Tribute to Matthew and Thank you

A father and mother hold their children in their hearts forever, but a child is held in their arms only as long as he is alive. Matthew Jameson Tice got to be held in our arms for 25 years, 11 months, 20 days, but will be held in our hearts for eternity. This is part of his story.

Contractions started at a church singspiration where I wondered if I would share my song. When my turn came, the contractions stopped; when the song was over, they started again. Matthew was born the next morning, February 12, 1990 at 3:54 am. Throughout his life, he was always making his family, friends, and classmates laugh. He was a likeable guy, and even his foes would eventually become his friends. Matthew played almost every sport and enjoyed other talents like singing, writing, and drawing. He was a husband to Katy and father to Faith, Grace, and Hope: 6, 5, and one month shy of 4 years of age at the time of his death. 

It's been seven years since our loss, and we wanted the opportunity to again thank those who invested in his journey because it has been an investment into our lives as well. Any large part or smallest act of kindness has impacted us and helped us to heal. From our large families, friends, church, communities, and employers, Matthew’s life was touched by many being shaped into a better person and we, as well, have been tremendously affected. 

David and Marsha Lovan from Westside church, Nancy Hale from Education Solutions Consulting and Judd’s Enterprises and again family, friends, and the communities of Willow Springs and Mountain View were instrumental in helping us through our difficulty when we felt our faith was devastated.

Our faith has grown since then, and there are a variety of activities we’ve been involved in to give back to our families and the communities which has also helped to heal our hearts. Those ways include: annual tournaments in Matthew’s honor based on activities he enjoyed, cleaning up highways through MODOT, and the GriefShare program. We welcome your participation in any of these events. 

Sarrah Tice, (sister) and Sherry (mother) have been leading a local GS program since 2017 through WFLC. This is a program that helps support people through the death of a loved one. GriefShare has helped many to heal so that they have now come alongside us to also lead.

On February 21, we will lead our next 13-week session (5-7 pm). You can call the church (417-469-3360), Sherry Tice (417-362-1088), or go online to griefshare.org to sign up.