Matt and I had been best friends through junior and senior high school. After the death of his mother Sally, Matt left New York to live with his father in Colorado. We remained in contact via the phone and letters and started a serious relationship in 1991. He returned to New York in 1992 and we planned to get married. When I found out that I was pregnant, Matt was so happy. I had a son already, and Matt loved Patrick and tried to be a good father - but it was all very new to him. He doted on me during the pregnancy, wanting me to take good care of myself and to make sure that our baby was healthy.
I went into labor on Matt's birthday, September 22. He was so excited. He packed everything to go to the hospital and called everyone he knew. When we got to the hospital, he stayed right by my side, holding my hand and just being Matt. When complications arose Matt was my rock to lean on.
Kelvin came into the world five days later. He weighed 9lbs, 5 oz and was 23 1/2 inches long. He had silky black hair and his daddy's mischievous eyes and crooked smile.
Matt had loved the comic strip Calvin & Hobbes and wanted to name our son Calvin. According to the baby name book Calvin meant "bald". Our baby had a full head of hair and we did not want to "jinx" him, so we looked at alternative spellings. Kelvin means "lover of ships". Matt's ancestors had strong ties to the sea and naval military. The choice was perfect.
Matt adored children and he was utterly devoted to his own.
He would rock Kelvin to sleep every night and take him and Patrick for long walks. When Kelvin was bigger, he started taking him hiking. We would go to Letchworth State Park and catch crayfish and pick berries. We were very happy.
While things changed, I will always have those priceless memories forever. Matt continued to build and strengthen his relationship with our son.Matt played a huge role in the development of Kelvin into the kindhearted, loving, responsible, and intelligent man that he has become and I will forever be grateful.