Matthew James Llewellyn

My Dear Son -

Matt, it's been 16 years, and I miss you more and more with each breath that I take. For some reason, it has been difficult writing to you this year. I don't know why - maybe because this long hot summer has been breaking records with no end in sight right now and it's getting to me. Or maybe it's just because your mama is getting old!

This has been a quiet day at home filled with memories of you swirling around in my head and tears cleansing my soul. I love you so much and miss your beautiful smile!

Happy 56th Birthday. I wish I could give you a birthday hug. Some day.....

Love, Mom

September 5, 2023

Dearest Matt -

I write to you every year, so I can't begin to tell you how upset I was when I discovered my 2022 letter didn't get posted. I don't know what happened and sure hope it doesn't happen again.

This morning we went to the cemetery to visit you and bring flowers to celebrate your birthday. And, of course, we sang Happy Birthday to you. It's always bittersweet because it is also the anniversary of you leaving this world fifteen years ago. It's hard to believe it has been that long - and that our hearts were forever changed that day.

It's comforting to know (through Scripture the Lord led me to) that you are with Him. I sometimes wonder what your life would have been like if you were still here. You wouldn't recognize it if you saw it now. There's a spiritual battle going on and it's very sad.

I love and miss you so much, dear son.

Love, Mom

September 5, 2021

To My Sweet Little Boy -

Yes, in my heart you will always be my little boy. You brought such joy into my life for 40 years. And I never doubted your love for me. As you grew up, and in your adult years, you always showed concern for me and was always eager to help me. I miss that.

As we always do each year on this day, we went to the cemetery to spend time with you. Do you like the flowers we brought you? We looked at family pictures and shared precious memories of times we had with you. We read Scripture. We sang Happy Birthday to you. We cried. We prayed. It is always a bittersweet time. Bitter - because 13 years ago you departed this world far too soon. Sweet - because 13 years ago you entered the Kingdom of Heaven.

You are forever in our hearts. (And you will always be my little boy.)

I love you, dear Matt. I count the days when I'll see you again.

Love, Mom

My Dearest Matt -

Another year has passed since you left this world and entered the Kingdom of Heaven. It is by God's grace that the ache in my heart has softened over the last 12 years with the hope and promise of seeing you again. I'm so thankful for that.

We brought flowers to you today and sang Happy Birthday. It warms my heart when the family comes together to celebrate your life and remember how you personally impacted each of our lives with your love and kindness. You forever live in our hearts.

Happy Birthday, my dear son. I love and miss you so much.

Love, Mom

Miss you

My Dear, Sweet Matt -

Oh, how I wish I could wrap my arms around you and give you a big hug! For the past 11 years I've only been able to do that in my mind and in my heart.

I have your picture on my nightstand, and every morning I start the day saying "Good Morning" to you. And end the day saying "Goodnight." I feel the nearness of you when I hug your picture close to my heart. I miss you so much.

Life goes on here on earth, but God comforts me everyday and fills me with peace and hope that I will see you again. What a glorious day that will be!

Happy 51st birthday, my dear son. I'm so blessed to have had 40 of those years to hug you. I love you more and more with each passing day.

Love, Mom

So many years Panda. They say Life moves on. It does Matti. Love? no Panda , It doesn't. Till I see you soon. Eternally.

My Dear Precious Matt -

I can't believe it's been ten years since you went home to be with the Lord. I've missed you every single day and hold you so very close in my heart.

Today is your 50th birthday and I sometimes wonder what your life would have been like if you were here now. You loved helping people and you always loved children (and they loved you). I have no doubt you would have been an awesome dad. I know this to be true because you were an awesome uncle. Time marches on and you now have one great niece and two great nephews. One was born just yesterday - almost on your birthday! They are great kids. I only wish they could have known you. We get poppies every Veteran's Day to remember you and your service in the Navy. We have a beautiful bouquet of poppies!

It warms my heart every time I look at pictures of you and your beautiful smile. Everyone loved your smile and especially the kind person that you were.

With each day I'm a little closer to seeing you again. That thought makes me happy. I love you so much. And words can't even express how much I miss you.

Happy Birthday, Dear Son.

