BOISE, Idaho — A small life, gone but never forgotten. A young boy whose life was lost too soon.
A vigil in Boise brought the community together to honor the tragic loss of Matthew Glynn.
The five year old's body was found by the Boise Police Department on Aug. 6.
He had wandered about half a mile away from his birthday party just the day before. Matthew’s death was deemed an accidental drowning by Ada County Coroner’s Office.
A month after the accident, Matthew’s mother, Amanda Mertens, held a vigil open to the public at True Hope Church.
“It's very, very hard, and I miss him dearly, but I don't think I would have gotten through a lot of the things I've gotten through if it wasn't for the support and help of the community,” Mertens said.
Family, friends and community members came together to listen to his favorite songs, wear his favorite color blue and share special memories.
“He was very independent for his pretty much his age, you know, like, I mean, even at four, he was, you know, he knew what he wanted, how to get it, and he was going to do it,” Mertens said.
Family and friends who knew Matthew gave speeches at the ceremony as the community members held their lit candles. The pastor of True Hope Church closed with a prayer.
His mother hopes this story continues to share the importance of autism acceptance and awareness.
“Matthew was a very kind spirited loving little boy … he just he was very energetic. He had his he was very smart in his own way. Autistic children are very smart in their own ways," she said.
Matthew’s vigil was a celebration of life. His mother wanted his memorial to be shared as a happy moment with the community. The memorial included a bounce house and other activities for children.
Mertens asks that anyone unable to attend the vigil, but wanting to honor Matthew light a candle for him today in remembrance.
“Matthew was my rock, my strength, my world, and as much it hurts. It just, it just hurts because that's gone,” she said.
She and her family continually express their gratitude for the outpouring of support they've been receiving from all over Idaho.
If you would like to contribute to her and her family during this time, a GoFundMe and Meal Train fundraiser was created on their behalf for donations.
