MATTHEW SHEPARD

For the past six months the book, “The Meaning of Matthew” by Judy Shepard has been on my living room coffee table waiting to be read. It’s the story of Matthew Shepard, who was murdered in Laramie, Wyoming. Matthew was tied to a fence, brutally beaten, and left for dead, for one reason only, because he was gay. Eighteen hours later, a cyclist found him and called for help. Mathew was brought to the ICU of a Fort Collins, CO hospital, where he lingered for three more days before passing on.

This book was published in 2009, but my fear of reading this tragic mothers story paralyzed me from purchasing it. The reason I finally was able to buy it was because I knew having the book in my home was the first step to facing my fear. I was feeling like a hypocrite during that time because I’m always touting the phrases “fear is a four letter word” and “eliminate fear with education” but I was unable to take my own advice. Guilty as charged.

Last week I could no longer hide from the fact that this mother had an important story to tell and I was going to read it. I knew my heart would ache for days just thinking about the pain this family endured but the time had come to face my fear.

I read this book in one day. From the first page, the simple dialogue captures the reader. I did not stop, going from one chapter to the next, until the last page was turned. I felt it would have been disrespectful to put the book down before Mrs. Shepard finished her story. It was as if I was at a PFLAG meeting and Matthew Shepard’s mom was telling her story.

“The Meaning of Matthew”, shows the power of healing, how an event so horrific can be used for the greater good. This courageous family has made the loss of Matthew a teachable moment, exposing the homophobic culture that exists in our country and the world. They have created the Matthew Shepard Foundation, www.matthewshepard.org, to honor their son. The goal for the foundation is to replace hate and ignorance with understanding, compassion and acceptance.

I strongly urge each and everyone who reads this blog to read this book. Yes, it will make your heart ache and scare you to tears, but don’t be afraid like I was, finding your courage sets you free.

hugs, Barbara