Love, Mom

My Dearest Matt -

Not a day goes by that I don't think of you. And not a night goes by that I don't kiss your picture on my nightstand when I go to bed. I love you so much.

Sometimes it seems like it was just yesterday that you went home to be with the Lord, but it's been nine years. My life changed forever that day. By God's grace, I can feel you close in my heart and see you in my dreams. I love that God has given us the gift of memories. I have so many wonderful memories of you growing up - and wonderful memories of you as a loving and caring grown man. You were always eager to do things for me and help me whenever I needed it. The best part was that whatever you did, you did it out of love. I miss that . . . I miss you.

Happy 49th birthday, dear son. I look forward to the time when I can give you a kiss on your cheek and give you a hug.

Love, Mom

September 05, 2016

My Dear Sweet Matthew -

Another year has passed and my heart still aches for you. I know that will never change. But I rely on God's word in Proverbs 3: 5 ("Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding") to give me the strength that I need to get through each day. God is so good.

It is 8 years now since you went home to the Lord and still when the family is together, your absence is felt - especially the special moments. One of those moments was the birth of your great-nephew last December. His name is Sawyer Matthew. How about that! He will carry your name throughout his life. It warms my heart every time I think about that. I know you would have adored him.

Each day that passes is one day closer to when I will see you again. It will be a glorious day!

Happy 48th Birthday, my precious son. I love and miss you so much.

Love, Mom

September 5, 2015

My Loving Matt -

Not a day goes by that I don't think of you and miss you. It's hard to believe that today is your 47th birthday. You will remain forever young and oh so handsome in my mind and in my heart. Your kindness and eagerness to help people will always be remembered. You touched so many lives.

Each year we celebrate your life and share our fondest memories of you. The void we all feel in our hearts is filled with our love for you.

And now there is little Payton who is three years-old and knows who Uncle Matt is. Each Veteran's Day she and I place two poppies by your picture to remember your years of service in the Navy. In time we will have a beautiful bouquet of red poppies. Payton is going to have a little brother in December. I can only imagine how much fun you would have had with these beautiful children and how much you would have loved them.

It's comforting to know that with each passing day, I'm one day closer to seeing you again. Until then, the tears will still flow and the heartache will still be there. This is the cross a mother must bear when she misses her child. I ask God for His strength to get me through each day. He is a loving and awesome God. But then, you already know that.

Happy birthday, my dear sweet son. I love you so much.

Love, Mom

Dear Sweet Matt -
The letter I wrote to you yesterday didn't post for some reason so I'm writing to you again today. We visited you yesterday, and little Payton loved singing Happy Birthday to you. She is such a sweet little girl. You would have been crazy about her.

It is six years now. So hard to believe. Memories of you growing up have been flooding my mind. I loved those years. You were such a sweet boy - and sometimes a little dickens. (Yes, you had your moments of boyish mischief!) Each time I told your grandmother about one of your antics, she would say, "Well, you got your boy!" Those words always put a smile on my face and a little tug at my heartstrings. I loved it all.

My heart is filled with so much love for you. And beyond all understanding, joy is there, too. A true gift from God. Only He can place such a miracle in a mother's heart.

I am so thankful for the time we had together here in this earthly life. And the hope of being together again in eternal life is what keeps me strong.

Thank you, Lord, for all the wonderful memories.

Happy 46th Birthday, my dear son.

Love, Mom

My Dear Sweet Son -

Each year on this day, I'm filled with such mixed emotions: Happy thinking about it being the day of your birth, and sad remembering that it is the day you left this world. Although it's a bittersweet day, I'm so thankful that God understands this mother's heart and fills it with an abundance of love, comfort and peace. I love you, dear Matt. I feel much joy when I think of you as a little boy growing up ad then as an adult. When you were growing in my womb, God wove threads of kindness and love into your very being. You carried those God-like qualities throughout your life and I don't think there was ever a person who met you who wasn't touched by them. I miss you so much and can't wait to see you again.

Love, Mom

Dearest Matt -

Another year has gone by. September 5th is such a bittersweet day for us. It was on this day forty-four years ago that you were born. And on this day four years ago you went home to be with the Lord.

There are so many memories of you spinning around in my mind and tugging at my heart. The ache never goes away, but I thank the Lord each day for the strength and comfort he gives me and the whole family.

