
Matt was in the same office as me, a small building with just a handful of us. We were separated from the regular office folk, and I was thankful for that. The environment allowed for us to be a tight-knit group with our own funny stories and inside jokes. We could plan our own cook-outs without having to invite anyone else. We could make a run to Sonic for breakfast and not feel bad that we didn't buy for everyone. We were close.
Matt was the ray of sunshine in the group. Always positive and cheerful, I could count on one

Matt sat along the same wall as me, facing the same direction, but we were separated by a large closet. That meant we had to lean forward to see around the coats and vests hanging on the closet door to see each other when we needed to share a look or make a face at something that was going on in the office. Sometimes when some of the other guys were in an argument, Matt and I would actually pick up the phone and call each other to discuss the situation, even though we were only 20 feet apart and it was unnecessary. I often heard him on his phone, calling his momma to check in and see what was going on.
Matt was quite the chef, and I often joked that he was going to make someone a great wife someday. He made me a pumpkin cheesecake on my last day at work, and even though it was his first attempt it was divine. He brought in a carrot cake one day that literally melted in your mouth, and I don't even like carrot cake all that much. His was excellent. Sometimes he would bring in a strawberry soda cake or some other dessert he had whipped up just because he was bored.

I have only spoken to Matt a couple of times since I left Anchor in October, but I could tell that he was more stressed than ever as I knew he would be. It was just too much for one person to have to handle alone, especially when the company made some more lay-offs involving another person in our small office. I felt almost guilty for leaving, even though I left for something so much greater than any paying job.
I wish I had called or stopped by to check in on Matt more often. Friday morning I have to go to his funeral and say goodbye to my best office friend. I really don't know how I will handle it. It still seems surreal that he's gone since I was accustomed to not seeing him daily anymore. Anchor has lost one of its finest, and I have lost a friend.
5 comments:
Oh Brandi, I'm so sorry! That is so sad and I'm sorry you have to say goodbye that way. Just try to think of it more like a "see ya later". Praying for you...
Oh Brandi, I am so sorry for your loss. Was this a surprise? I will be praying for you and Matt's family ~ for comfort and peace through your grieving.
I don't really know what to say,He will be greatly missed. And It made me laugh to read the part about Matt's laugh. You are so right on with that one.
((hugs)) I am so sorry you're in my thoughts and prayers
I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend.
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