You are a light in our lives, a happiness in our hearts, and a blessing to our souls!(Grandma Alice)

Our sweet Mateo, where do we begin? We think what amazes us the most about you is that you are such a happy boy. When you look at us with those blue eyes and your face breaks into a smile, we are filled with wonder. Wonder at a little boy who has had to endure so very much and yet smiles so easily. We remember when you were first born. We were so happy for your arrival and so scared at the same time. All those tubes, wires and monitors that seemed to beep endlessly. What did it all mean? Would you even survive? So we prayed, trusted and hoped. We read you stories, sang songs to you and often held your tiny hand. You were surrounded with love. Despite the odds you held on and grew. You were a fighter. During your first year we celebrated each time you became a month older. Then you began to respond to us. Your cheeks got cubby and you learned to smile. From early on you loved to play peek-a-boo and have stories read to you.

Eventually we got to hold you and we don’t know who enjoyed the snuggles more….you or us. How can we even describe the range of emotions we felt during your heart surgeries? They were necessary, and we were thankful that medical science had advanced so far, yet we were so afraid. Again we prayed, trusted and hoped. You went into those surgeries surrounded with love and so many, many prayers. God is good, and today we are still able to cherish every moment with you.

We remember finally being able to put you into a stroller and then taking you for a ride down the Sick Kids hallways for the first time. Sneaking the baby chicks into a little park just outside the hospital will always be a fun memory. We wanted to make sure that you, just like all our other grandchildren, would have a picture with our baby chicks. What a happy day that was.

We are thankful that we have been able to share many other special times together. Your very first Christmas, your first birthday, and the long awaited day that you were finally able to come home from the hospital. It has been so wonderful having you live here on the farm with us. We love being able to pop by for a visit, or vice versa. Often we go for impromptu walks. It was a special day when Grandpa got to show you the ‘big’ chickens just before he retired. One of our favourite pictures will always be the one taken this past Christmas. All of our grandchildren were able to be together dressed in matching PJ’s. It was a special time.

Your parents amaze us. There are no words to describe their unconditional love for you. We have no doubt that their faith and devotion have helped you to blossom into the happy, easy going little boy that you are. Mateo, you ask for so little. The simplest things give you joy. Like a walk down the laneway in your favourite riding toy. You love to look around and just take in whatever happens to come into view. Trees have always captured your attention, so has the rustling of leaves in the wind, the beauty of a flower, the way water sparkles, or the pretty blue of a sunny sky. We have watched you tilt your head in the direction of birds singing and we see the wonder on your face. And if those birds happen to fly nearby then there comes that amazing little smile of yours. You are so happy just to be close to the people who love you. When Grandpa and I come over to play games with mommy and daddy you are happy to sit on the floor next to us. You patiently play with your toys while we play our game. You don’t fuss, you don’t demand attention, you are happy just to be next to us. You are so sweet, so gentle. And talk about some snazzy hair Mateo….from man bun to surfer dude….you rock them all :D

Mateo, you are so special. Through you we have learned not to worry about the small stuff, to have gratitude for all things, to appreciate each day, to cherish the time we have together, to forgive often and to love much. It really is the Hakuna Mateo way. You are a light in our lives, a happiness in our hearts, and a blessing to our souls. You are God’s gift to us and we love you!