I remember when Matthew and I first met at Little League. It was a defining moment in our lives, because little did we know, we would become brothers. Our bond was cemented on the Little League stage and it was obvious we had something special. 

Through the years we would pop into each other’s lives but would truly start hanging around each other at the legendary C and D. Sorry I can’t explain what it meant. you just had to be there. Matthew and I would bond through multiple hangouts, sleepovers and parties, but nothing was as special to us as Nazi Zombies. We would play that stupid add-on for hours on end. We even skipped school, got high, and fought over a piece of pie half-naked….we weren’t gay…we swear. 

Then there was the Nintendo games. We both loved Super Mario 64 and Mario Baseball and had a common understanding that Luigi is the best pick. Over the years our families have become more intertwined and have bonded just as much as Matt and I have. It was a true family relationship.

The thing that separates Matthew from the rest of the pack, though, is his musical prowess. My buddy managed to go to the Berkelee College of Music where he would tighten up his skills and become a force in the industry.  His work ethic in my opinion is unmatchable. On a daily basis the dude is working till the crack of dawn. Unhealthy, probably. Admirable, 100%. Ever since, Matthew has established himself as the lead guitarist become known throughout the Asbury music scene as Fern. You know you know them: his band goes by the Foes of Fern. The persona he has created has made quite the splash in the Asbury music scene and I couldn’t be more proud of him. I know with continuous pushing, he will achieve whatever he sets his heart on. He’ll have to, he’s clearly not a quitter. It’s succeed and die trying. 

Fern may be a rockstar but to me he’ll always be Matthew. That little kid I grew up with playing Little League, doing snowball fights, going to high school parties with, and getting high with. Stay golden, Matthew.