In honor of Matthew Kawka

I had the honor of attending the recent funeral of Matthew Kawka, a gentle and humble 18-year-old hero. I remember when I met Matt. He touched my heart in a profound way. He was in Mrs. Slavin’s second-grade class. I recall working with him. When he smiled, his whole face lit up, and through his eyes, I could see his soul. I knew at that moment that Matt knew he was on a special journey. In a world of competition, we do not find the time to live life to the fullest. Matt was sent here to love and serve and he did just that, knowing his whole interrupted life that he could go at any time. Matt served as an altar boy at Blessed Kateri Church in Sparta and was a member of the Sparta High School yearbook staff. He went to school every day and had to deal with problems and situations along the way. But he quietly suffered a life-threatening illness; no one would have ever known. I remember when Matt started to play his saxophone in Mr. Major’s band in fourth-grade class: What a smile gleamed across his face when the performance ended and the audience applauded. How honored Matt must have been! He participated in band until his final performance in the spring of 11th grade. When I went to the winter concert in December of what would have been his senior year, Matt wasn’t there, but I felt his spirit. When Matt received his driver’s license, he would drive past my house, toot the horn, wave and smile. With that smile, he made my day. I did not know how ill Matt really was until I heard of his passing. The Sparta High School Choir lovingly participated in his funeral mass. Their voices echoed throughout the church. How brave of them not to shed a tear during the service. Matt was carried out of the church with his faithful family and friends following behind to take him to his final resting place. The choir ended in song. They sobbed quietly as they comforted each other for the loss of their classmate. How honored Matt must have been! Dear Matt, you were a man of character and your spirit will always remain in my heart. Rest now, Matt, for you have humbly and faithfully found your way home. Teresa Curtin Sparta