It is with a heavy heart that I put this next post on our blog. Our family recently returned home from the funeral of my nephew, who is almost the same age as Gabrielle. We first got the news that little Matthew had been diagnosed with Leukemia and was being admitted to Primary Childrens Hospital in Utah last week. It was a call completely out of the blue. Many of you reading this probably don't know that my younger brother is recovering from his own battle with the disease (in remission for a few months now). Needless to say, it was a complete shock to get the news about Matthew. We were still optomistic and hopeful for a similar outcome for little Matthew. You can imagine our disbelief and sadness to get the news the very next day that he had passed away as a result of complications of the disease. How do you go from having a perfectly happy and seemingly healthy child to attending a funeral in a matter of days? We found out after the fact that his type of Leukemia was completely different than my younger brothers type. In fact, it is so rare that most people that get that type of the disease die from it. Even after going through painful treatments, most eventually die. We were happy in some respects to know that he didn't have to suffer a great deal. It was also good to see family since everyone was able to make it back to offer their love and support. It is the first time we have all been together in about 15 years I think. It was also a blessing to see the outpouring of love and support from friends, family, and ward members. I was humbled and grateful for the absolute outpouring of love, concern and support. I have also been more appreciative of life and the precious time we have together as a family. After reading this, I'm sure you will give your own kids a big hug and kiss and tell them how much you love them.
Here is his obituary:
Matthew Raymond Pritt "Our Miracle" (They had to go through extreme measures to get pregnant in the first place. When little Matthew was a newborn, he was not breathing. They have had plenty of trials just getting his sweet spirit into this world in the first place).
Matthew Raymond Pritt "Our Miracle" (They had to go through extreme measures to get pregnant in the first place. When little Matthew was a newborn, he was not breathing. They have had plenty of trials just getting his sweet spirit into this world in the first place).
Twinkle, twinkle little star, Do you know how loved you are? Our little red-headed angel flew home to the loving arms of his Heavenly Father on Saturday, March 22, 2008 due to complications of Leukemia. Matthew Raymond Pritt was born in Provo, Utah on October 26, 2002 to Michael and Connie Pritt. Little did we know how many lives he would touch in the 5 short years of his life. Matthew was a bubbly little miracle full of love. He had great faith in Jesus Christ and loved to go to church, primary and have family home evening. He enjoyed being with his father on scouting activities and loved soccer, swimming, trains, animals, but most of all his little brother. His many friends and cousins will miss him so much.Matthew is survived by his parents and brother, Nathanael, his grandparents Thomas and Ann Pritt, Royce and Joyce Walker, his best friend and cousin, Geran Winn, and two great-grandmothers, Maxine Davis and Arveda Pritt including many aunts, uncles and cousins.Funeral services for Matthew will be held Friday, March 28, 2008 at 11:00 am in the American Fork 37th LDS Ward Chapel located at 440 North 1100 East, American Fork, Utah. Family and friends may call Thursday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Warenski Funeral Home, 1776 North 900 East, American Fork, Utah and at an additional viewing at the church on Friday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to services. The Pritt family would like to thank everyone, especially those who cared for Matthew at Primary Children's Medical Center, for the outpouring of love which they have received. They have asked that in lieu of flowers that friends please donate to the Matthew Pritt Trust Fund. Funds received will be used to offset medical and funeral expenses and the remainder will be donated to the Primary Children's Medical Center Foundation directed to the cancer unit. Published in the Daily Herald on 3/26/2008.
