In Memory of Matthew "Mattie" Whitmer

Matthew "Mattie" Whitmer
May 28, 1987 ~ Nov. 15, 2007

When I first became involved with the Bridge Rail Foundation one of the first persons I connected with was Mattie’s mom Dayna.  From the moment that I met Dayna I knew instantly how special Mattie was by how wonderful she is and have continued to witness it over the last 4 years.



One of the first stories Mattie’s mom shared with me was that of her tattoo. Before leaving this world Mattie had become interested in Irish heritage, so on what would have been Mattie’s 21^st birthday, Dayna did what she thought her son would have done… she got a tattoo. She had a Celtic cross tattooed over her heart.

Since Mattie's departure from this earth, Dayna has become an advocate for the families that have lost someone to the Golden Gate Bridge, sits on the board of the Bridge Rail Foundation, worked with John Bateson, author of “The Final Leap” in compiling the list of those lost to the bridge.  She’s also created a website Golden Gate Bridge Suicides  that offers practical resources for families who are coping with this unique tragedy.

In May of this year, on what would have been Mattie's 25^th birthday, family and friends gathered to celebrate his life. Mattie’s mom put together a Life Celebration video, which included photos that he had taken when he was 16 during his People to People tour, which included Ireland. He loved it there and had wanted to go back. Mattie's mom shared a portion of the video with me. When I saw that Mattie's memory (angel) bracelet  was in the intro, then followed by the beauty that Mattie saw through his eyes (camera lens) and seeing his cute young face and long locks of hair I was brought to tears. 

There is no doubt in my mind and in my heart that the depth of the love that those who knew Mattie runs deep, especially that of his mom.  "Mothers hold their children's hands for just a little while... and their hearts forever."

May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sunshine warm upon your face.
May the rains fall upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.