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October 2025-

As summer comes to a close we look back at our summer and all that has happened since our last post. We are so incredibly grateful that Jack is finally HOME! His time serving the Army isn’t over until Feb 2026, but with the help our awesome nephew, Tommy, Jack was able to come home September 11th to begin his Chicago SIM Entrepreneurial Program. And if you haven’t checked out Chicago’s hottest place to practice your swing- check this out! http://www.thesimclub.com (tell them Matthew sent you)

It’s been a long 4 years without Jack home. We forgot just how much energy he brings. Welcome home Jack -boy did we miss you! This kid bring so much joy! A huge bonus that comes with Jack being home is we get to see Allie! Only Allie can get Jack to run “for fun”. These two have so much fun. So so happy you’re home Jack!

Jack makes it home in just enough time to see a Cubs game. The last regular season home game. Cutest Cubs Fans right here. Let the fun begin.

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Another huge transition- Claire left for University of Illinois in August! We knew that day would come, but seriously how did it come so fast.

We were so worried, how will Claire adjust to being away? How is she going to make it without us? we pondered as we sat in the U of I parking lot for almost an hour after she walked into her dorm to start her new journey.

Well here’s how ⬇

This is actually the last thing I thought was going to happen the first month of college-Claire rushes! Oh wait maybe not the last thing..

IYKYK- 💐🍣💕

Thank God for childhood friends. Look after each other girls.

I think, no.

Claire spent the entire summer in Wisconsin as a camp counselor. We mistakenly thought it would prepare us for her leaving for college. Boy were we wrong. Here are some footage of that adventure.

Color War Leader and WINNER! Go Green!

May you remain unabashed

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Some fun highlights:

We visit Claire in Wisconsin:

Chris Stapleton did not disappoint!

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Sounds like neither did Tyler Childers

Did you know you could even do this? Anyone else obsessed with Capybaras?

I highly suggest- https://summerfieldfarmandzoo.com

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SOUTHHAVEN IN OUR DREAM HOUSE

Forever Friendships

Doing things that seem like a good idea at the time

Vacation Steve is my favorite ❤

The cutest couple in South Haven- and the easiest to vacation with. Love these two.

Olympic volleyball’s next recruits

The best tea comes out on the water..

Thank you to Lisa for always bringing the sparks and setting time aside just for you Matthew. No matter where we are or what we are doing, you are forever apart of us.. Love you Matthew- forever and a day!

May!! What a whirlwind you were! A multitude of milestones, emotions, and memories all condensed into one unbelievably emotional rollercoaster of a month.

I know you said a “low key” party but we couldn’t help it- you’ve earned it, Claire! Love you so much!! U of I has no idea what is coming! 🧡💙

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The day is finally here!!

May you always know how very special you are!

It’s official! Claire graduated with the HIGHEST of honors-Summa Cum Laude 👩🏽‍🎓

Thank you for Auntie Lisa for coming and always cheering the loudest! 💙💛

We are laughing here because Claire was the first one “outta there” after graduation. We literally couldn’t keep up. On to bigger things! Oh you have no idea how so very excited we are for you!!

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All Claire wanted for graduation was for Jack to come into town. Best gift ever. Oh how I know Matthew is watching you both right now. You know what he’s saying.. “Where is Mr. Sweeney” 🍎

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A wise man once said “work hard and you will be rewarded, nothing comes free kid”- George Rasmussen

Here’s the proof:

Thank you NNC!

Later, that same evening, Claire was recognized for her heritage (I know my Mom was the proudest in that room and had a front row seat for this one), got a PTSA Scholarship for ability to go above and beyond in the classroom and her ability to be a role model and leader in and outside of the classroom. Here her and her besties are recognized for their own individual outstanding commitments.

For someone who is not a fan of the limelight- you rocked this one, kid. The stage looks good on you.

A special shoutout to this man you see here. His name is Dr. Fuhrer and he is the Principal at Neuqua Valley High School. He holds a special place in our Nash Family hearts. He is a good man who is amazing at his job. He truly cares about his students- Thank you Dr. Fuhrer and gooo Wildcats!

Our baby..

How did this even happen? So happy for this truly special group of kids that have known each other since they were babies. Love you all.

Happiness is.. when you get asked to prom by a forever friend. How creative is this Promposal? You think this is adorable, wait for the Prom photos! ⬇

This was the first dress Claire tried on and I know I am biased but.. so stunning!

