Matti Leaves a Mark.
Jenny Neyman's story about grief, relationships and a football team that chose to become family.
Redoubt Reporter writer Jenny Neyman told the story of how Rich Isett became part of the Martin family while living at Diamond M Ranch, and how his Pacific Lutheran University teammates responded after Matti died.
The team sent 102 individual notes to the Martins. Their care prompted the family to travel to Tacoma, visit practice and attend a PLU game. The players welcomed them with team gear, memorial gestures and a standing ovation during the team's post-game gathering.
The story connects directly to the mission behind Matti's Farm: relationships, second chances, belonging and the effect a family or community can have when it chooses to make room for someone.