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Re-engaging with the world—through hobbies, games, and social outings—was how Matt rediscovered the pure pleasure of using his recovering mind and body. This was life beyond the clinic, where success was measured in moments of genuine fun and connection. It proved that the unrelenting hours of rehabilitation had a tangible deliverable: the return of joy and normalcy.
Even the preparations for Megan’s upcoming wedding became a therapeutic "social." In March, it was heartwarming to watch Matt sit with the "ladies in his life" and make small contributions to the centerpieces they were creating. We didn't quite trust him with the hot glue gun yet, but his presence in the circle was what mattered.
On Memorial Day weekend 2019, we took Matt’s first vacation to our family’s cottage on Rocky Pine Island in the scenic Thousand Islands. The adventure began with us seriously contemplating the boat at the dock—two feet below us—a long descent for less than agile Matt, considering his weakness and questionable balance. Then there was the added caveat: the risk of falling overboard without the ability to swim. Matt graciously accepted our help, negotiating the transition with relative ease, walking the narrow docks, climbing a steep ramp, and traversing rocks and uneven terrain. Our secret defense was a firm grasp on a gait belt at all times, which allowed everyone to breathe freely and savor the river without any sense of trepidation on his behalf
The weather was less than stellar—rainy and damp—prompting a classic Matt request to "go home early!" Fortunately, we appealed to his stomach with barbecued hamburgers, chicken dinners, and gooey s’mores for dessert. We also leaned into his love of games: Yahtzee, Sorry, and Quirkle. His Aunt Sue was always game, and he never turned down an offer to play. Although initially reticent, Matt even accepted Uncle Dan's invitation to take him out in his rowboat, and while he took a few strokes himself, he mostly relished the ride, taking in the river air. By Fall, Matt had joined Mom in a double kayak.
These moments of activity were balanced by quiet pockets of rest. With a good cup of coffee in hand, one of my favorite rituals is to find a warm sunbeam, sheltered from the cool spring breeze, where I can simply relax, read, or chat. It was in these quiet intervals that I found my own steadying breath. By the end of the day, the combination of river air and golden sun ensured we all drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep.
Back home, the summer rays warmed our souls and teased us outside amongst the vibrant hues of budding flowers, the world seemingly spreading its arms wide open in welcome. We navigated the local LARAC craft festival, a bustling scene of colors and crowds, and despite a few stumbles, Matt didn’t fall. Several months ago, he might have been a passive observer, but now he was fully engaged—sampling spicy salsas and even dipping into his own pocket to make purchases. It was a small but wonderful sign of reclaimed life.
As we cast our net in ever-wider circles between the farmer’s market and wine tastings, games of ladder golf, and rounds of mini-golf; his physical stamina grew alongside his love for life. In the summer, we took a carousel ride and made our annual trip to the historic Saratoga Race Track, where Matt made us all look like amateurs by winning three out of four races that day. We also traveled to Ithaca to visit his friend, Dave. Before leaving, the two men shared an unexpectedly long hug—so long that I eventually told Matt he should let go.
To my surprise, Dave was the one holding on so tightly. In that shared, silent embrace, I knew it wasn't just Matt who needed to hold on—it was all of us. This palpable expression of love and reassurance released a collective sigh of relief. It was the realization that the "star" we had all been orbiting—family and friends alike—was shining brightly, lit by his steady resolve.
Life was never quiet at the Watkins’ house. In late July, we hosted Megan’s bridal shower, a house filled with laughter and celebration, and fifteen women. After Matt spent time visiting with his five aunts and the other guests, he and Mike quickly made their escape to catch the new Spider-Man movie. We would return to the cinema throughout the year to catch the biggest releases, including Avengers: Endgame and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. While Matt appreciated these grand cinematic moments, he also found contentment in the quiet of home, simply watching movies with the family.
The year was also filled with the bright lights of professional stages and the energy of live music. In August 2019, we headed to Proctors’ Theatre for a performance of the Broadway hit Hamilton—a high-energy, exciting night that stood out as a highlight of the summer. Later, at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, we sat under the stars and marveled as the Philadelphia Orchestra performed the musical score to Up live, with a screening of the film in the background.
As the air turned crisp, we leaned into the heart of autumn traditions: apple picking, the Adirondack Balloon Festival, and the Giant Pumpkinfest. By the time November arrived, Matt was branching out into new creative outlets. He attended a cartoon-drawing class and joined his Aunt Debbie at a Boxwood Christmas tree workshop, proving that his hands were becoming as nimble as his spirit.
December brought the Victorian Streetwalk and the First Night celebrations in Saratoga, where the cold air was offset by the warmth of the crowds. Matt was right in the middle of the action, taking delight in the swinging rhythms of the Big Band and the Hot Club of Saratoga. Whether it was a Broadway stage or a local jazz set, he was back in the audience, absorbing the performances he had always loved. In February 2020, we joined more than 30,000 people at the annual Chowder Fest. We spent the day tasting samples of soups, chowders, and bisques—flavorful creations by local restaurants all competing for the coveted first-place honors.
Matt’s second year and budding achievements had an incredible finale. In March 2020, we took an exciting trip to Los Angeles to visit Ryan and Corinne. It was a fantastic getaway, during which we explored the Huntington Gardens and the LA Science Museum, until doors began to shutter as fear of a pandemic swept across the globe. Although it dampened the spirit of our getaway, we still had fun hanging out, talking, playing games, tinkering with a jigsaw puzzle, and going on an occasional neighborhood walk. The crowning achievement of our trip was the infamous climb up Mount Rubidoux—a testament to Matt's perseverance and the glorious sweeping view of California—a proud peak in a year of reconnecting with the world.
© 2026, Sarah Watkins
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