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DENISE Patrick-Johnson
November 12, 2020
My 12 year old son checked out "The Gathering Blue" by Lois Lowry from Southdale Library last week. He wants the next in the series, and as I looked at the front of the book to see if it listed the next book, so I could get him on the list, I ran across the dedication to Matthew. I just could not help seeing if I could find him and learn a bit about him. What a wonderful boy! I'm so sorry for your loss. I pray that time has dulled the sharpness of loosing him a bit. I said a prayer for him and for you all. My son and I looked at this page together. Thank you for sharing his memory with us.
July 7, 2019
I did not know Matthew. But as I sit on his memorial bench along Minnehaha Creek in what would be his 20th year I wish his family peace and for him to Rest In Peace.
Jean Baldridge Yates
March 22, 2018
Dear Mike, Jennifer, and Nathan,
You have done a great service creating this beautiful website in memory of amazing Matthew! His writing, the photos, the videos, and the way you have explained everything is beautiful as well as a help to people, too.
I lost my son Robert, who was about to turn 18, to lymphocytic myocarditis in 2012. He has four brothers. There isn't a day that goes by that we don't marvel at what a gift he was to us. I can tell from your website that you feel the same way about Matthew, and for good reason!
Thank you for providing a place for people to come and read about your family and Matthew.
love,
jean xoxox
Kathy Wells
July 11, 2017
My 15 year old daughter Sarah Rose passed away 2 years ago from the same diagnoses as your son. Tissues were also sent to the CDC and came back inconclusive-unable to determine the virus that attacked my daughter's heart. It is the worse nightmare a parent can experience and our lives will NEVER be the same I'm desperate to know If you ever found out what the virus was that your Matthew had.
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June 24, 2011
I was doing a google search for Myocarditis and came accross Matthew's website. I was incredibly touched and saddened by his story. I'm the father of a 19 month old and can't imagine life without him. From the bottom of the heart of a complete stranger, I'm truly sorry for your loss.
Jay Mambo-Franzmeier
December 11, 2009
It's me, Jahmari. It's been 2 days over a year since Matthew's death now and life is starting to quiet without him. I'd known Matthew since kindergarten and I am deeply cut by his absence. Best of wishes!
Addie May
December 10, 2009
Mike, Jennifer and Nathan--I know yesterday was a difficult one full of memories. Know that many here in Atlanta were thinking of you all. Matthew was missed and remembered. Also, much root beer was consumed!
Sherri Bernstein
December 9, 2009
Mike, Jennifer and Nathan - we have been thinking about you and Matthew today. Just wanted you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers - not just today but all of the time!
Susi May
December 9, 2009
I miss you Matthew. No one quite says "Aunt Susi" the same way you did. I toast your memory with love and root beer.
December 9, 2009
A year ago today, was the worst day in so many people's lives! It is so hard to believe that it has been a year that we have been missing you Matthew. You are missed each and every day! We love you, we miss you and we will always remember!
October 7, 2009
Matthew, I can't help but think that you had a little something to do with the Twins winning and playing the Stinky Yankees in the play offs. You might have to help them out a little bit more in the days to come. You are missed so much!!!
At Scott and Kaara's wedding
February 22, 2009
Matthew and Nathan
February 22, 2009
matthew enjoying a good book
February 22, 2009
Holiday Park fun in Indy, Oct. 2008
February 21, 2009
Carolyn Byrne
February 10, 2009
I worked with and admire Matthew's grandfather, Rod Kesti, and sympathize with your tragic loss.
Matthew sounds like a very special young man.
Kathy, Mollie, and John Davis
February 7, 2009
Dear Jennifer, Mike, Nathan, and Addie - We keep coming back to this guest book and Catherine's note with sadness and disbelief. We have fond memories of Matthew - so excited by his book, reading at Catherine and Lyle's rehearsal dinner. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you.
sweet
Emily Malcolm
January 23, 2009
Dear Aunt Addie,
Thank you for posting the wonderful photos. Here's one that we would like to share.
Much love,
The John Mays
Emily Malcolm
January 23, 2009
Oh Iffer,
How could this be?
Our hearts are still so heavy with Matthew's loss.
I pray for a little peace each day to fill the empty space.
Hug Mike and Nathan for us.