You have a new little great-niece who was born on April 30th. Her name is Payton Teresa and you would have loved spoiling her! I know you're watching down on her and on all of us.

Today we celebrate your life, remembering all the wonderful times we shared and how you impacted each one of us with your love. We are comforted in knowing we will all be together again one day. We miss you so much.

Happy birthday, my sweet son.

Love, Mom

To The Family & Loved Ones of Matt Llewellen:

I have just recently heard of the passing of Matt, and was shocked. You have my condolences & deepest sympathy. I know it's been awhile now, but I hope you are all hanging in there, and finding comfort in all your happy memories.
I grew up with Matt. My name was Kim Boadt. We went to Navajo, Pima, & Saguaro High together. I lived just around the block from your home in Scottsdale, & had been there several times. Matt was a great guy, with a great smile, & alot of fun to be around. Many girls in school, including myself had a crush on him.
I was so saddened to hear the news. I guess we will all see him on the other side, as he is in good hands.

With Deepest Sympathy,
Kim (Boadt) Perry

My Dear Sweet Son –

Forty-three years ago today you came into this world. What a beautiful and amazing day that was. You began your life having two older sisters. And with your arrival our family was complete. I loved all the days you were growing up. You gave me such joy. The thrill of having a son is still with me today. Happy birthday, sweet Matt.

Three years ago today you left this world. That was the day my heartache began and continues every day, every hour, and with every heartbeat. But even with the heartache, you remain so alive with all my wonderful memories. I’m so thankful God gave us the ability to remember because it gives me great comfort and peace. You touched many people in your short life and you continue to live on in so many hearts. What a handsome and kind man you had become –both inside and out.

Now you are living your eternal life with the Lord. That gives me comfort, too, because I have the hope of seeing you again. I pray that we will all be reunited one day. What a beautiful and amazing day that will be!

Sweet dreams, my son. I love you so very much as only a mother can love her child. You are still the apple of my eye.

Love, Mom

Death can destroy you or focus you, Some can say a relationship was all for nothing, if it end with death and your alone, Or some see that every moment had more meaning than they dared to recognize at the time . So much meaning that it scares them. So they just lived, took for granted the love and the laughter of each day with out stopping to see the sanctity to it. .
But its is over and I am alone. I see now it was not just walking the woods of Prescott. Or washing the dogs, or worrying about the bills, it was everything; it was every event and precious moment of it. It was the why to my life. Loving Matt was the answer to the mystery Of my existence.
When I am slammed to my knees I cannot get off the ground for the longest time. I was not slammed to the ground by the weight of the loss. But by the overwhelming sense of humbling gratitude of everything second That proceeded the loss.
I know to cling to the loss, to find solace in my grief is to disrespect loving and being loved by Matthew James Llewellyn
He is loved and will never be forgotten.

Uncle Matt,

I was thinking about you today and in all honesty there is not one day that you don’t cross my mind. On one hand it makes me very sad to know you are no longer here, but on the other it brings peace to me to know that you are safe and in Gods hands. I miss you and love you. I wish I could see you again, and I know one day I will.

Love,
Your favorite niece Courtney
(Ok ok your only niece)

To my beloved Matt -

Another year has passed and the ache in my heart never goes away. I miss your beautiful smile and your phone calls when you would always say "Hey Mom" and end with "Love you." Oh, if I could hear your voice one more time. But I will have to wait until the time when we are together again. Until then, I ask the Lord every day to give you a hug and kiss for me and tell you how much I love and miss you.

Today is your 42nd birthday. I cherish the memory of when you were born and the incredible feeling I had the first time I held you. You were the apple of my eye.

Happy birthday, my dear son. I miss you and love you so much.

Love,
Mom

To my dear son -

I love you. It was one year ago today that the Lord took you home to be with Him and there's an ache in my heart that never goes away. It is God's love and strength that gets me through each day. And through my faith I have the hope that I'll see you again.

Happy birthday, Matt. I miss you so much.

Love,
Mom

Dear Ms. Llewellyn, Sandi, and Linda,

My name is Kellie (Murphy) Acotto. I can't begin to tell you how deeply sorry I am to hear about Matt"s passing! I Know God will wrap His arms around you and shower you with all the Peace, Love , and Strength you will need to help you through this time.

