Thoughts of Chris

In the last several weeks my thoughts have been of Chris and the Matthews and when I first met Chris. I feel very privileged to have grown up across the street from the Matthews. They moved in across the street from my family when I was 13 and Chris was 6 and Kim was pregnant with Billy. The first time I met Chris, he was in the kitchen of his new house and he was sitting on the floor on top of the tray of his big wooden high chair. He looked up at me with these huge inquisitive eyes. I immediately fell in love with Chris and was fascinated by his development and ability despite having autism and delays.

After Billy was born I began babysitting the Matthews children and we had great fun together. We would go for bike rides with the kids in the buggy, swing at the park, and blast the Lion King soundtrack while we sang and danced. Another favorite was watching and signing along with the Disney Sing Along videos (you know… follow the bouncing ball). I remember one day Chris, Billy, and I watched Robin Hood 4 times. Or trying to pull Chris out of the Suburban when we went somewhere. Those were the days!!

Chris began to grow and I felt honored to help him with things such as riding a bike and swimming. But most importantly I simply felt grateful that the Matthews allowed me to be a part of their lives. It gave me the opportunity to be a part of Chris’s development, his spirit, and love of life. I loved watching Chris run across the yard with a huge smile on his face and letting out this high pitched scream. Nothing bothered Chris and it was an absolute joy to witness!!!

In later years and as a result of my experiences with Chris, I began to pursue a career in education while having various jobs working with people with developmental delays. Chris inspired me to make a difference in peoples’ lives and I will forever be indebted to him for that. During this time I worked with Chris every so often; picking him up from the Merz house. We would go to the movies, swimming, hiking, and out to lunch or dinner. My fondest memories of those times were riding in the car with the music up and Chris dancing, all the while shaking the entire car. Or going to Old Chicago where all the staff knew Chris and he would call all the guys Brian. And of course the classic conversations with folks out and about …”Does Chris vacuum?” “What’s my name?” “Chris wipes tables!”

I was fortunate enough to see Chris often when I would stop over at my parent’s house. Each time I pulled up, I immediately looked for Chris in the yard. It never failed that I was greeted by Chris with a “Hi Megan, how are you, so good to see you!!” and several huge bear hugs. And it never failed that Chris’s greeting brought a smile to my face and brightened my day. Chris and I shared many regular exchanges. We had several noises that he liked and when he saw me he would make them and tell me “You do it!”

Chris also thought my car was exceptionally dirty and he would make comments such as, “Is that your car? It is so filthy. You better wash your car Megan” I would tell him that because he thought it was so dirty, then he should wash it. Recently Chris began to tease me when he would ask me, “What’s my name?” I would ask him what is your name and he would respond with “Fred” I loved making Chris laugh and there were two things that always got Chris going. He loved to hear me honk the horn and I did so every time I left my parent’s house. Chris also loved to back up in the car or see one back up. So I would back my car up real fast while yelling “whooo hoooo!”

It’s the small things that Chris loved and caused me to love him.

I was deeply saddened to hear of Chris’s early passing. And having just lost my mom a year and a half ago, my heart goes out to the Matthews family. I already miss seeing Chris’s bright, smiling face when I pull up at my dad’s house. Chris taught me a great deal in his short time with us. He taught me to love and to laugh and to not take myself so seriously. He taught me patience and kindness and that a hug can cure anything. I will forever be inspired by Chris, his life, and what he meant to so many people. And to the Matthews family … thank you for sharing Chris with me and entrusting his care to me. Thank you also for always advocating for Chris and fighting for what is right. And Chris … give my mom a big bear hug for me!!!

-Megan Syverson