If this doesn’t illustrate their friendship, I don’t know what will.

Patriots Forever!

May you all always remember how much you are loved

Life is SO much more fun with cousins! Aren’t they the cutest!!

AND the fun didn’t stop there-n0pe- our generous friends hosted this group the very next day at their lake house. There are days (like this) when we don’t know how we got so fortune for these friends. Thank you Beutels! Memories of a lifetime 🚤🛶☀🌞😎🍨🕶

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A HUGE celebration! Allie graduated from Indiana! 🤍💓

Look at this new graduate who already has landed a job and ready to take on the world! We are so proud of you Allie! Jack wouldn’t miss the chance to see you at ALL of your ceremonies. You worked so hard! Seriously, I do not know how you do it all! We cannot wait to celebrate YOU! Congratulations!

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Neuqua Valley Honors Night. Notice those gold tassels? They signify academic excellence and achievement. And- they don’t come easy. Congratulations to all of the students who earned this award tonight I hope you all wear those hard earned gold cords with so much pride come graduation day!

So incredibly proud

Matthew is always with us. We were completely take aback when we saw this tree in the atrium of Neuqua. I didn’t realize that this tree existed until Honors Night. Another reminder that you are always with us, Matthew. Matthew you are forever remembered.

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What do you do when one of your besties sons gets married and you can’t believe it because you’ve know him since he was born? You take a friend group photo.. Congrats to Bret and Sam!

April 26th

I love this picture of my Dad and I. I see so much of Matthew in this picture. Happy Birthday, Dad (Grandpa) – of course you send a beautiful day. Thinking of you while we wait for the Cubs game to start. Love you.

April 25th

Congratulations to our favorite #22 (IYKYK) on being nominated into the St. Xavier Hall of Fame. KK #22- you were in our Hall of Fame WAY before today!

April 23rd

Claire received a surprise visit at school today from The Naperville Newcomers and Neighbors Club. The pictures shown below are the board members telling Claire that she was being awarded their scholarship for “Helping others in the community”. Community service is something where you step up to make a difference in the life of someone in need. Claire was awarded this scholarship for her volunteerism that demonstrates a passion and commitment to serving her community. Claire has volunteered at OSOT in Lisle, volunteered at Teed Off About Alzheimer’s, raised money for AFSP, lobbied for many important community issues through YAG, will be a camp counselor this whole summer in Wisconsin and that is all without mentioning all the random acts of kindness she does in honor of her brother, Matthew. You deserve this Claire, so happy others in the world recognize it too!

Thank you to these members who took the time to actually award this scholarship in person! If you have not checked out the NNNC, please do! https://napervillenewcomersandneighborsclub.com/

We are so proud of you, Claire! It’s so nice to be recognized for what you do outside of the classroom!

Thank you so much for taking the time to recognize Claire, a forever memory

April 20th

We were able to spend the Easter weekend with our favorite soldier. And, while visiting beautiful California we were able to celebrate not only Easter, but Jack’s promotion! The ‘kid’ you see below is now an E5 (Sergeant) in the United States Army!! Jack has worked to hard at earning this rank that serves as a first-line leader and supervisor. You will be the best leader Jack, Congratulations! We are all so excited for you and so happy to be with you when you received the news. What a better place to celebrate than at the beach. Love you so much, Sergeant Nash!

April 8th 2025

Twenty years ago I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. I loved you before I ever met you and I am so proud to be your mom, Matthew. Today we celebrate you. thank you for all the signs you continue to bring us, keep them coming, kid.

The three best things we ever did, right here.

To be at a baseball game with you today..

In case you need to hear this voice like we did, here’s a PSA about sugar. Thank you, Mateo ❤ I think we will be having Chipotle with a little Gatorade today.

