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
Karen
07/12/2018
Healing mercies - Garrett sounds like a such a great kiddo. Cancer does, indeed, completely suck. His words touched my heart so much. Your family's grief is being felt and shared by strangers who now adore him.
Alicia
07/12/2018
I do not know you, I saw a article about your sweet boy and I wanted to give my heart felt condolences.... and also, I've seen ads for people's ashes to be added with tree seeds. So he really could be a tree . He would live on for so many years to come! I pray for comfort for all who knew and loved him, my heart goes out to you all.
andrea
07/12/2018
I am so sorry to read about the passing of your little boy, Garrett. I never met him but read an article about what an amazing, sweet, smart, brave little boy you were blessed with. I pray time and the love you are surrounded with help heal you.
Lisa Holbrook
07/12/2018
What a beautiful little child. Someone we call all learn from; someone who will be cherished and loved and missed by many but by no one more than his mom and dad. I lost a son too. He was 18 and the love of my life. I know your son will make you proud every day, he will be your inspiration and your hero. He will listen to you even if you can't be sure he is ... trust me ... he is with you always. One thing I learned is the meaning of the words "love never dies". When you think of Garrett, may love always be what you remember most. I am so sorry.
Lynn
07/12/2018
Garrett, rest easy, dude. You fought the good fight as long as you could. God bless, and may flights of angels take you to your rest.
Bruce Wayne Cox
07/12/2018
Some time the most brave are the youngest. I read the article and brought tears to my eyes.
Kathy
07/12/2018
Dearest Family of Garrett,
I read your life story relating your loss of little Garrett. There are no words to alleviate your deep loss. Just be reminded there are many who are lifting your family, up in prayer.
Deepest Sympathy,
Kathy
Nichole
07/12/2018
Your son sounds like an amazing person you must be very proud of! Healing thoughts to you.
Heba Esmael
07/12/2018
So sorry for your loss, may your little one Rest In Peace.
Debra Barrett
07/12/2018
Dear Garrett's Parents,
You don't know me. I read the article about your beloved son, and I had a thought. Garrett said he wants to be "Burned" and grow into a tree. That struck me. I am a potter and I was wondering that perhaps you could look for a Potter in your area to design an urn of Garrett's ashes that is in the shape of a tree, roots, leaves etc. Make the trunk removable in 2 pieces, so Garrett's ashes can be placed in the base of the clay (ceramic) trunk....and the main part of the tree can be lifted off.
It is just a thought, but when I read that, I wanted to write to you with a suggestion.
I have no doubt that Garrett will be your shining star and will always be looking down over you.
Respectfully,
Debra Barrett
Charles Dickens
07/12/2018
It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known.
Alex Beardsley
07/12/2018
Dear Boofias, you are one of the funniest and sweetest kids Ive ever heard of, now I wish you were alive to read this but Rest In Peace. P.s you definitely deserve the five bouncy castles at your funeral.
Suzy
07/12/2018
My heart goes out to all of you who were lucky enough to meet, know, and love this extraordinary young man. His courage and strength are an inspiration for us all. Words can not express how deeply saddened I am for his parents, siblings, and loved ones. May he rest forever in peace.
Cheryl
07/12/2018
Thank you for sharing. Garrett sounds like he was an amazing little boy and I am so sorry for your loss. God bless your entire family.
Bob
07/12/2018
God bless your little boy. He is with his lord and is whole again. God bless you all. I will pray for him and you all.