This time last year, we were planning Jeffrey's visit here to Illinois. I am thinking of him every day. We originally planned for the last week of April but that changed due to weather. Jeffrey arrived May 8th 2014.

The following is a sample of the things we did May 8-May 14 2014

Richard Walkers for Breakfast
Chicago Botanic Gardens (tulips)
Bob Chinn's for Dinner, Superdawg for Dessert
Soldier Field Beer Festival
Millenium Park
Gene and Georgetti for Dinner
Museum of Science and Industry
Macys/Marshall Fields
Rockford IL Machine Shed for Breakfast
Galena IL

This is an email I sent Jeffrey regarding itinerary. I planned way too much but I wanted him to get the most out of his visit here.

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I think we should spend Saturday and Sunday touring the city and doing city things

$7 Weekend Metra Train Pass. Unlimited Train Saturday thru Sunday.
There is an L tour that we should take.
Sunday May 11th 1am. I am going to buy our tickets before they sell out. We could do brunch first.

Chicago History Museum | 'L' Tours

Are you interested in max sightseeing via a trolley? We can buy a one day or three day pass.
Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Co. - Chicago's Best Tour

Saturday 1pm. One of my favorite buildings.
City of Chicago :: Chicago Cultural Center Building Tours
Gaze at the world's largest Tiffany stained-glass dome, as well as beautifully ornate multi-colored mosaics, marble and molding during guided architectural tours of the Chicago Cultural Center.

Gene and Georgetti Must make a reservation.
There are many fabulous steak houses that Chicago is known for... I like G and G. Lunch menu too.
Gene And Georgetti Steakhouse | Chicago Steakhouse
We welcome you to over 70 years of tradition and an award winning commitment to dining excellence; our extensive wine selection and fully stock...

Brunch options.
Wishbone Chicago Restaurant | Southern Reconstruction Cooking

Museums - One a day. Click on the link. U choose.

Museum of Science and Industry | Museum Info

Welcome to The Field Museum | The Field Museum
From Dinosaurs to DNA, take a journey that spans billions of years at the Field Museum in Chicago.

The Art Institute of Chicago
Open daily 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Thursday until 8:00 p.m.
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I am still holding on to his voicemail(s). I am still so very sad but I know he is in a much better place. He is looking down at all of us and enjoying his life in Heaven with all of the others that are up there.

I want to applaud/thank all the family and friends in his life for keeping this tribute up for him. I cannot tell you how often I want to comment on your postings because they are so wonderful.

Jeffrey always called me his Angel Bunny. I think he was the Angel Bunny.

Love and Condolences
April 2015

I think of you daily and miss you dearly. :(

Love youJeff MISS YOU VERY MUCH I AM TAKING MY MEDICINE Miss talking on the phone.Going to have another Mass said. Letter from scott . He also misses you very much He help David and I with your apartment. Couldn't have done it without him LOVE DAD Say hi to Ma

I miss Jeff. Had a mass said for you. Say hi to Ma Love Dad

I finally found the courage to add a post to remember Jeffrey. I just couldn't believe it when I heard the news. I had seen him in the hospital a week or so before and he seemed to be in good spirits and I felt like everything was going to be fine because he has always been a survivor. Now, my heart sinks every time I think about him and the reality that I will never see him again. Jeffrey was like a brother to me. We met in 2009 and became fast friends. We were there for each other during our ups and downs. It always seemed like when things were down for me they were up for him and he would be there for me. When things were down for him, they would usually be up for me and then I would be there for him. It was indeed a crazy dynamic that we had and we used to always joke about it. There is one instance in particular that I will always remember when Jeffrey literally saved my life. It was one of my toughest moments and he was there for me. I will always be grateful and will remember it for the rest of my life. I will especially miss his laugh and sense of humor. He was very witty and we used to laugh and joke about the most ridiculous things ;). He always put a smile on my face and kept reminding me not to sweat the small stuff. He was always so generous with his heart and truly saw the good in everyone. He also had a way of being direct or blunt sometimes that made me adjust my own clouded perspective which helped me realize the truth. He was all-around such a great guy… Jeffrey, I love you so much and I will miss you forever. You will live on in my heart and I hope you’re somewhere out there watching over all of us.