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Just when you think it’s time to stop posting- you get a text from Matthew’s friend asking why he can’t log on to the site AND this comes while on a boat in the middle of the ocean where you’re begging God to send you a sign that things are going to be ok. Thank you God (and EM 💓)

Claire’s senior trip was so much more than we imagined. For those who have lost a child understand, vacations are never the same. There is a ton of guilt and lots of longing for your whole family to be together. We started the trip, in the same city we had our very last vacation as a family of five- Ft. Lauderdale. Ironic and initially terrifying. I spent the night before the trip in the ER because I thought something was really wrong and had pain I’ve never experienced. Turns out it was nothing big, but as the doctor obliviously stated, “you probably just have a case of the mental yips”. For those non-sport enthusiasts this means your mind takes over your body due to many things but primarily anxiety. We arrive in Ft. Lauderdale on Steve’s birthday, another milestone that makes you miss your family being whole. And, here’s where the story takes a turn. The night we arrive, the families all meet us for dinner and celebrate Steve with cake and one too many drinks and far too many laughs. We ended the night feeling so much love that I don’t think they’ll ever truly understand. The rest of the trip was full of so much celebrating! Celebrating this incredible group of kids who deserve the best the world has to offer. They truly are so special. The best is yet to come!

Introducing the Class of 2025 🎓💙💛

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BRAG POST DELETED BY REQUEST

🧡💙Claire you are amazing! U of I is lucky to have you- that’s all I’ll say

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Matthew, We love you with all our heart! And, we miss you more than any heart can handle. Happy Valentines Day 💗

Whenever we panic that the world has forgotten you, an angel sends us a reminder that you are always with us. Here are some of those angels. Love you, forever and a day.

This Gorgeous Kid is my God Child, who reminds the world how special you are #16. Love you!

Then in Iowa there is another awesome kid, who we’ve known since he was 6, who is so special to our family. He sends love in a photo also reminding us that Matthew is never forgotten. Love you!

2025-

The new year is always such a good time for reflection. As Steve and I had a quiet evening while Jack snowboarded with Allie and Claire hung with her crew we did just that- reflected on 2024. I remember in those very early days of missing Matthew a therapist telling me the key to healing is only obtained through gratitude. Those words didn’t resonate at the time, but they do today. I am grateful for so much. This year is a big one for change, Claire goes off to school and Jack comes so close to ending his time in the Army, but two things will always remain and they are; missing Matthew and being thankful for every day we get to live on this planet with the people we cherish. Matthew reminds us of what it means to be thankful, he sends signs every single day. I’m thankful for those who continue to check in on us and check in on this site and everything else in between.

Recent gratitude-

I have come full circle and now have a new job in accounting which I didn’t realize I missed so much. I get to work with wonderful people which includes my BFF who led me to this opportunity. For those who don’t know, this is the same BFF who got me the job where I met Steve and she met her husband. How do you thank a friend like that? Forever and ever Thankful.

Claire and I were able to go to France because of an uber-generous and thoughtful friend who included us in her entire itinerary where we were able to do ALL things Paris. A lifechanging trip for so many reasons. There are no words.

Claire turned 18 and my heart wants to explode at the exceptional human she is. She leaves for college in the fall and although it’s all part of God’s plan I know we will be missing her so much. Stop by in September for a stiff drink (j/k- kind of).

Jack continues to blow our minds with how much he is accomplishing while serving our country. He is taking college courses, learning to code and has a stock market portfolio. Counting down the days until 2/2026 when he comes home.

Jack and his friends were able to fix his go-kart which they have been building for the better part of a year. They had so much fun building this, it was fun to see it all come together. If you live nearby you have probably heard it. 😃

Allie’s family moved across the country, but continue to bless us by including Jack in all of their fun family adventures. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Thank you to the best friends and family! Thank you for everything, but especially thankful for continuing to be patient with us, loving us through it all and especially for keeping Matthew alive by asking about him and remembering him. No greater gift. Hoping you know how much we love and appreciate you ♥

So thankful for you! Wishing you all that 2025 has to offer. Love you, love you!

Thankful for these friends. Wishing them the best as they graduate high school and start their college journeys. Make good choices 📚

Matthew has the best friends. I’ve been blessed with knowing this gorgeous face since she was 4! I always call her my second daughter since she was little. She remembers Matthew every single holiday. My favorite part is that she and David bring Matthew into every new year by honoring him with a cheer. MIla- you’ll never know what you do for our family.

Paris is even more beautiful than they say. JE T’AIME, FRANCE.

I think a world traveler has just been born. Can you just wait a little while, like 20 years?

October birthdays (missing Dana)

Always a blast with this crew. Love celebrating with you 💙

A fun night in the city with my fellow theater lovers 🎭 you both make fun outings even more fun

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Here’s a memory that popped up. Jack and Matthew sending this to Claire while she is at a sleepover. Pretending to sleep in her bed with all her favorite things.

November 26th

1,111 days of missing you Matthew and we are not the only ones. Missing you a little extra today Mateo.