Doug Ward
January 9, 2009
Dear Mike, Jennifer and Kesti Family,
When I heard I was just heart broken. I did not know Mattew, however, in knowing and working with Mike this last couple years, I could visualize what kind of a warm and caring boy he must be. We are so sorry to hear this, both my wife and I have discussed and pray for you. Doug & Carol Ward
Kevin Stein
January 8, 2009
Dear Mike, Jennifer and Nathan;
I was shocked and devastated to hear the news of Mathew's passing. Words can not describe how sorry my wife and I are for your loss. Although we have drifted apart over the years - I still think of you guys often and wish it was for a different reason I was contacting you. My heart goes out to all of you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can do anything for you guys. Sorry I was not there to support you through this terrible time.
Regards,
Kevin and Kristen Stein
Kristi Robinson
January 8, 2009
There really aren't words to express the sadness I feel for your loss. I am a friend of Catherine's from Austin and met you at her wedding in October. I remember Matthew running around in his cape thinking how awesome that his parents would allow this expression of his individuality. Know that there are many who continue to keep you and all of your family in their thoughts and prayers. Big bear hug from Austin...
Linda Seymour
January 8, 2009
Dear Jennifer, Mike and Nathan:
Just a note to let you know I am thinking of you every day. I am so saddened by your loss as well. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. I love the pictures of Matthew--one thing I wanted to share that I remember thinking about Matthew during Reds baseball games was that he looked so cute out there in his socks--for some reason I remember thinking they were kind of big (baggy?) and I thought he picked them out himself! I just remember thinking they weren't the baseball socks and he looked so cute. Anyway, please feel free to call me---for a trip to the library and lunch or to just talk :) Love, Linda Seymour
9th birthday party
December 28, 2008
pitching for the Reds
December 28, 2008
sean, matthew, julie, canoe. getting ready to "thread the needle!" BWCA
December 28, 2008
candles for matthew
December 28, 2008
Matthew at Sea World, April 2008
addie may
December 28, 2008
December 24, 2008
As we are entering this holiday season, there is a huge hole in this family that cannot be filled! The only Christmas wish would be to have Matthew back here with us! I have to believe that he is all around us, every where we go. I see Matthew on mornings like today. It is so beautiful when the sun sparkles off the snow covered trees. I will continue to see him in many other beautiful things this world has to show us. We love you and miss you so much. Christmas will NEVER be the same!
Allene Manning Burns
December 23, 2008
Dear Rod and Family,
I just learned of the sudden loss of your beloved grandson! My heart aches for you & the whole family! As a fellow Edina teacher, & now a grandparent of 11, 8, 6, and 2 yr olds, I pray for your strength and courage to somehow get through this awful time. May you be blessed with enough loving memories to fill the hole in you hearts. Peace,
Betty Wickre
December 23, 2008
Dear Kesti Family,
My deepest sympathy to you all. This has to be an incomprehensible grief. My thoughts and prayers are with you all and I pray that your love and support for one another will sustain you through this dark time.
Jim Hamann
December 23, 2008
Rod,
Mavis and I are so sorry about the death of your grandson. It is always hard to find a reason why something as sad as this happens.
Mary Beth Cavert
December 23, 2008
Dear Kesti Family ~~
I am so saddened by your incomprehensible loss. My heart is full for you -- your family is in my thoughts.
Bob & Linda Frisell
December 23, 2008
Dear Rod and Connie - We are saddened by your grandson's death. He sounds like such a wonderful boy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bob and Linda Frisell
December 23, 2008
Dear Kesti Family,
Words cannot begin to express our sadness in learning of your loss. May God bless your family in this time of sorrow.
Dennis Wegner and Janet McLaughlin
Penny/David Vick
December 23, 2008
We remember holding the first born Matthew at the Spencer, WI lake home about nine years ago. I remember watching Matthew's first time parents tend to his every infant need! We are praying for your family's strength at this uncomprehendable time of loss. God be with you. Lovingly, Penny and David Vick
first day playing the baritone
December 23, 2008
Larry and Bonnie Fuglesten
December 23, 2008
Dear Kesti Family,
We are so shocked and saddened to hear about your loss of Matthew. No words can express our sympathies for each of you. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. May fond memories of Matthew comfort and console you now and forever.
May-Kesti-Gilligan Family at Catherine and Lyle's Wedding
December 22, 2008
Catherine T and Lyle O
December 22, 2008
We love you Jennifer, Mike and Nathan and are thinking of you throughout each day. All our love.
Pat & Kent Barker
December 22, 2008
We empathize with you all. You are in our thoughts for strength now and always. It is a very difficult and unexpected happening to have a child pass on before us as parents. Always remember to forget any troubles but never forget to remember the blessings and good times of each day.
Kent and Pat Barker
Thu-Van Tran
December 21, 2008
Dear Mike Kesti,
I was shocked and speechless to hear your loss. There is no word to describe this sorrow. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time.
