Garrett Michael Matthias
July 06, 2018
Garrett Michael Matthias
AKA “The Great Garrett Underpants”
3/26/13 – 7/6/18
My name is: Garrett Michael Boofias
My birthday is: I am 5 years old
My address is: I am a Bulldog!
My favorite color is: Blue….and Red and Black and Green
My favorite superhero is: Batman…and Thor, Iron Man, the Hulk and Cyborg
When I grow up: I’m going to be a professional boxer
My favorite people are:
• Mommy, Daddy, my sister ‘Delcina’ (Delphina),
• The grandparents with the new house (Fredric and Cheryl Krueger),
• The grandparents with the camper (Daniel and Nita Matthias),
• My cousins: Grady, ‘that guy I took down that one time’ (Luke), and London Marie,
• My Auntie Janette and Stinky Uncle Andy (Andrew and Janette Krueger),
• Those two guys, you know, my uncles (Kristopfer Krueger and James Taylor)
• Batman!!
The things I love the most: Playing with my sister, my blue bunny, thrash metal, Legos, my daycare friends, Batman and when they put me to sleep before they access my port
Things I hate: Pants!, dirty stupid cancer, when they access my port, needles, and the monkey nose that smells like cherry farts…I do like the mint monkey nose like at Mayo Radiation and that one guy that helped me build Legos (Randy)
When I die: I am going to be a gorilla and throw poo at Daddy!
Burned or Buried: I want to be burned (like when Thor’s Mommy died) and made into a tree so I can live in it when I’m a gorilla
Big or Small Funeral: Funerals are sad: I want 5 bouncy houses (because I’m 5), Batman, and snow cones
Emilie and Ryan Matthias will honor Garrett’s final wishes by having a Celebration of Life on Saturday, July 14th from 5pm – 11pm at 2377 132nd Ct Van Meter, Iowa
Note: Symbolic Asgardian burial ceremony and fireworks will be held just after sunset
A private burial of Garrett’s ashes will be held at a later time once his parents figure out how the hell to get his ashes made into a tree and locate a nature preserve, so his tree resides in a protected area.
Donations can be made directly to the family https://www.gofundme.com/garrett-mathiasmathias-family or in Garrett’s honor to a few of the many non-profits that helped Garrett along the way: The Little Al Foundation (https://www.littlealfoundation.com), The Pink Tractor Foundation (https://www.facebook.com/PinkTractorFoundation) and the University of Iowa Dance Marathon (https://dancemarathon.uiowa.edu)
We are so grateful to the many doctors, nurses, child life specialists, musicians, art therapists, and volunteers that worked tirelessly to cure Garrett of his cancer. The reality for Garrett and so many other children is pediatric cancer is an ugly, nasty beast that leaves a path of destruction. For Garrett and many others before him – cancer kills. Those that are ‘lucky’ enough to survive endure long term debilitating side effects and the constant fear of relapse. We will fight for a cure until no other kids are robbed of their childhood, no other siblings lose their best friends, and no other parents have to bury their babies.
Garrett endured nine months of hell before he lost his battle with cancer. During that time he never lost his sense of humor and loved to tease the doctors and nurses. From whoopy cushions and sneaking clothes pins on their clothes to ‘hazing’ the interns and new staff doctors, he was forever a prankster. Nothing caught people off guard as his response to ‘see ya later alligator’:
See ya later, suckas! - The Great Garrett Underpants
Naomi
07/13/2018
Your obituary has brought me to tears and smiles. I am so touched by your strength and determination. Please rest in peace, Garrett. Take care :)
Jackie
07/13/2018
You have been extremely fortunate to have such a wonderful son who met life head-on. You and your family are to be commended for fulfilling his last wishes. Godspeed Garrett. Wiping the tears as I write.
Jody
07/13/2018
Your story touched my heart and brought me to tears. God bless you as you heal and grieve the loss of such an amazing super hero. I'm so sorry for your loss.
I shared your story and someone sent me a link to a a possible tree from ashes. Check out Bio Urn.
Love and hugs from Wisconsin.
Terri Cruse
07/13/2018
I am reading your sons amazing story in Indiana today. What a unique soul he was! I am so sorry for your loss but know he is waiting for you. Godspeed Garrett Underpants! The world needs more of your humor and outlook on life.
Brian M, Los Angeles
07/13/2018
Garrett's one brave boy, reading his words brought me to tears. I'm sorry, really sorry for your loss. I will keep Garrett and your family in my prayers.
Godspeed Garrett.
Joe from Jersey
07/13/2018
I don't know you and I never knew Garrett nor have I ever been anywhere near Iowa...
BUT I have you all in my thoughts today.
And thank you for making me cry at work. THANKS ALOT GARRETT :)
Michael
07/13/2018
What a brave, brave little boy. From the story I read, he was a very special person. So very sorry for your loss.
Sally, Ohio
07/13/2018
The story about your sweet, spunky Garrett has touched us all. My deepest sympathy for your loss. His story brought me tears and smiles. Please keep us posted when you find his special tree. Take care.
Celina
07/13/2018
I am very sorry for loss of your superhero. May you be surrounded by love and light in this difficult time. You had a great little man. Much love from Cali.
Yasmin
07/13/2018
I came across the article about your brave little man on CNN and had to read his obituary. I have a 4 year old and I can fully understand, laugh and smile at the content of his obituary. I will forever remember reading this and he has touched my heart. May you all find peace during this difficult time.
Cynthia
07/13/2018
I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your amazing little boy. Reading the obituary on CNN brought tears to my eyes. As a mom of two children I cannot even begin to imagine the pain and suffering you are now left with nor the pain you had over the past months as Garrett worked so hard to kick cancers butt. Allowing Garrett to express his wishes through his obituary is truly remarkable and shows how wonderful his parents truly are. No child should ever lose their life or have to go through the pain and suffering of cancer treatments. God bless you all as you embark on what will be a difficult road as you heal and mourn the loss of your beautiful super hero. Hugs and Prayers from St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada.
Stephanie Gaston
07/13/2018
First of all I am so sorry for your loss. Garrett was a VERY brave little superhero and he can teach us as adults a lesson about how to keep our heads up and be strong. He has really touched my heart !! And heaven has truly gained another special angel.
Casey
07/13/2018
I am writing from upstate NY and even though I don't know your family, I am incredibly touched by your story. I know how difficult it is to lose a young loved one to cancer and I am so impressed with how you are honoring Garrett. Sending well wishes to your Asgardian garden.
Rasha
07/13/2018
Asgard will be enlivened by the arrival of this new, powerful soul. His Yggdrasil will be strong.
May you find comfort in knowing that he spent five strong years bettering this world. I am in admiration. Peace to you.
Charlotte Whitney
07/13/2018
thelivingurn.com
My heart breaks for your family. I lost my mother to dirty colon cancer. I found the website for the living trees and wanted to share. God Bless your family and this precious baby boy.