November 11th

Matthew Steven Nash. Matthew was so much. Matthew was full of life, full of energy and full of love. I couldn’t sleep last night, I couldn’t sleep because Matthew was with me. I know it was Matthew who got me out of bed at 4:30am and told me to get out and walk the dogs. I know he wanted me out of the house in the quiet with him like so many early mornings from him as a baby to him as a teen. So I got up and walked the dogs and thought of Matthew. What came to me was all that Matthew is. Then I thought there is so much that people don’t know about Matthew. We know how he passed but that is the least of what encompassed this soul who held so much. So after seeing the day begin while most were still in bed-it came to me. I need to share who Matthew is so we can all celebrate him today. I know I’m not the only one thinking of him today. I will always always love receiving texts from Matthew’s friends, our friends and family who think of him often and aren’t shy about letting us know. More on that in a minute 🙂

Matthew Steven Nash born Friday, April 8th 2003 at 3:27pm weighing in at a healthy 8 pounds 3 ounces and 20 inches. Matthew came into this world as feisty as they come with strong lungs and a healthy appetite. One of the nurses at the hospital said, “this one has a lot to say”. And boy he did. Matthew came home and added so much energy and joy to our family. Matthew also came with his own opinion from day one- he decided when to sleep and that wasn’t always when the rest of us did. As a toddler Matthew learned to walk at 11 months, definitely trying to keep up with his big brother, Jack. He loved Jack and ultimately wanted to be just like Jack. He’d chase Jack and always be next to him no matter where we were from the sofa to the car to ultimately the pitchers mound. Then came Claire 19 months later. As soon as Matthew found out he was going to have a little sibling, Matthew would ask, “When is the baby coming”. He would tell me to “take it out!” When she arrived Matthew called Claire “MY BABY!” and would be spotted staring at her in her bouncy seat and sometimes would go in her room and wake her up so he could “play with his baby”. This bond was instant.

Matthew started preschool and made friends with a girl who liked to be called Spike. These two were (and still are) feisty and tight. These two are still infamous today if you see Ms. Kim. I remember going to conferences and always hearing how Matthew was “very smart and very curious”. What I didn’t understand until much later this also meant mischievous. Matthew would be caught eating candy under the table at holidays, being the first up in the morning to be sure to get his seat at the breakfast table, the first to the counter at a restaurant. He knew what he wanted and how to get it, fast!

Elementary school was where I first learned how smart Matthew was. The conversations with teachers always went something like, “Matthew is very bright, he catches on quickly to the material but he sometimes has a hard time controlling his energy.” Boy was that the truth! When introduced to video games, Matthew was the master. Technology was quickly something he gravitated to from his first gameboy to the Wii to his favorite- the Xbox. Matthew was a boy scout and enjoyed going on hiking trips with his friends. He loved being part of this group and he hoped to become an Eagle Scout like his Dad (and later his big brother). When Matthew entered Middle School he seemed to come into himself. He had more friends and seemed to really enjoy school. He was a straight A student who never asked for help, and he loved playing baseball. I feel that this was Matthew’s favorite time. He had so much fun (sometimes too much fun) playing baseball, riding bikes, hammocking and playing pranks on people. This is the time I got to know the vice principal. “Hello Mrs. Nash this is the vice principal at …. Middle School, I have Matthew in the office with me…” then I’d hear a faint “hi Mom” in the background. Matthew loved his friends and would do anything to make them laugh. Sometimes this didn’t serve him well but I love hearing these stories when those friends come to visit. Matthew had a huge heart and big feelings, too big at times. Matthew had a hard time understanding why he knew things other kids didn’t. He was intuitive and loyal. He knew if someone was unhappy with him and tried everything he could to change that. Matthew loved animals, especially his dogs.

High School brought anxiety with it. Matthew was determined to make the baseball team and spent so much time practicing. I’ll never forget the day he walked out of that gym locker room wearing that baseball hat (this is how the coaches told the players that they made the team, they’d give them a hat). Seeing that smile, wearing that hat, was a day I will never forget! So much pride that I felt my heart would explode. Matthew loved being a part of that team. Covid struck the March of that school year and things changed, I’ll never know all that Matthew went through but one thing I know is that he worked so hard at overcoming it. I want us all to remember the kid who loved God, his friends, his family, and his dogs. I think our dog Bear would actually hide from Matthew because he walked him so much during Covid.

