"I often prayed for a brother - and God blessed me with Matthew."

From Dean Henning: MY JOURNEY WITH MATTHEW MARTINS

 

     As an old boy from Parktown Boys, you have a duty to look out for past, present and future Parktonians. It is a brotherhood and demands a respect that only a Parktonian can explain. I owe this school everything because it has shaped me to be the the man I am today.

     I was at work and a fellow collegue Jacques Bruwer, who knew Matty's mom from Church, told me Matty’s story and asked me to visit the young lad in hospital to help lift his spirits. Naturally I was more than willing to help out, so off I went.  

     I believe that God sees us as His treasures and places people together to build our characters. Everyone goes through that Divine moment when you meet a friend and there is an instant brotherly connection. I often prayed for a brother  - and God blessed me with Matthew. I went to meet up with someone to lift up his spirits, and instead he lifted mine. That is Matthew -  the positivity flows out of him in abundance. I remember leaving the hospital completely taken aback by his maturity, wisdom and understanding of life.

     Not many people can influence your life to the point where you start questioning your true purpose. I knew that I needed to see more of him. I would meet up with him on a regular basis. We learnt about each others lives and could share a lot of things as we came from similar circumstances, growing up with only our Mothers.

     Matty also calls a spade a spade. He can smell fakeness a mile away. He has a focus on his goals and dreams which is remarkable for a young man. I see Matty growing up into someone who can change a nation, someone who will continue to inspire all ages. He is someone who has the ability to keep you smiling no matter what the circumstance. A leader of our generation!

     I intoduced Matty to some of my friends, and they also have only good things to say about him. They have told me that they just want to have his generous, kind and gracious attitude towards everyone. Matty only has good things to say about everyone. He doesn’t have an ounce of judgement in his body. I know that Matty will continue to positively affect peoples lives and become something great.

     Matty has a sense of humour that will leave you in fits of laughter. He has a sense of joy and happiness about him that will just keep you smiling. I can say that, as a 25 year old man, Matty is a younger brother that I look up to. He is my go-to guy, a loyal boet who won't let you down.

 

    I leave you with a quote by Matty, “ Parktown is a school like no other. It is built on tradition and leadership. I love my school.”