Jeffrey
Your saying that you expressed in my last Birthday card this October said , "I love you very much and never lose your faith" and the words you said in the last call you made to me were "I love you Dad and I know I'm going to die". The love for me I felt each day as you being my son is the same love I felt from your friends in this memorial. I
I cannot find the words to use in thanking each of them for what was said. A father could not ask for anything more from his child than what was said by all your friends expressing what you have said and done with all of them throughout your lifetime. I will continue with this faith and love the project you had for the homeless and other organizations.
I want to thank David for all his tears, love and support in helping all of us thru a very difficult time in our lives. He handled everything and took all the pressure off of me. I want to thank Suzanne, Gretchen, Johanna and Scott for their love and for being there. Also my Granddaughters.
I am going to miss picking up the phone and calling you to ask about anything and get your answers.
I will miss you yelling at me to remind me to take my medicine
I will miss hearing the phone ring, looking at the caller ID, seeing it was you and answering to hear all about it-whatever the subject.
Jeff, you were always there for me. You were my person- on the other end of the phone-or sometimes driving all the way from California to be here with me.
I know that you and Mom are together in heaven because you both had your faith.
Thank you ,Jeff, for being my son
I love you
DAD

It's been two weeks since since I walked into Jeffrey's room at Huntington Memorial shortly after he died. The waves of sadness are overwhelming. Since then I've spoken with and met many of Jeffrey's friends and neighbors all of whom are incredibly kind. I've spent hours on the phone notifying and crying with people who hadn't heard the news of his passing. I've heard many stories about what Jeffrey meant to the people he touched.

At the GA memorial in Burbank, one of his friends said that Jeffrey was a color in a world that did all it could to keep people down. Jeffrey was a whole box of colors, the jumbo box. Jeffrey had a huge heart and felt things deeply. He wanted to be and was a benefit to other people. He loved fully and completely. He was all in.

Jeffrey faced huge challenges many of which he overcame. And he persisted to the end in leaning into the others. Jeffrey was fully and unapologetically authentic. He had the courage to be himself and to speak his mind. My brother added to the sum of beauty in the world. He was a kind, good, and thoughtful man. My heart is broken and my life is diminished without him in it.

Hail Mary full of grace the lord is with they blessed art thou amoung they women and give us the fruit of the womb jesus. Mary mother of god pray for our sinners now until the hour of our death AMEN

Lords Prayer for Jeffrey!  Our father who art in heaven hollowed be they name they kingdom come they will be done as earth as it is in heaven, give us this day are daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil Amen. RIP Jeffrey LOVE Suzi, yazzi, Danni. and Faith 'meow '' meow'

Jeffrey was a part of my life for close to 40 years. We kept in touch thru social media, phone calls and email. We lost touch for awhile and he found me thru classmates.com and Conni C. Ursland. I got a phone call from David, Jeffrey's brother, yesterday. He had noticed texts and photos that I had been sending to Jeffrey. I learned of his untimely passing and have been mourning ever since.

We were very fortunate to spend a week together in May. I showed him so many things in the Midwest. Chicago Botanic Gardens, Lou Malnatis, Galena IL, Gene and Georgetti, Soldier Field (brewfest), and much much more. We ended each evening just talking, drinking a cocktail and sharing each others lives from the past 25 to 30 years.

Jeffrey had such a unique view of life and the blessings that were sent his way. ie: his flight was delayed going back and he won a round trip travel voucher to get bumped to another flight the following day. This was a gift from the cosmos to him. To me it was classic chicago travel issues. I LOVED his perspective.

While together he spoke of Richard. They had such a wonderful friendship and I felt like I knew Richard just thru Jeffrey. As I read your tributes, Richard, I grieve with you. Tears of sorrow.

Jeffrey spoke of Kris and the barber shop. all of the new things he was learning. The clients. How thankful he was for the time he was there.

He also surprised me with his home decorating projects. Did u know he installed his own custom bathroom vanity in his apartment?! Good for you, Jeffrey! He was also looking at a new French door refrigerator for his next home improvement.

He would call me his angel bunny when he called. He was on and off Facebook so it was a little harder to keep in touch.
He loved meeting celebrities and musicians thru his photography friend.
I was thrilled for him.

So..I knew the 12 year old Jeffrey, the 20 something Jeffrey and the 40 something Jeffrey. Words like "sweet", "thoughtful", "kind", "considerate" and "loyal" all describe Jeffrey.

