Our son, Matthew “Matt” Michalak, Jr., was born at St. Clares Hospital on May 19th, 1960. Our beautiful, first-born son weighed 7 lbs. 11oz. and was 21 and 1/2 inches long. Matthew was a very loving son to his Mom and Dad and dearly loved his two sisters. He was a strong person who always worried about everyone else and always wanted them to be happy.
Matthew was married to Robin and had three sons, Matthew, Devin and Ryan. Robin had the best husband there ever could be and she misses him very much. Matthew always said I married you because you have such a beautiful smile and always stand beside me no matter what and I love you so much.
On February 18th, 2005 Matthew called us to tell us he just found out he had a brain tumor. They did a brain scan and found out the cancer was from another part of his body. Testing found it was lung cancer and surgeons removed the left lung. We had so much hope as the tumor was getting smaller and things were looking up.
Then Matthew went for his check-up and since his back was bothering him they ran more tests. At this time he was told the cancer was in the spinal fluid. We all knew at that time what they were telling us and so did Matthew. As parents we just didn't want to believe it.
Matthew’s last days in Hospice were very hard on him as he was in a lot of pain. However we did take Matthew to the ocean which he loved so much. We all had to let him go in Peace. The night before Matthew passed I laid beside him to comfort him and let him know it was alright to go in Peace. I sang the hymn “Be Not Afraid” to him and read the Bible. Matthew passed away at 5:45 am the morning of July 27th, 2005. He went in Peace to be with God.