Pat McCarthy
December 20, 2008
Dear Jennifer and Family,
I am so sorry for you loss. I wanted you to know you are very much in my thoughts and prayers during these days. God bless you!
Pat McCarthy, Brebeuf Jesuit Prep
Susan Showalter Rees
December 19, 2008
Dear Jennifer, Mike, Nathan, Addie, Susie & Families....
I am so very sorry for your loss. No words can do justice in expressing the deep sorrow I feel for all of you & those that had the great joy of knowing your wonderful Matthew. Please know that during this difficult time, you are all in my thoughts & prayers.
Peace be with you.
Becky Weisenburger
December 18, 2008
Dear Addie and Family
My prayers are with you during this most difficult time.
Sara Compton
December 18, 2008
Jennifer-- We were just now informed at BJPS about your recent terrible loss... From observing my mother's response to my brother's untimely death(25 years old), I can saythat the trite adage"only time can heal", is true, but having a close knit family to lean on helps a lot more... I can only send you my verbal support, but am hoping that will stir positive memories at least for a bit... You are not forgotten by we old timers at BJPS!
Sharon Lintault
December 18, 2008
Dear Addie, Jennifer, and family,
I am sure you are all in shock over this loss. I cannot imagine how painful this is to you all but please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Sharon, Bob and Austin
Shelia Chesser
December 17, 2008
Dear Addie & Family,
I am broken-hearted to hear of this tragic loss! I cannot imagine what you are going through. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. May you feel comforted to know that so many people love you and are praying for you.
Nicole Machado
December 17, 2008
Dear Kesti Family,
We were stunned and saddened to read about Matthew in the Burroughs Bulletin this week. Our hearts break; please know you are all in our thoughts.
Nicole, Frank, Antony and Jaxson Machado
(Antony and Jaxson were preschool friends of Nathan)
Carol & John Webster
December 17, 2008
Addie and Jennifer,
We were so saddened to hear about Matthew's passing. You are in our prayers as you go through this difficult time.
Nancy O'Roark
December 17, 2008
Dear Addie and Jennifer,
Words can’t express how very sorry I am for your loss. Please know that I’m thinking and praying for you all during this time.
BJ Morris
December 17, 2008
Dear Addie,
I am so very sorry to hear about this. You and your family are in our prayers. Please feel my arms around you in a virtual hug.
Kristen and Brian Didier
December 16, 2008
Dear Addie and Kesti family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Although we only met Matthew once at Addie's a while back, we know how special he was just from hearing Addie speak of his great accomplishments and love of life. What a beautiful soul. May God comfort you and keep you peaceful knowing that Matthew is in His loving care. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Adrienne Sewell
December 16, 2008
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I never had the chance to meet Matthew, but I have heard so much about him from Susi over the years that I feel that I knew him. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Dan and Hazel Margelli
December 16, 2008
Dear Addie and Kesti Family,
Words cannot express how we felt when we heard about Matthew. We were deeply saddened to hear the news. Matthew was a very special young man. Our love and thoughts are with you.
Pam and Larry Gorman
December 16, 2008
Dear Addie and Kesti Family,
We had only met Matthew for a brief time at Addie's home in Acworth but wanted to send our deepest sympathies to each of you. I know we have heard many wonderful stories about Matthew from Addie and how proud she was of him and all her family. May God Bless and comfort each of you.
Pam and Larry Gorman
Jen Gripman
December 15, 2008
Dear Jennifer, Mike and Nathan-
I am a good friend of Susi and Rob's in Berkeley, and I was awake all night after hearing the news of your loss. I feel like I know your boys through Susi's wonderful stories, and I know that Matthew was a truly remarkable boy. My heart aches for you, and I wish you love and peace as you find your way through this unimaginably difficult time. Best, Jen Gripman
Jennie Korsbon
December 15, 2008
Dear Mike, Jennifer and Nathan,
I know that things are hard for you right now, and I am so sorry for your loss. Isabelle talks so highly of Matthew and you will be pleased to know that Grace is reading The Tale of Despereaux in her KB class. I am praying for you. With love, Jennie Korsbon
Marcus Peterson
December 15, 2008
Dear Mike and Family - it seems like yesterday, Mike, that I was playing with you or against you in EPAA Basketball...then CMS...then classmates at EP...and even with such limited contact over the years, there is an EPHS Bond that makes your loss hit me very hard - and I didn't even love him (or know him) like you do which makes the thought of your pain incredible for me to imagine. I read about him in the paper and I know he touched lives and through this, please know that your family is loved and being prayed for. Blessings to you, even through this (especially through this) and may our Lord wrap His arms tightly around you all.