I would like to share with you who I am. I was Matt's girlfriend all of 8th grade year. I had also reconnected with him one unforgettable night back in 1991, when we got stuck on Camelback Mt. overnight because his car battery died! I hadn't talked to him in 17 years though. I had sent him a message last week on classmates trying to get back in touch with him, when I heard the news from some other Pima/Saguaro classmates. I am overwhelmed with saddness and wanted you to know that I would of been at the funeral if I had known!

I will always remember his Beautiful Smile, and the sweet boy who spent almost everyday at my house after school that I loved!! His lip smack, meaning he wanted a kiss! The young extreme gentelman of 22 that I spent time with! And I will morn for the Man I wanted to know again! I just wanted you to know that Matt touched my heart and soul FOREVER!!

Grace,
Kellie

Bev and Family -- Our heartfelt prayers and deepest sympathy go out to you all, for the loss of a beloved family member. Matt was a fine man and made the world a better place with his winning smile and good heart. May God be with you all, The Barclays.

Bev, Sandi & Family,

I hope the love and memories of Matt provide a blanket of comfort during your sorrow.
Matt's effort in creating a work area for your stamp room has been appreciated by me during our stamping days. I am sure you will continue to remember the ways he has touched so many of your friends and family.
I wish you all strength and am sending you our love.
Love, Jenifer Zygmond & Family

Dear Aunt Bev, Sandi & Linda:

There are no words I can think of to know exactly how you feel. However, the loss of Matt is great to a lot of people who knew him. Matt and Scot used to bother us girls whenever we got together for holidays and just for fun. I didn't have the opportunity to know him as an adult but I'm sure he was a lot fun, smart (and handsome, by the way).
He's with God now so he's in a safe place. And thank God we have memories to celebrate and memories to cherish of Matt.

With all of my love,
Debi Kelley (neice & cousin)

Dear Bev and Family,
I know that Jesus is holding Matt as I write this. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. I owe you a lunch at Hy-Vee the next time you visit. Fondly, Peg.

Dear Bev, Sandi, Linda and family,
My heart breaks for your family. Matt's Memorial Service was bittersweet; so very difficult to say goodbye, but so awesome to know that Matt is with our sweet Lord and Savior. The Bible tells us that believers in Jesus will see their loved ones again in Heaven -- what a comfort!

Bev, your Pastor Josh, gave a beautiful salvation message and I pray that lives were changed as a result.

I pray that the Lord would comfort you through your sorrow, and that you would all draw close to Him for strength and hope.

With all of my love in Christ,
Marlene

Lisa,
I am so deeply saddened to hear of Matt's passing. He was truly the
nicest and most generous man I have ever known.He could always make you feel loved and welcomed to be with him and I will miss him dearly.Please get in touch if there is anything you need.

Dear Aunt Bev,
I am so sorry to hear about Matt. I'm glad I got to spend that night with Matt about 10 years ago and get to know him as an adult. Our hearts are with you.
Love Scot Schiffer and Family

Bev - you don't know me - Leona and Kent are close friends, and I was so sorry to hear about Matt. God doesn't promise smooth sailing, but He does promise safe passage - know that you are safe in His arms.

Dear Aunt Bev, Linda and Sandi,
I am so, so sorry about Matt. I am heartbroken when I think about what you are going through. I will always remember all the fun times we had when we were all together during the holidays as little kids -- FUN!!! I love you and am praying that the Lord will heal all of our hearts!!
Your loving niece (and cousin),
Kimmy

Dearest Bev, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones during this difficult time.

Bev and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Bev & Sandi, I am truley shocked to hear of your loss. Matt worked for/with me and we enjoyed many fun times together playing pool and hanging out. He will be missed greatly. My prayers are with you all.

Aunt Bev,

I was deeply saddened to hear about Matthew's passing. I will always remember the sweetness and beauty of his boyhood days in Detroit.

I love you.

Your adoring niece,
Annie

Dear Bev,

My deepest sympathies are with you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that our dear Lord will heal your pain and fill your soul with peace and comfort

Beverly - Sandi - Linda

What is your name......
Mattu, Mattu, Mattu.
(with the Biggest & Best Smile ever!)