Matthew loved his family and looked forward to anytime he had with them. Holidays especially Easter, were his favorite. He was always the first one downstairs to open gifts or find baskets. He loved that time together. We had a jar that we would fill with our favorite memories. We would start January 2nd each year. Steve, Jack, Matthew, Claire and I would put favorite memories in the jar as the year when on and New Years Day we would sit around and take turns reading them. Matthew always contributed the most but what I didn’t realize at the time was that he put Jack and Claire’s big moments in. “Jack got his drivers license”, “Claire made high honor roll”- it was Matthew who would put these in the jar. Matthew was tenacious, if he wanted to do something or learn something he would make it happen. Matthew learned how to play guitar by watching Youtube. He would sit for hours and practice. I remember for my birthday he learned how to play “memories” by Maroon 5 because he knew it reminded me of Sharon. He always thought of others.

Matthew loved his Grandpas, Grandma, his aunts and uncles, he loved his cousins and his siblings and us. He put others first. I know on the outside he looked like a funny kid without a care in the world but Matthew had a heart too big to show. He was a deep thinker and looking back I wish I knew how rare this is. Of course today is rough there are so many really hard memories of this time of year but what I know deep in my bones is that Matthew wouldn’t want that to be what we are thinking of. No, he would want us to think of him and laugh. Laugh at the times we all had fun together. So here are some pictures I’d like to share before we do some random acts of kindness in Matthew’s honor. I hope you can think of Matthew today and instead of being sad- you can smile. Smile at something he did or said because I know that’s what he was telling me to do.

Just a few of Matthew’s favorites:

• Food- Chipotle
• Drink- Water
• Color- Blue but loved orange flowers
• Team-Cubs
• Vacation Spots- Mountains or Plotke Lake House
• Sport- baseball to play- baseball, football and basketball to watch
• Shoes-Nike
• Subject in school- Math and Health
• Teacher -Neufeld
• Holidays -Easter and Christmas
• Hobbies- Guitar, Running, Gaming, Golf, Scouts
• Job- McDonalds
• Bragging rights- longest plank 17 minutes, high score in Fortnite and Monopoly Champ
• Favorite thing to do with family- vacations, car rides, dog walks
• Favorite thing to do with friends- pranks

Caption this 🤣

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What also makes us smile is getting pictures of friends who are thinking of Matthew. Love you love you!!

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First day of Senior Year for Claire, how can that even be?

HOCO 2024

Powder Puff Game- we might not have won but we definitely had fun

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Steve and Jack have a visit and do guy stuff 🏎 THEN

They end their trip at a basketball game not realizing they are watching the future WNBA Champs! 🗽

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September is National Suicide Prevention Month. People often ask, “how do I help someone who is grieving?” I think we are all different in how we grieve, but one thing I’ve found is that every single person that I have talked to has said they don’t want their person to ever be forgotten. So, let them know you are thinking of them. Matthew-you are never forgotten!

I know I said it often, but it really is the simple things 💗

We Love getting these pictures!

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September 10th– National Suicide Prevention Day, but everyday should be Suicide Prevention Day.

Thank you to my work bestie for remembering Matthew and the one thing he absolutely loves- BASEBALL! Thank you for turning so many hard days or should I say nights 🙂 – into nights filled with love and laughs. You are a gift. ♥

September 8th

Today, September 8th, is now declared National 988 Day to raise suicide awareness and crisis lifeline. It’s also the first Sunday of a new NFL season. Why is this relevant? Each year there are approximately 50,000 people who die by suicide in the United States. That is just about how many people fit into the average football stadium, so as many of us are packed into a stadium rooting on our favorite team, just as many people are taking their lives each year. That image is profound and devastating. Many people have asked me what I think we can do to make a difference and change these numbers and save lives. This always makes me pause because there are so many ways to help and so many people making a huge impact, but if I had so say one (simple) thing, it would be to know the signs that someone is struggling and reach out. Just a quick text, comment or smile letting people know that they matter can go a long way and, I believe, save lives. #connectionisprevention

September 6th

Happiness is… finding a picture that you’ve never seen. This photo was taken (by Jack) on our last family trip to Florida 2021. It really is incredible how many emotions can come from one photo. With the new school year in full gear, it’s hard not to imagine where you would be and what you would be doing right now. I’d do anything to be on a beach with you again, or actually anywhere with you!