Thank you, Jeffrey, for being my friend. I know you have reunited with Natalie(my mom) and you are laughing with joy. One of a kind Jeffrey Matis.

Tell me where life goes in such a rush
Like that melted snow in your blue eyes
No one ever could try to tell us
Both were young and full of all our lies
We got in real deep they all could see
Running from the sun casting our shadows
No one trusted us not even me
We hung ourselves to rot upon our gallows
Lies
We built our castles high upon the rise
Oh, so young, young and wild
Tell me where life goes with some old friends
'Cause we don't see each other anymore
All candles do melt, we burnt both ends
And there is nothing left we have in store
Down
I saw myself there lying on the ground
You blew your breath
Deep into my soul
Where we have been
No one will ever know
Where we have been no one will ever know

"I Never Dreamed You'd Leave In Summer"

I never dreamed you'd leave in summer
I thought you would go then come back home
I thought the cold would leave by summer
But my quiet nights will be spent alone

You said there would be warm love in springtime
That was when you started to be cold
I never dreamed you'd leave in summer
But now I find myself all alone

You said then you'd be the life in autumn
Said you'd be the one to see the way
I never dreamed you'd leave in summer
But now I find my love has gone away

Why didn't you stay?

Someday out of the blue
In a crowded street or a deserted square
I'll turn and I'll see you
As if our love were new
Someday we can start again, someday soon
Here comes the night
Here come the memories
Lost in your arms
Down in the foreign fields
Not so long ago
Seems like eternity
Those sweet afternoons
Still capture me
(repeat chorus)
I still believe
I still put faith in us
We had it all and watched it slip away
Where are we now
Not where we want to be
Those hot afternoons
Still follow me
Someday out of the blue
Maybe years from now
Or tomorrow night
I'll turn and I'll see you
As if we always knew
Someday we would live again, someday soon
I still believe, I still put faith in us
I still believe, I still put faith in us
I still believe, I still put faith in us
Here comes the night
Here come the memories
Lost in your arms
Down in the foreign fields
Not so long ago
Seems like eternity
Those sweet afternoons
Still capture me
Someday out of the blue
Maybe years from now
Or tomorrow night
I'll turn and I'll see you
As if we always knew
Someday we would live again, someday soon
(repeat chorus)
I still believe, I still put faith in us
I still believe, I still put faith in us
I still believe, I still put faith in us...

I just love and miss you so much my dear friend. I grieve so deeply. all day, every day.

We never had the opportunity to personally meet Jeffrey, but if the saying of "like father, like son" is true, than I have no doubt Jeffrey was s great person. Leaving his family so young is sad indeed, but dwell not into remorse, but praise his life with good memories. Jeffrey will be missed!
Jay & Lourdes Romero

I Met Jeff Matis when he was 20 and I was 17, We were best of friends for many years! He was a part of my family, even lived with us for quite some time. As friends we shared the good times as well as the bad times, always didn't agree with each other! But we got over ourselves, "eventually!" We shared everything togehther, he knew all my secrets and I knew most of his! And we travelled together(even though we probably shouldn't have"! We did and we went to Hawaii, up the coast of California, Washington, Seattle, Las Vegas, Laughlin, Flagstaff, Sedona, Prescott, Jerome, Cottonwood, Tucson, Tennesee, Texas, Kentucky, Indiana, Kansas, Nebraska, Chicago, St. Louis, And so many more. Jeffrey actually taight me how to drive a stick shift car coming back from the Grand Canyon one time and to this day I will never forget the laughs, and the fights. We were always there for each other and then he moved to California and we grew apart,,I look back at some of the memories, because thats what we created, and those memories no one can take from me. I hope you know My friend that whatever you may of thought You were my friend, Someone that I would of been there for had I known of your battle with cancer! I can't even believe you are gone! I Hope you are dancing with your Mom Betty and that you both are having a grand time! You will be forever in my heart, our memories will forever be with me. Thank you for those memories! May Peace be with you!

