Matt
Location: North Providence, RI — 7/6/2023
Author’s note: I grew up an only child on Felix Street, and Matt lived just a few blocks away on Garfield Ave. Our mothers even knew each other while they were both pregnant. We went to the same elementary, middle, and high school. Our parents took turns taking us to and from elementary, and in middle school, we walked home together every day. As soon as we were capable of shoveling snow, we decided to start our own snow-shoveling business and spent our evenings at Dunkin' Donuts, counting our earnings and spending it on donuts. We had countless sleepovers, shared meals at each other's homes, wrestled until we got yelled at, and had each other's phone numbers memorized. Matt became the brother I never had, and now his two twin boys, Luca and Nico, call me 'Uncle Coop'."
If you could give advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Appreciate everything. Having two children of my own now I can truly respect and appreciate everyone and everything I had growing up that I most likely overlooked as a child. Mainly sacrifices my parents made for myself and my sisters' well-being and future.
What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning, even when you don't feel like it?
The world keeps spinning and my world is my family. I have to help keep it spinning. No days off.
What is your greatest accomplishment so far?
Keeping my lemon of a dog alive.
What’s a fond but small, nostalgic memory from your childhood?
My dad used to work at McCoy Stadium and he would take me to work with him and then let me pick from all the confiscated snacks and I would just run around hyped up on junk food.
How do you approach and navigate regret in your life?
How do I navigate regret? By learning from it, you can’t change what’s been done but you can take action to make sure you don’t make the same regrets and grow from it.
Is there a quote or sentiment of wisdom that deeply resonates with you? Why?
“Sticks and stones may break your bones but words will never hurt you.”
I could care less what someone calls me, I’m not out here for validation, like I’ve said ain’t nothing you can say to me I haven’t said six inches from a mirror. 🤣
Our snow shoveling business card, circa 1999