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Summer was filled with a lot of 💕as we celebrated two beautiful weddings.

July 21st

The Homerun Derby was so amazing! We had over 300 people in attendance throughout the day, over 100 participants, 7 division winners, a 50/50 raffle, 4 Dizzy relay race teams, a bounce house, Kona truck, badminton, games of bags AND Teen Impact raised over $2,000 for a Matthew Nash scholarship that one senior will be awarded at the end of the year.. Incredible! A truly incredible day! The best part for us was seeing all of the kids come together to support us but also to be there together just hanging out. That’s what fuels us. We are truly blessed to have such loving friends and family. Love you, love you!!

These same Cubs fans decorated cookies for the Derby! Look how awesome they did! ❤💙⚾ (missing Ella)

So thankful 🤍

July 20th

When one of your besties has a daughter getting married, you get a group photo. Love these girls. Congratulations Grace and Lee 💗💗

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Soldiers in the Army receive “duty performance points” from their unit commander whenever they demonstrate core qualities of the next rank – including competence, military bearing and leadership. They must go against the promotion board (which is a grueling meeting in front of several officers) to be promoted. Guess who did all this and “killed it”?

This handsome soldier 🎖️!! Congrats Jack!!

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Did I mention that Claire went to NC for Youth and Government this summer?

Claire went with over (see photo above) 200 students from around the country AND was one of the five delegates to advance to the THIRD round. This is truly amazing!

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An awe inspiring display of 2,000 flags at Seven Gables park in Wheaton. Each U.S. flag represents an individual and tells a story. Flags may be sponsored to honor individuals currently serving in our Active-Duty Military, Fallen Servicemen & Women, First Responders, Heroes in Our Lives, all Veterans, and Home Town Heroes. Allie’s family bought Jack one. How awesome is that!

Happy 4th of July to my favorite soldier ❤️🤍💙

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Having Jack home is our favorite time of the year. He and Allie couldn’t have a summer without two things: a Cubs game and a concert. Here are some sweet pictures of both.

Aren’t they the cutest ❤️❤️

Here they are at Joshua Tree National Park 🌄

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When your son’s friends spend part of their summer break with you, just vibing in the backyard, reminiscing about the past and catching up.. That part of your heart that aches every day heals a little bit. I hear a new story about Matthew each time I see this squad. So unbelievably thankful. They don’t see each other as often as they did in High School, but you wouldn’t know. Love you Emmett, Cam, Liam, Brody, Liam, Tim, Clark, Trista, Emily and Liv. You have no idea how much we love seeing you.

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June 2024

Jack is at it again 🥇it’s nice to see the Army is noticing what we knew all along- how outstanding this kid is! Only a week until we get to see him 🙌🏼

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Claire and I got to visit a new city and while there we got to check off a very big bucket list item…

We got quite a few comments wearing these jerseys. My favorite comment, “well at least it’s not a Yankee jersey”. Fenway was as beautiful as everyone says, truly a baseball icon.

We also got to see some other iconic places…

BOSTON… I LOVE YOU

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We got to walk for a cause very near and dear to our hearts. Saturday we were able to walk with this amazing crew to bring awareness and fight NF. Being with the Halls always makes us feel like we are with family. #ChristopherCrusadersRock

NOTHING SAYS SUMMER LIKE SPENDING TIME WITH FRIENDS. SO THANKFUL 💗

These amazing kids are SENIORS!!

ONE OF OUR FAVORITE PLACES ON EARTH ⚾🧢

Over 40 years of friendship, how can that be? Love you!

May 31st

Happy 90th Birthday Mom! 🪻the smell of lilacs were so strong this spring, making me miss you that much more. You are one of a kind. I know people say that a lot, but I have never met anyone as unique as you. Happy birthday to my mom who wasn’t just beautiful but is as honest as they come- you never had to wonder what my mom was thinking, loving- the best tight hugs and she never let go first, faithful- rosary every night before bed no matter what and funny- a true gift to make fun of people and have them loving you back that much more because of it. I wish we were able to be moms together longer because I could use some of that old fashioned Portuguese advice. In honor of you mom, I’m going to remind my kids how much I love them, have some pizz(er), and spend time outside with some good friends, you hated shoes so hopefully it’s warm enough to go shoeless, maybe even enjoy a cold beer or two. Missing you Mom. Watch over Matthew for me. 🤍

Congratulations to NV Girls Ultimate at coming in 2nd in State 🥈 Way to go #16 💙

Happy Mother’s Day Mom 💕 Missing these 2 something fierce today. Sending even more love up to you all today.