Your Friend,
Preston

Jeffrey, you left us to soon... Faith, hope and love and the gREATEST is Love...your a survivor and i Love you so very much...Im greatful that you are with mom up in eternal kingdom of heaven! Rest in Peace' Jeffrey Haleighla" oh boy 'oh boy '' ''i got my root beer belly... Bunny, Thats a SHOCKER! Peace, Love Suzanne, Yazzi Faith Danni:)

One of my heros since my teenage years has been Leo F. Buscaglia. He was (and still is. Even after his passing) a great teacher of life and love.. His teaching were of love and of life and being human, and a charming and easily to fall in love with kinda character. A true diamond of our generation ......and then a few years later I met you Jeffrey.You were the golden child who seemed to be birthed from all of my hero's words. I love you so much and work hard every day to regain my breath. Your passing has left me a bit grief stricken honey. Im on day four now of tears. I know you would not be pleased with this for you were always about love and life and joy for me so Im doing my best to get back on my feet. I wanna dedicate this to you Jeffrey......... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xu0FFH_nH-E ........I am so thankful that I was blessed with the opertunity to speak to you as often as I did as you struggled to survive. I spoke to you last on the 8th of this month...and we ended our conversation as usual with " I love yous". You are forever in my heart Jeffrey. Forever.

I am sure of this though...I love you. always will.

Perhaps love is like a resting place
A shelter from the storm
It exists to give you comfort
It is there to keep you warm
And in those times of trouble
When you are most alone
The memory of love will bring you home

Perhaps love is like a window
Perhaps an open door
It invites you to come closer
It wants to show you more
And even if you lose yourself
And don't know what to do
The memory of love will see you through

Oh, love to some is like a cloud
To some as strong as steel
For some a way of living
For some a way to feel
And some say love is holding on
And some say letting go
And some say love is everything
And some say they don't know

Perhaps love is like the ocean
Full of conflict, full of pain
Like a fire when it's cold outside
Or thunder when it rains
If I should live forever
And all my dreams come true
My memories of love will be of you

JEffrey was the most amazing person in my life. THere will never be another one like you. I will love you till the end of time my precious friend

One day, many years from now, everyone I've ever known in all the GA rooms I've ever been to, will all take their seat on the clouds and have our little meeting in the sky. Jeffrey M. will chair. Till then, friend...

-Avi

Jeffery will always be my brother in recovery. Your positivity was appreciated. May your spirit continue to shine as brightly as your soul travels through the cosmos. Stay strong and know that are loved.
Peace and Love

You are a warrior. An inspiration. A truly remarkable individual with a big heart. Thank you for being you my friend. I will miss you.

You inspired me to share from my heart and to just tell my truth, no matter how painful or wonderful it may be. I will miss seeing and hearing your gratitude and your love Jeffrey. I will especially miss your howling laugh and how you would erupt in delight when something moved you. You've left your 'humansuit' as you used to call it and now you are soaring through the universe. Safe travels my friend, I will see you soon. Love, Rob

In the worlds
Where the kernel
Of your being's soul
Now sojourns,
I send love to you.

Jeffrey left us much too soon. He was a good, decent, and caring brother and friend. He will be greatly missed but his memory will live in our hearts and minds!

Jeffrey, I didn't know you very long and we didn't talk very much but when we did, I truly enjoyed our conversations.  I know you are in a better place where there is no suffering and your soul is at rest. I pray you take comfort in knowing that you are really missed and loved. Much love always.

Jeffrey's journey back is one that inspires; gives hope, and gives meaning to friendship. Safe travels, friend.

The delight that Jeffrey took in every little tiny bit of life always made me smile.  That's what I'll keep.

Jeffrey
You left us too soon. Life was never dull when you were around us and you weren't around enough. I will miss you. I'm glad I knew you.

Jeffrey alway had a different outlook on things, a different prospective if you will .In his presence it was always fun! He was the life of the party and the fun in our hearts. He taught me sometimes you just have to take time to be silly. I will...thank you Jeffrey

Jeffrey was such a sweet, goodhearted guy. He always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. Rest in peace. We miss you.

Jeffrey you will always be remembered as a friend that I shared a journey with. You were brave and courageous and always told it as it was: Honest and truthful. You will be sorely missed but always in our hearts and minds.

J oyful
E loquent
F ascinating
F un
R adiant
E xuberant
Y oung forever

JEFFREY you will be forever in our hearts

Jefferey enjoyed life and was always smiling...and I am glad to have known him....may he rest in peace....

He really was a bright inspiring light that cared about making the world a better place and giving back the gifts he was given.