( Original Message in English 2 of 3)
PLEASE WRITE YOUR OWN THOUGHTS:
And now, please join me in writing your comments; your memories, a good story about flowers, hope, anger, despair and grief. Please comment on each other’s comments, arrange your favorite flowers in a vase, cook a wonderful meal for a new friend, and post links to each other’s blogs here. Please, use this sad, sad entry to reach out to each other and give the love that Matthew gave us all so selflessly for almost four years.
This blog will stay up for the time being, and serve as our memory of where all this love was born. Life in San Francisco is yours, it is for the flowers, and for lovers, and for our happiest memories.
AN OFFER:
As many of you know, I have painted hundreds of flowers for Matthew. Many of you know these as the ‘postcards’ of ‘love letters’ I sent to him, almost on a daily basis. Many are posted here.
I would like to help everyone who wishes to remember Matthew. I would like to send a flower painting to everyone who has read this blog and been a part of Life in San Francisco.
Do not be shy. Do not hesitate. Matthew would want these personal paintings to live on in your homes, or in a church, or maybe you will place one in a shrine, in a garden, or give it to someone you hope to love yourself
INSTRUCTIONS: To everyone who wants one of these flowers:
• Please send a self-addressed envelope to:
Kevin Woodson
484 Lakepark #73
Oakland, CA
94610
USA
• The self-addressed envelope should be large enough for a flower painting (4x5 to 6x12 inches)
• Your envelope should be sturdy enough for me to ship original artwork in it
• A money order to cover postage would be appreciated, but is not necessary
• Please contact me with any questions: kwoodson@kevinwoodson.com
Please don’t send gifts; we are overwhelmed. Please don’t send personal memories; post your stories here for all of us.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Dale, Chippy, the Mathew’s family, all of his friends in San Francisco, and I suffer new sorrow from this terrible passing every day. But we will be OK. We’ve found comfort in each other’s love for Matthew, and Matthew’s love for all of us.
Matthew’s old email address, matthewsfca@goo.jp, will not be checked regularly, and emails there will no longer receive responses.
We look forward to reading your posts here, and to you all comforting each other in the same way. We look forward to following links to your own blogs and reading your own posts, especially of any tributes you create and share.
May the love of Matthew, this community, and the flowers of the world bind our hearts and always remind us of the world that is possible. A world of happiness, consideration, and listening to the slightest, most silent voices with awe and joy.
PLEASE WRITE YOUR OWN THOUGHTS:
And now, please join me in writing your comments; your memories, a good story about flowers, hope, anger, despair and grief. Please comment on each other’s comments, arrange your favorite flowers in a vase, cook a wonderful meal for a new friend, and post links to each other’s blogs here. Please, use this sad, sad entry to reach out to each other and give the love that Matthew gave us all so selflessly for almost four years.
This blog will stay up for the time being, and serve as our memory of where all this love was born. Life in San Francisco is yours, it is for the flowers, and for lovers, and for our happiest memories.
AN OFFER:
As many of you know, I have painted hundreds of flowers for Matthew. Many of you know these as the ‘postcards’ of ‘love letters’ I sent to him, almost on a daily basis. Many are posted here.
I would like to help everyone who wishes to remember Matthew. I would like to send a flower painting to everyone who has read this blog and been a part of Life in San Francisco.
Do not be shy. Do not hesitate. Matthew would want these personal paintings to live on in your homes, or in a church, or maybe you will place one in a shrine, in a garden, or give it to someone you hope to love yourself
INSTRUCTIONS: To everyone who wants one of these flowers:
• Please send a self-addressed envelope to:
Kevin Woodson
484 Lakepark #73
Oakland, CA
94610
USA
• The self-addressed envelope should be large enough for a flower painting (4x5 to 6x12 inches)
• Your envelope should be sturdy enough for me to ship original artwork in it
• A money order to cover postage would be appreciated, but is not necessary
• Please contact me with any questions: kwoodson@kevinwoodson.com
Please don’t send gifts; we are overwhelmed. Please don’t send personal memories; post your stories here for all of us.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Dale, Chippy, the Mathew’s family, all of his friends in San Francisco, and I suffer new sorrow from this terrible passing every day. But we will be OK. We’ve found comfort in each other’s love for Matthew, and Matthew’s love for all of us.
Matthew’s old email address, matthewsfca@goo.jp, will not be checked regularly, and emails there will no longer receive responses.
We look forward to reading your posts here, and to you all comforting each other in the same way. We look forward to following links to your own blogs and reading your own posts, especially of any tributes you create and share.
May the love of Matthew, this community, and the flowers of the world bind our hearts and always remind us of the world that is possible. A world of happiness, consideration, and listening to the slightest, most silent voices with awe and joy.
Dear Matthew,
I was shocked and deeply sad to hear about your passing. I am so sorry that I didn’t get a chance to thank you in time for the wonderful job you did as the florist for my wedding. I kept thinking that I was going to come by the Montclair Florist to thank you in person, but just when I am about to do that, I found out that it’s too late…..I hope somehow you would still be able to see this letter from heaven.
You are an extremely talented floral designer and artist. Similar to you, I love flowers with a passion. I knew the flowers were a very important part of my wedding. After meeting a few florists, I was not sure about my selection. However, after I saw your work on your website, it totally took my breath away!! The style and the fresh look was exactly what I was looking for. When I met you for the first time to discuss about my wedding flowers, you were so gentle, kind, and patient. I appreciate you spending the time to hear about my concerns and offer your expert opinion. All the flower arrangements turned out so amazingly beautiful just like the way I imagined. I love the mix of colors and textures of various flowers and greenery you used. I loved my wedding bouquet so much that I had it professionally dried and framed. The wedding would not have looked so beautiful without your touch on the flowers. I am sure all my family and guests who attended the church ceremony and dinner reception would agree with me. Now I have all the photos to treasure for a lifetime…..
After reading about what others said about you and you story, it gave me a deeper understanding of the heart behind such a talented artist and what each flower artwork means to you. I felt that I could identify with your passion for flowers…..only I don’t have the talent you possess.
Your friends are right by saying you made people happy with your artwork. Yes, you will live in the memory among the recipients of your flower arrangements with the beautiful memory you help them create….so many smiling husbands and wives, brides and grooms, mothers and daughters, family and friends. I feel so fortunate to have had you as my wedding florist and a chance to know you. My only regret is that this thank you letter came too late….I don’t understand why God took you away so soon, but I am blessed for the chance to have known you and touched by your work. May you rest in peace and God bless you.
Sincerely,
Linda C