April 8th

Spending the day doing all your favorites, watching the Cubs, eating Chipotle, walking the dog(s). Thinking of you, as we always do. Happy Birthday Matthew 🎂 💟 Love you forever and a day!

*********************************************************************Teen Impact – Making a difference 🤼 Watch until the end.

Matthew you continue to make an impact!

**************************************************************We had a special birthday surprise for Jack. Allie met us in Vegas to celebrate Jack’s 21st. Vegas will never be the same! Love you Jack- our birthday 👑!

What happens in Vegas…..

April 2024

Congratulations to all the Rho Kappa Inductees! 😎

March 23, 2024- not too many people can say their son is a Sniper! Congratulations Jack, you are one of the hardest working, most determined people I know. 🎯

March 2024

Let me introduce you to the new Secretary of State representing Illinois Youth and Government … Claire M. Nash ⚖

February 2024

Come join ultimate frisbee- look who made the Insta page 🦾Go #16

October 2023

October 5th

Love this picture of these two. We laughed at the time saying these root beers would probably look different in a few years.

October 4th

Homecoming 2022- I love this group with all my heart. Couldn’t ask for a nicer group of kids and they sure do clean up nicely 💚

October 1st

Thank you to Matthew’s friends and their moms (who are now my dearest friends) who sent a 2022 homecoming picture. I originally posted them but couldn’t stand to see how much was missing in them. Instead I just want to remember this one (below).

September 29th

September 27th

September 26th

The best feeling as a parent is knowing your kids are safe and happy. Happiness is receiving a video confirming both. Here is Jack at 6:42 am- on a day off hiking up a mountain to see the sunrise 💛 why you ask? Keep scrolling…

Jack has been busy 2,000 miles away earning SOLDIER OF THE MONTH (September)! This took hours and hours of studying along with tons of anxiety to finally have an interview in front of five officers who are intentionally trying to trip you up. Congrats Jack- you earned it!

Here is a sneak peek of Jack celebrating with someone very special. It’s crazy to think this is happening. So proud yet still see that 4 year old face in these photos (photo cred: AllieB). My heart is happy seeing these two together- the joy 🤍

September 25th

You are so incredibly loved 🤍 We thank God for you each and every day!

September 24th 2022

The walk has left us with an emotional hangover for days. So much love in one morning that turned into a whole day filled with love. I have so many thank yous left unsaid. I wanted to share a few special stories from that day. Thank you to the sisters from Orland Park who lost their brother and who made a point to stop by our tent and tell me they follow my page because “it brings hope”. No words make my heart more happy. Thank you to the Wight family that made a point to come by our tent, share a story and some love in memory of our sons gone too soon. Nothing eases a persons suffering more than the words, “me too”. Thank you to the mom who stopped us along the walk to take our group picture. Thank you to the woman who stopped me to say, “I’m so sorry” and give me a hug. Thank you to the friends who did a random act of kindness in honor of Matthew. This is what it’s all about. Thank you to all of the unsung heros that worked behind the scenes. These are the family and friends who got to Montrose Harbor early (even before we did) to help, friends who took pictures to make sure the day was remembered, friends who brought food, friends who carpooled with other families, friends who missed sporting events, friends who guarded our cookies because they were in hot demand, friends who couldn’t come but who texted just to say, “thinking of you”, thank you to everyone who helped clean up, thank you to the friends and family that continually wear Matthew’s bracelet and everything else in between. Thank you to the friends who came by afterward so we wouldn’t have to be alone. Thank you to the friends who love us so much they make the time to honor the hole in our hearts that can never be filled but always lift us up. Thank you to the friends who wore Matthew’s STAY shirt to school that Monday. Thank you to my Dad who couldn’t come to the walk but wore his shirt and sent prayers. Thank you to my family and friends (who are more like family) who came by after and brought food/drinks and sat during sad conversations and those who have a knack at turning any situation into laughter. Thank you to the friends who end up sitting on the floor (with the dogs) as we cry about how much we long for a day not long ago. Thank you to the friends who post on social media so we spread awareness. Most of all thank you for remembering our boy who deserves to be remembered. There will never be a greater gift or an adequate way to thank you. Please know that we are forever and ever grateful. 💕