A Note to Matt Grindy

Amber Bell kisses her husband Matt Grindy in his hospital room after he earned his doctorate degree in speech communication from FSU President T.K. Wetherell on Friday, Feb. 8, 2008. Friends and family turned his hospital room into a graduation party.

Dear Matt,

I am very sad this morning because you have left us. I understand that you are now at peace and free from pain, but I cannot help but feel a strong sense of grief and sadness.

I was so impressed by what you have done, in your life and in the last year. In the last year you coached debate, finished your doctoral degree and published a book as well as dealt with your cancer. I will try and remember that the next time I want to complain about having too much to do.

As I get older I am prepared to have some people around me passing on, but I am not really prepared to see people as young and vital as you do so.

I was very moved by your quotation in the news story about you receiving your degree, where you gave a last wish, that debating be preserved, even in times of financial difficulty. I would like to go a step further and say that it needs to be advanced at all times.

Last night we had a public debate about terrorism and we had about a hundred people there. Shortly before you departed a number of people in the audience came forward and wanted to join the debate team.

I can, in your memory, continue to dedicate myself to this mission. I can only aspire to a future where, in the great beyond, I will be worthy of having you shake my hand and say that I did a good job. I know that we have allies and I will try to use them and tell them about you as a source of inspiration.

Please look up Bob Branham, another great debate coach taken from us far too early, as I think you two would really like each other.

Until then, let us forward the global debate prospect.

Your friend,

Tuna