November 4, 2022, was the last time that Matt and I were in the same room. It was at his home in Western Massachusetts, and I had driven there after watching Duke University play football at Boston College.
We first met years earlier out at Hoover Dam while we were on a tour bus 🚌 heading out to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
My traveling party that day included my late father, wife Linda, and Christopher, while Matt was flying solo. Chris and Matt are close in age, so they hit it off almost immediately. In fact, I am not sure but feel pretty comfortable about the fact that shared a drink or two on the return ride back to Vegas.
While I happily share my own challenges in life, I am more protective of stories that belong to other people. So, I will just summarize that point in life by saying that Matt was in need of a friend that day.
We struck up a conversation about the circumstances, and I agreed to pick him up the next morning in hopes of completing his quest. It took a bit to accomplish it, but the experience created a memory that I still treasure today.
Matt is in a great place, with a beautiful bride and lovely children. I’m not sure that our paths will ever cross again, but I am thankful that they did back then.
The road less traveled ! 
I truly believe people are placed in your life for a reason. I was a complete stranger and you chose to take time out of your life to better mine. You are one of a kind and I am forever grateful for your kindness. I feel thankful our paths crossed my friend. Go Duke!