Love, Uncle Tom

Schramm, and family, you have sincere prayers coming your way from us for God to bind up your broken hearts, and for you to literally feel the arms of Jesus holding you through the months ahead. May your beloved Matt bask in the presence of God & you all be reunited again someday. Much Love,

Bev, Our deepest condolences to you and your family. We want you to know that we are praying for you and the family during this time.

Dear Bev -
Rayonne let me know of Matt's passing. I pray for the spirit of peace and comfort during this difficult time for you. I think of you often. Love and best wishes

Dear Mrs. Llewellyn & Sandi,
You probably don't remember me but I'm James Douglas Welshans. Matt, James Roland, Frank Heladen and I all hung out together in high school. I am very shocked to hear of Matt's passing and very saddened by the news. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Dearest Bev, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones during this difficult time. Take comfort in your memories. With Love, Diana Cerrito

Sandi,
I am very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.

Dear Mrs Llewellyn and family, We just wanted to send our sympathy and prayers in your time of sorrow. God is by your side and Matt is in his loving arms. As time goes on you will find joy in your memories and gratitude for the time you had together. Ken, Barbara and family

Lisa, we are so very sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers.

Bev, words can be so inadequate during times of profound grief, but please know that we're so very sorry for your loss, and we're praying for you and your family. May God sustain you, strengthen and comfort you, provide you with His grace and with a peace that surpasses all comprehension in these difficult days.

Matt was a friend and teamate during High School. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. May go be with him and your family as you deal with your loss.

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven."
Bev, I was so sorry to hear about Matt. Please accept with deepest sympathy, the heartfelt thought that there is hope in each new tomorrow. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love, Becky

Dear Mrs. Llewellyn, Sandi & Linda,
I am so sorry to hear about Matt. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I love you,
Evie Brown

Mrs. Llewellyn, Sandi & Linda:

Matt was a dear friend during our high school years. I am saddened by his passing, and will pray for God to give you strength thru this time.

Brian Miller

Dear Sandi and Bev,
I am so sorry to hear about Matt's passing. I smile when I think of our high school days and recall some stories we had.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

BEV ,I HOPE.YOU WILL LET GOD'S DEEP LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING HELP YOU IN YOUR GRIEF. FOR HE IS THERE TO EASE YOUR PAIN AND BRING YOUR SORROWING HEART RELIEF.

WITH LOVE AND SYMPATHY,

The Lewellyn Family: No one ever really knows what to say when someone held dear loses a loved one. Lee and I are no different. We do know, however, that Matt brought joy into the lives of those he loved. Matt's work on earth has ended and for him a well-earned rest has been won but he will forever be in the hearts of his family and friends. Sending you our deepest sympathy.

We are so sorry to hear of your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.

Bev:

We love you and we are praying for you!

Pastor Josh & Tracey

Bev,
I'm so sorry that it took this tragic event to reach out to a long, lost friend. You are in our thoughts, prayers and pleasant memories. Please reach out to us if there is anything you need help with.

Bev, my heart goes out to you and your family. I still have such a fond memory of hanging out at your house and swimming with Matt many moons ago-- it is that fun, goofy memory that I'll keep of him. You've made such an emotional investment in him... surely he has a special path up to Heaven.

Love, Cynthia and family

Dear Bev,

I am so sorry for your loss. My sincere thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Sandi and Bev,
My thoughts of peace, strength and happiness are with you and your family.

Bev, I am so sad to hear of your loss. I am sending prayers your way, for Matthew, you and your family. Yvonne

Bev....with deepest sympathy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Bev and family,
Our sincere love and prayers are with you at this time.

Dear Bev,
Your steadfastness in God during your personal loss is a testimony to me. We can't help thinking about all those holiday dinners when our kids were so small and how much they loved being all together. It's hard to believe that Matt is still not here. But we know that he is in the loving arms of Jesus and he is at peace. God bless you and your family and God bless Matt
Kent and Leona

Bev, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss.

My sincere condolences to the Llewellyn family. I am so sorry.

To Bev and the rest of Matt's family.
I'm so sorry for your loss.




"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal."
From a headstone in Ireland



With thoughts of peace and courage for you,