Teresa Provenzano
December 15, 2008
Jennifer, Mike and Nathan-
We are so sorry to hear the news of Matthew. We did not get to meet Matthew but feel special that he stayed at our home for his CA vacation. Please know that Susi's friends in Berkeley have you and your extended family in our thoughts.
Kim, Greg, Stephen and Olivia Kesti
December 14, 2008
Mike, Jennifer and Nathan,
The amount of unconditional love and devotion that was and is showered upon your family is truly amazing. There will not be a day, hour or minute of time that continues where we do not think of Matthew and how amazing he was. We have all been blessed to have known Matthew! Our prayers of unknown strength to continue this scary and horrible journey are forever with you.
We Love You
Darwin, Jo Ann and Ilsa Lee
December 14, 2008
Dear Jennifer, Mike and Nathan,
What a wonderful service of celebration for Matthew. It was so personal, thoughtful, heartwarming and comforting. Please know you are prayed for everyday and Matthews life will live in the stories and memories of all who knew him.
In God's peace and love,
Stuart Showalter
December 14, 2008
Dear Kesti Family-
I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your precious son. My thoughts are with you. -
Scott Springer
December 14, 2008
Kesti Family,
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this very difficult time.
Andrew, Jordan, Mona & Scott Springer
Tom and Mercedes Marson
December 13, 2008
So sorry to hear of the sudden and unexpected loss of your son Matthew. No words can't express your grief, we understand. We are Mercy and Tom Marson, Cooper Marson's Grandmother and Grandfather. Cooper told us often of his good friend Matthew.
Tim Carpenter
December 13, 2008
The Kesti family, I wanted to express my deepest sorrow of the loss of your son Matthew. I was the paramedic that took care of Matthew on that very sad day. I have been thinking about you all week and also grieving your loss, along with all the other EMS personel. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all...
John and Paola Flygare
December 13, 2008
Mike, Jennifer and Nathan, please know that you are in our thoughts during this unimaginably difficult time.
Diane Przymus
December 13, 2008
Dear Kesti Family,
It is impossible to imagine the devastation and pain you must be experiencing. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Know that many people all over the planet are grieving and praying for you and Matthew. May you be held in deep love and support.
Phyllis Bone
December 13, 2008
Dear Kesti Family,
There is nothing I can say that will minimize the pain you are experiencing. Please know that your friends from afar are grieving for you, too. I pray God will comfort and strengthen you for the days ahead and bring you to an enduring peace knowing that you lavished your love on Matthew.
Tom Holm
December 13, 2008
Dear Mike, Jennifer and Nathan,
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. You are much in my thoughts. My warmest love and deepest condolences are with you.
Pam Kraus
December 13, 2008
Dear Kesti Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for you at this sad time. Please know you are all in our thoughts.
Sabine Coates
December 13, 2008
Dear Jennifer and Mike,
We were shocked and deeply saddened to get the news of Matthew. Although we never met Matthew in person, we still felt like we knew him through your annual letters; he was a boy that approached life with enthusiasm. Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Sabine and Geoff
Andy Chidester
December 13, 2008
Dear Kesti family,
My deepest condolences to all of you! I can't even begin to say how sorry I am for your incredible loss.
Deborah Savran
December 13, 2008
To Matthew's family,
I am so deeply saddened to hear of your loss of your beautiful boy, Matthew. My heart and thoughts reach out to you all.
Deborah (who works with Julie at Blooma)
John and Kris Miller
December 13, 2008
Mike, Jennifer, and Nathan,
Our thoughts are with you during these sad and hard times.
Beverly Butler
December 13, 2008
We are thinking of you all and holding you close in our prayers. May God give you strength during this most difficult time.
Jane Montgomery
December 13, 2008
Dear Addie and Family,
God must have needed a good reader in heaven. May your memories of Matthew bring you comfort as you go forward.
Kristi S
December 13, 2008
Dear Kesti Family,
Word of your profound and devastating loss of Matthew reached me across time and distance. May the prayers of my family and the multitudes of others carry you over the coming weeks, months and years. I am deeply sorry.
Aria Elavsky
December 12, 2008
Kesti family-
I can't even imagine what you are going through on a daily basis and I am so sorry for your loss. Matthew was an amazing boy. When I think of him many fond memories come to mind from our time together at St. John's. He was the kind of a kid a person could never forget. The world was a better place with him in it. He was such a bright light and lived his life with such purpose and intensity. My heart breaks for your family.
