We are a family of six grown children that have produced 15 grandchildren and one great grandchild thus far. Our family is fortunate, and we have plenty of reasons to count our blessings. 

Holidays and corn season draw us home where gatherings at our parent’s house can be loud and hectic, yet filled with laughter. The house down the lane from the corn stand is where we grew up and where we enjoy bringing our own families together throughout the year. 

This year, before the start of sweet corn season, our family gathered at a much different location. A location that is dreaded by most and unthinkable to many, yet we still gathered.  

It was May 2nd that we learned we had one less blessing to count. Our family experienced a tragic and unexpected loss. A void that will never be filled. We still gathered. 

Our sweet Matthew’s life was cut short that day. An 18-year-old with his life ahead of him died unexpectedly and it changed our lives forever. Matthew was a grandchild, a son, a brother, a nephew, a cousin, and like most in our family, a corn hustler. He was a passionate student, musician, and athlete who earned recognition for most everything that he did. He spent many corn seasons at the roadside stand highlighted by his beautiful blonde hair and his extra large smile. 

This is the first year our corn season was less than sweet. In fact, it was bitter sweet. Your eagerness to acquire our corn was a good distraction and a reminder that we still have many blessings to count. Matthew’s life was indeed a blessing and we are more than blessed to have experienced 18 years with this sweet child.

Thank you for your continued support of our family. Our thoughts are with our corn customers who are experiencing their own losses and tribulations. We are still counting the blessings we do have, and know that Matthew will live in our hearts forever.