The Journey Continues Slowly

We have met with State Senator Charles Fuschillo, Assembylman Dave McDonough and Governor David Paterson, along with representatives from the DOT.  We have been promised that guard rails, made out of steel cabling, will be installed, hopefully before Memorial Day 2010.  Much of our energy was focused on achieving this goal, something that community activists and residents had identified as a need years before.
I saw this bike path for the first time on July 21, 2009.  Why wasn't there protection for the cyclists, runners, walkers and baby strollers being pushed by parents?  No answer will ever be satisfactory.  Matt is dead and there is no turning back.

However, we cannot move forward without acknowledging the incredible  support from our friends, family, Matt's friends and total strangers.  This whole experience reminds me of the carrot, the egg and the coffee bean.  When placed in boiling water, the carrot becomes soft and mushy; the egg becomes hard; but, the coffee bean changes the water and produces a delicious drink.  I am trying to be a coffee bean, although there are days when I am sure I am destined to be a carrot or an egg. 

We met with the University at Buffalo Foundation development office in August.  Through the generosity of friends and strangers, we were able to establish an endowed scholarship in Matt's name and a scholarship at Long Island Junior Soccer League.  All we had to do from here on, was get through the criminal process. 

But, no.  That would not happen.  Matt's friends had an idea of fund raising at Half Hollow Hill East in his memory.  The bike ride, that was discussed at the funeral home, suddenly was taking a life of its own.  Pi Lambda Phi, Matt's fraternity, was planning an event.  A stranger who knew Matt casually at the UB Newman Center, had a mass said in Matt's memory and invited us to attend.  That mass turned out to be said by the Bishop of Buffalo, who was dedicating the new Newman Community Center, followed by a luncheon, the invitation extended to my family.  How overwhelming to have people that you have never met, be so kind.  Dan, one of Matt's best friends, had an idea about a soccer tournament in Matt's memory.  That is scheduled for June 12th.  The Miles For Matt Bike Tour is scheduled for June 6th.  The First Annual Matthew Scarpati Memorial Walk was held at UB in March.  Matt would be so proud of his PiLam brothers.

I always told my kids that when life served up lemons, make lemonade.  That is much easier said then done, but we are working on it.