Heidi Batcheller
December 12, 2008
I will always remember how happy Matthew would be when he accomplished a stroke in swimming lessons. Both Matthew and Nathan made me laugh every week. I will miss him deeply.
You family is in my thought and prayers
Gene and Bridget Forbrook
December 12, 2008
Kesti family, you will continue to be in our thoughts and prays in this difficult time.
Ann and Larry Tompkins
December 12, 2008
Dear Kesti Family, We were saddened beyond words when we heard about Matthew. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Lean on each other and the Lord through this very difficult time. Ann and Larry
Phil Nawrocki
December 12, 2008
Kesti Family,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. We are deeply sorry for the loss of Matthew.
Phil, Robin, Morgan, Peyton and Carson Nawrocki
Gary and Linda Templeton
December 12, 2008
Know that you and your lovely family are in our thoughts and prayers. Addie is a dear friend of ours, so that makes you dear to us, too. Blessings.
Scott & Char Galbraith
December 12, 2008
Mike, Jennifer & Nathan
Char and I are Senior Friends to Matt's Fourth Grand class at Mayflower and have only just recently met Matt. We are stunned by your loss and our hearts are with you and your extended family.
Dave Huss
December 12, 2008
We will keep you all in our prayers at the Huss house.
God Bless
Chad Klostermann
December 12, 2008
Mike, Jen, & Nathan,
Words can't describe how sorry we were to hear about your loss. Remember to lean on God, each other, family and friends to give you strength through this difficult time. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
The Klostermann Family
Chris Larson
December 12, 2008
Dear Mike and family,
I am incredibly saddened to hear about the loss of Matthew. Please know that friends, not only those near and current, but also those from long ago are sending warmth and solace during this unbelievably difficult time.
-Chris
Jeff Nawrocki
December 12, 2008
Dear Kesti Family -
We are sorry to learn of your unexcepted loss. Matthew and your famliy are in our thoughts and prayers. Take care.
Jeff, Julie and Collin Nawrocki
Steve Swartzman
December 12, 2008
We are grief-stricken beyond words by your loss, which is a loss for everyone who had the pleasure to know Matthew. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Evelina, Steve, Harry and Zandy
Greg & Mary Kay Schrank
December 12, 2008
Kesti Family:
Our deepest sympathies are with you at this sad time. You are in our prayers.
Nancy Showalter
December 12, 2008
Iffer, Mike, Nathan, Addie and family,
There are NO real words to express our profound grief and sorrow in learning of your great loss of this future baseball star. The old 47th Street community is draped in sadness at this time. May the love of your family and friends surround you all at this time.
Nancy, Irvin, Susan and Stuart
Gary and Lynn Shope
December 12, 2008
Jennifer, Mike and Nathan:
We were deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Matthew. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Amy Strabala
December 12, 2008
Dearest Jen, Mike and Nathan,
My deepest sympathies to each of you. We adored Matthew and my children speak of him often and the fun they had together at St. John's. Roberto loved and played with Matthew at St. John's my daughter Isabel (although she was older by 4 years) loved him they had a special connection. My children were blessed with his friendship.
I pray that you will find peace.
Matthew we love you.
Peace,
Amy, Ron, Isabel and Roberto Strabala
Laura Cox
December 12, 2008
Kesti Family
My thoughts & prayers are with you. I think of ya'll constantly and find myself hugging AJ more frequently. I'm so glad we had the opportunity to all play together in August. AJ misses his football buddy! Love to All
Herve Delannoy
December 12, 2008
There is no word which can describe the pain you have. We pray for you and your family. We are so sorry about this profound loss. You are part of our heart. We are so sorry not to find the right words….
2008 Aqua Hurricanes
December 12, 2008
Rita, Jahan, Dante & Alex Hajiani
December 12, 2008
Mike, Jennifer and Nathan,
our family is stunned and heartbroken by the news. Your words about Matthew showed your bravery and painted such a perfect picture of him that inspired us all. It is that sort of bravery that will carry you through with the help of family, friends and faith.
Tim MacDonald
December 12, 2008
Dear Jennifer, Mike and Nathan,
I do not have the words to express my sense of loss at hearing of Matthew’s passing. An although I only knew Matthew for one week a year at Basketball Camp as his coach I will always remember the warmth of his smile, his energy and sense of determination while playing. But mostly I will remember the kindness and love I felt in his end of camp hugs and handshakes. Thank you for sharing him with me.
Kristin Devine
December 12, 2008
Mike and Jennifer,
I can't imagine what you and your family are going through right now. I am so, so sorry. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
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