at noon, but he wanted to give me his business card in case I ever wanted to go flying. So we go over to his little SUV, he gives me his business card, and thanks me for the walk and conversation. “Call if you want to go flying, or maybe I’ll see you again out here. Alright sista, see ya.” He gets into his vehicle and waves to me as he drives away. It wasn’t until the 10:00 pm news that I heard the name of the pilot. The news said “Matthew” I thought that was weird because the man I met that day was “Matty.” I pick up that business card with his picture, turned it over, and it confirmed my fear. It said, “Matty Crine.” I was in shock. For the past week, I can’t stop wondering why God would place Matty into my life for 45 minutes and then take him out of it 2 hours later. Why would I happen to talk with this stranger and learn so much about him only hours before he is taken out of this physical world? I knew what it is like to lose my father only 2 months ago, and the sorrow and grief my family and I continue to experience every day. I know that if this story can help just one of Matty’s friends or family, then I know that the reason I met Matty that morning, was to let you know, that he was happy that morning. He was happy in the choices he made in his life, and that he was happy getting into that plane. I am truly sorry for your loss. Even myself as a stranger figured out in 45 minutes what a friendly and remarkable man Matty is. |