Mat smiles in the face of pain
WHERE does Mat Eustace get the strength to ignore the sheer unfairness of what life has dealt him?
The same place the increasingly debilitated motor neurone disease sufferer musters the strength of character and spirit to smile and offer his heartfelt thanks.
Thanks to strangers, well wishers and his estranged wife Jasmin, along with his beautiful son Zakiah.
As is the way with this muscle-wasting condition that will one day claim the former fit, young fisherman, Mat's ability to get words out is like the rest of his life - every syllable is a battle.
But he wills the words out.
They are hard to understand but his supporter Alison Mawson helps make him clearly understood.
"Even though we're not together any more, I want to thank Jas for everything she's done to look after me," he said.
"I want to thank everybody in the Noosa community for all their help and support. I want to thank all the people at the Farmer's Market for their support."
Mat is having another respite stay at the Katie Rose Cottage hospice in Doonan, and for that he cannot thank enough the caring staff and the beautiful surroundings.
"I've been here before - it's awesome."
Mat said the people at Dove Palliative Care in Caloundra had also been wonderful to him.
When Mat leaves next Monday, it will be in his motorised wheelchair and in the specially equipped van.
These were bought for him, thanks to another motor neurone disease sufferer Scott Sullivan, who set up the MND and Me Foundation to raise awareness and find ways to help those with the condition.
They are both young men, fathers, battling against the odds.
It was a $10,000 gift that has meant a world of difference to Mat, allowing him to get about.
He will be going back to his sister Tania's place at Burpengary, where he has lived since February.
He no longer sees Jas, whom he married in Noosa in May last year, after the shock diagnosis.
That's all he will say about that matter.
As for Zak, like with all dads, only the best will do.
Already Zak loves boats - just like Dad.
"I want him to have a good job, a good education and everything like that."
He believes good people will make that happen.
For Mat, the struggles are only going to get harder, unless some magic medical bullet appears.
But one thing would really do him the world of good - some visits from his mates in Noosa.
The ones strong enough to share his fight for just a short while would be about as potent a pick-me-up he could find.
Mat still needs plenty more material support to help him through what's ahead.
Anyone who can offer support, please phone Alison on 0407 774 567.
For Mat, the struggles are only going to get harder, unless some magic medical bullet appears.
But one thing would really do him the world of good - some visits from his mates.
