Who is the Keeper of the Memories

Mathew and his twin Joseph had a teacher in High School, Brad Ash. He was a homeroom teacher, a counselor and eventually a friend and bandmate. The evolution of their relationship spanned six years. Brad eventually became my friend too. When I think of Brad Ash, I see him with long blond rock star hair! He regularly cut it and donated it to locks for love. Mathew soon followed his example.

In 2010 Brad, an avid cyclist was struck and killed by an SUV. Mathew was allowed into the ICU to see Brad during the few days before he died. He never regained consciousness. If you listen to Adrian Told Me, the last verse is about Brad. "She said, did he leave his eyes open."

https://soundcloud.com/confectionsforcats/adrian-told-me

Brad's students and friends, were devastated by his sudden death. The young people organized a night of music in his memory.

Now, as I continue to go through Mathew's paperwork, I find articles about Brad's accident. Mathew was one of the keeper's of Brad's memory and legacy. Now I am the keeper of Mathew's memories and his legacy.

Here is an awesome live performance of the same song, "Adrian Told Me" by Mathew Rodgers

Comments

Replace the 3 Lumen Pic Line with a Port

Mathew's 3 Lumen Pic Line was replaced with a Power P.A.C. Both Mathew and I were given Medical I.D. cards to carry at all times. I have mentioned before that texting from the DRC is almost impossible. The staff told me it used to be the X-ray department so the walls are leaded. Again, the phone tree would have helped so much. I texted the following information to my niece, my sister and Mathew’s Dad and Stepmom. And probably Joseph and Carlos. I know that could have been reduced to two texts, three at the most. At the time I didn’t know about group messaging as my phone was an old Android. Texts Between me and Diane Hi. We are at the hospital early because Mat is in a lot of pain. We think the bill stent may have moved. Sent 3-31-14 Because he was NPO for other procedure they should be able to fix today. Sent 3-31-14 In the DRC sending texts is almost impossible so if you don’t hear from me for a while don’t worry. If ...

Why is it Called Confections for Cats?

I want to take a moment and talk about why Project Mathew is called Confections for Cats. The main reason is that it was going to be the title of his first album. He had sketched up some artwork. We were working on it in Photoshop. Here is an early permutation of the artwork. Mathew's life, his story is mainly about music, his music, and his journey through cancer. When he created his Facebook page, he named it Confections for Cats and I continued with that name. I have been thinking about a logo, a way to incorporate cats, Sarcoma and his music. I like to brainstorm. So, I was thinking about the word confections. When Mathew first told me that title, this was before his diagnosis, I recall thinking about how he practiced his guitar into the night and early morning and that his cats have been his constant audience. Sweets, confections for his cats, and his music as delicious morsels for our ears. I looked up the word confections and yes, a confection is a sweet. Bu...

The Rollercoaster of Chemotherapy Fewer Highs and More Lows

TEXTS BETWEEN ME AND ARPIE Mat sees Dr. Reed Thursday at 9 and then at 1 he goes to have biliary stent changed to a larger gauge. We had to reattach a bag this morning. Sent May 12 I have Dr's appointment myself Thursday will call after and see if you are still with Dr. Reed. ...

Confections For Cats

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