Since I received the shocking phone call telling me of Matthew’s unexpected death, I have been living a roller coaster of emotions. Matthew was not an easy person in my or any of our lives. He was seriously troubled by mental illness—specifically schizoaffective disorder. Because of the choices he made as a result, he alienated himself from us, his family—he became our lost sheep. Many of you did not know him at all. So, I want to talk about him — to honour him — as I remember him. Afterwards I will invite you who knew him to share what you remember. It does not have to be sugar coated. My memories are far from that.
Outline
1. I’ll begin with what I’ve learned about his death,
2. then talk about him as a man involved in political activism for I believe that was when he was at his most content, what he was proudest of and what he would want us to remember;
3. I’ll move on to him as a kid, for that is what most of us will remember best and for me it was the best;
4. I’ll go on to what was maybe the worst time for me, when he was a teen, troubled youth and young man, though even then there were many happy times for he had many friends;
5. I can’t end there. I want to talk about what I loved about him, what I admired, what I want to remember more and more as time heals the wounds now that he is gone and cannot suffer more.
I remember Matt at some ActCity Ottawa events and discussions as well as at some other social justice gatherings. He came across as someone who saw society much as it is, the enemy. His mental struggles were apparent but understandable as help with behavioural issues in this society is a rarity. Mental problems and treatment is used by those in power as a means of control. I have gone into mental health departments at two Ottawa hospitals to help get people released. ...Kman (Ken) ..editor, Digileak
“No one can tell me what exactly he did wrong, leading me to believe it was the typical female complaint that men were taking up too much space or making women uncomfortable.”
From Matt´s mom:
My dear Family and Friends
Introduction
Since I received the shocking phone call telling me of Matthew’s unexpected death, I have been living a roller coaster of emotions. Matthew was not an easy person in my or any of our lives. He was seriously troubled by mental illness—specifically schizoaffective disorder. Because of the choices he made as a result, he alienated himself from us, his family—he became our lost sheep. Many of you did not know him at all. So, I want to talk about him — to honour him — as I remember him. Afterwards I will invite you who knew him to share what you remember. It does not have to be sugar coated. My memories are far from that.
Outline
1. I’ll begin with what I’ve learned about his death,
2. then talk about him as a man involved in political activism for I believe that was when he was at his most content, what he was proudest of and what he would want us to remember;
3. I’ll move on to him as a kid, for that is what most of us will remember best and for me it was the best;
4. I’ll go on to what was maybe the worst time for me, when he was a teen, troubled youth and young man, though even then there were many happy times for he had many friends;
5. I can’t end there. I want to talk about what I loved about him, what I admired, what I want to remember more and more as time heals the wounds now that he is gone and cannot suffer more.
I remember Matt at some ActCity Ottawa events and discussions as well as at some other social justice gatherings. He came across as someone who saw society much as it is, the enemy. His mental struggles were apparent but understandable as help with behavioural issues in this society is a rarity. Mental problems and treatment is used by those in power as a means of control. I have gone into mental health departments at two Ottawa hospitals to help get people released. ...Kman (Ken) ..editor, Digileak
The Canadian woke zealots are the worst. Honestly. Have also had a terrible experience with them.
“No one can tell me what exactly he did wrong, leading me to believe it was the typical female complaint that men were taking up too much space or making women uncomfortable.”