Letters from Family and Friends

 

February 2008

Dear Harlan and Lillie,

I had hoped to be able to see you to express how I felt about the two of you and Torrey. For over a year I spent 2-3 days a week at your home so I feel I know you very well. I will never push you but I hope at some point in time you will be open for me to visit.

Torrey touched my heart like no other students that I have ever worked with. He and I had some very special conversations where he shared his private feelings. Sometimes crying, sometimes laughing, but lots of happy stories about things you did together before everything fell apart. He told me one story about how he loved the times when the two of you would just veg out on the couch and munch on chips while watching movies.

He always told me that you were the Best Dad in the whole wide world and that he loved you and Grandma with all his heart. I watched how you met Torrey’s every need. Sometimes he really gave you a run for your money, but you always had the patience of a saint and managed to keep your cool. 

I don’t know why faith took us apart, but I wished I could have been with Torrey for those few precious months that he had left. For the rest of my life, I will always feel a closeness and bond with him.

He is always in my thoughts, and I will think of him whenever I see anything related to the ocean, especially dolphins and sharks.

Love you both,

Beverly Matthews

January 2008

 

Harlan,

Your love and commitment to Torrey is an example of a father’s love that very few souls ever reach. You and Torrey created an eternal bond that gives above our understanding.

That eases but cannot take away the pain of separation. From my practice of neurology I see the hurt in the patients’ eyes mixed with the love they will always carry.

My thoughts and prayers go out to you as you try and work through all this.

With love,

Marc