"His Roots Ran Deep"

Today my classmates and I said goodbye to a classmate and a friend. It's always so hard to find the right words to say to the family and close friends who are left behind after a loved one passes. My poem cannot fully convey the deepest condolences I have for the family, but I hope that anyone who reads this feels the testament of Matt's goodness and kindness and his passion for life, adventure, family and friends.

“His Roots Ran Deep”

In memory of: Matthew Donald Learn

(August 21, 1984 – January 28, 2013)

Son, Husband, Brother, Friend

His roots were not shallow, but ran deep.

They formed and grew even in his sleep.

His roots reached you, but also reached me

To build a family and friend history.

He was rooted to you from his first day;

He met the rest of us along the way.

Matt’s roots weren’t stuck in a single space.

They spread near and far from place to place.

Minnesota, the Netherlands, or Greece –

Each place another life’s puzzle piece.

Myrtle as home, Sofia as love;

Travel by ground or the sky above.

So much passion for adventure and life,

So much love for his family and wife.

My sympathies go out to you and yours –

Through air, by land, or on distant shores.

Matt’s roots ran deep, but won’t ever part,

For we ALL hold a piece of him in our hearts!

Written by: Lisa "Rutabaga" on February 13, 2013