Hammock:  Although Matthew had a lot of energy, he knew how to take time, kick back, and enjoy a nap, especially in a hammock where he could soak up even more time outdoors.

89%:  This percentage was actually coined by Matthew.  Upon one summer morning when his mother was dropping him off at church for a mission trip, she asked him at which campus was the group leaving.  Matthew replied, “I’m 89% sure it’s Promise Road.”  It turns out he was 100% wrong.  From that point on this percentage stuck like glue.  His parents, Steve and Lisa both noticed that he did most things at 89%--cutting the grass but leaving areas uncut, putting away lunch, but leaving the peanut butter jar on the counter, cleaning his room—yes, all 89%. This percentage became legendary in the Pearcy household, and Matthew embraced it wholeheartedly, telling his friends he only operated at 89% maximum capacity. But we all knew that for anything that really mattered, Matthew put in 100% effort and more.

Micah 6:8:  This was the primary scripture shared at Matthew’s Celebration of Life service.  Matthew embodied its directive to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God. In Matthew’s life of 22 years, he chose to honor God by living life fully and positively impacting the lives of others.

Logrolling:  Upon the advice of his siblings, Jordan and Daniel, to get involved at IU, Matthew tried out many activities such as ballroom dancing, frisbee golf, flag football, and fencing, but it was logrolling that won out. He became the president of the intramural club and competed throughout the Midwest. Despite his 6’4” frame he found his passion—excelling in the art of balance, coordination, and fun.

Bicycle:  Matthew always loved riding a bike, but he kept outgrowing the frames.  Eventually he got one that fit (at the cost of a small car), and he would bike all around campus, no matter what the temperature.

Bluebird:  After Matthew passed away, his mother Lisa was out walking and praying. “Cardinals are really lovely God, but Matthew’s eyes were so blue, I think bluebirds would be nice.”  But before she could even finish moving the words from her heart to her lips, a beautiful bluebird swooped down right in front of her.  Since then, bluebirds have appeared at the most unexpected and needed times.

A very heartfelt thank you to the artist of this beautiful mural, Alexandria Kirkham, That Painter Chick