2/11/05 at 8:00 p.m.

"Love others fully and with all your heart, and do not fear, do not hold back. The more you give, the more will return to you."
-Dr. Brian L. Weiss-

We had a very emotional night last night. The basketball team asked us to bring Jess to their last home game which was "Senior Night". We were having a hard time making the decision so we asked Jess if he wanted to go to give us a thumb's up. His thumb went straight up...so we had our answer. They called the senior boys' and their parents out to the middle of the gym floor. They announced Jess as the co-captain of the team and we wheeled him out next to his teammates in front of a huge crowd. He was honored with a standing ovation. The coach gave him a plague with his name and #40 on it. There were many tears shed. We want to thank the team for including Jess in their special night. I know he would thank you if he could. Jess seemed to want to get right out of his chair and join his teammates when they started the game. He was moving his legs and opening his hand as though he thought they might throw him the ball on the sideline. Many of his other friends came by to say hi and I am sure many just didn't know how. It isn't easy seeing someone that was so active and full of life in a wheel chair. But, I know he knew those of you who came and let him know you care. We felt a lot of love and support in that gym. It wasn't easy for us but then again...it wasn't about us. A special thanks goes out to our friends that showed up to give us moral support. We needed it! There are many wonderful people in this world! We seem to be blessed with a multitude. We left the game after halftime but we heard it went into double overtime and they lost by just a few points. Congratulations for a good fight to the finish!

This whole week has been emotional for the Matey's. Chris has worked for Sun Valley Company for 20 years and the S.V. Ski Club decided to donate part of the proceeds of a race being held on the mountain and at the nordic center to Jess. A very generous couple (who we have never met) Bob & Lynne Nicholson donated a trip to Cabo in Mexico in conjunction with the race. There are raffle tickets being sold all over town. The proceeds are going to the Jess Matey Community Trust Fund. We are so humble and grateful...all we can say is thank you so very very much. We can't wait until it is our turn to give back to all of those that have given to us so freely. We send our love to you all.

P.S. We had six of Jess' friends visit him today. It meant a lot to see them show up and you just never know who will witness and be part of a wonderful miracle. Thank you...