This past week I had a few visitors from back home.  My best friend Anson and his little boy came up for a visit.  We had a really good time and got to do a lot of different things.  The most memorable thing was our trip to Washington D.C.  I had a friend of mine, who works for Senator Pryor, set us up on a tour of the Capitol.  I have already visited the Capitol, but my friend Anson and his boy haven’t. 

At the Capitol we got to see a lot of different things.  We had the opportunity to meet Senator Blanche Lincoln, while on the tour.  We saw her in the hall and she was very friendly and personal.  She talked with us for several minutes.  Senator Lincoln has been a proponent for individuals with disabilities and my mother has stayed in touch with her office on different issues.  She has been very helpful and a great represenative of the State of Arkansas.  Also I had the chance to say a few words with Senator John McCain.  Senator McCain was very friendly and great to talk to. 

After leaving the Capitol, We then went to Nationals Park for a baseball game between the Chicago Cubs and Washington Nationals.  We had awesome seats as we were on the first row right down from the Cubs dugout.  Anson’s boy, Kade, got autographs and one of the players even threw him a ball.  It was an awesome experience and we had a great time. 

Our trip to Washington D.C. is one that we will never forget.  It isn’t everyday that you get to meet a Presidential Candidate who represented such a large political party.  I am very thankful for the blessings and opportunities that God has placed in my life.  I know that the recovery and relationships made would not be possible without him.  I also want to thank all of you for your continued support.  I am extremely blessed to have you in my corner.  Thanks again and God Bless! 

I have not given you guys an update lately on what all is going on.  I have had a busy summer full of school, training, and traveling.  It seems like there is no time to stop and take a break… I always have to keep moving!

I am attending summer school for the first time of my life.  I now see why I haven’t ever attended summer school before.  I am taking classes for both terms and go to school all day.  I am also begininning preparation for the LSAT.  Needless to say, this is a very busy time in my life.

This summer I am working out with a personal trainer named Steve Fell.  Steve is a former professional soccer player who is beginning PT school.  There is a gym right across the street from where I live and Steve and I have been working out three days a week.  He is putting me through some workouts that are extremely strenous.  We are working on my lower back and core area to improve strength and flexibility.  He has some thoughtful ideas for exercises…  For example, the other day I would lay on my back and stare at the ceiling.  Hanging to my face from the ceiling was a rope.  I would climb up this rope towards the ceiling and after getting some height off the ground by climbing with my arms, I would then push with my legs to stand up.  This workout was really tough and the toughest workout I have done in my life.  After that day, I went home and took a nap.  Steve is great though and is pushing me to my limits.

I came home earlier this summer for the annual ”Friends of Matt” concert in McGehee and a speaking engagement.  I had the opportunity to speak at my Nana’s church in Dumas.  I was very honored to speak to so many great individuals.  I have recieved letters from a lot of these people and it was nice to finally meet them face to face.  The talk went great and I was very humbled by the attenitive congregation.  That night was the concert and it also went great.  I played a video of me walking in my walker down the hall while my good friend Carrie sang.  It went hand in hand.  I was very thankful for Mrs. Teresa Davis for all of the work she put into majking this concert go great.  She is a special lady and a big part of my life.  I am also very thankful to all of the other individuals who helped make this a tremendous event.  There several of my friends who went the extra mile to prepare food, set up tables, etc.  I am lucky to have such a great community and awesome friends in my life.

Overall my summer has been going great.  I have had a busy summer, but it has been super.  I have met some really close friends since moving up here that I have been hanging out with in Baltimore.  I am lucky to have a life surrounded with so many good people.  I will try to update more frequently in the future.  I want to thank all of you for your support.  God Bless!!!

Matt C