Believe In Tomorrow Suicide Prevention Project

September is National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, a cause near to the American Meadows family. 

In the spring of 2022, American Meadows lost a very special member of our community. Matthew Emerson was a caring and creative spirit, who led by example with his thoughtful acts and words.

In his role as Customer Service Team Leader, Matthew brightened the days of everyone in our organization. Matthew taught everyone at American Meadows the ins and outs of gardening and growing wildflowers and helped hundreds, if not thousands, of American Meadows customers. Chances are, if you spoke to our customer service team at all over the last decade, Matthew helped you in some way, too.

Matthew always had a kind word, a clever observation, a silly joke, or a smile to share with you. He was famous for his ridiculous t-shirts and great sense of humor. His legacy lives on in every one of our gardens and meadows. 

A thoughtful gardener and skilled artist, Matthew lovingly grew many plants and wildflowers in his yard, including his favorite, the unique and eye-catching globe thistle. Stories of his gardening process, including adding new plants and new features to his yard, always brightened our days. He reveled in the visits from wildlife and charismatic hummingbirds who called his garden home.  (The photo at the top of the page shows just one of his many beautiful home garden beds.)

Aside from being our go-to garden guru, he was also a talented artist who hand-drew the illustrations for some of our most beloved seed packets. 

In honor of Matthew's life and to celebrate his birthday month, we will be donating to Lifeline.

The 988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States.

If you or someone you know needs support, you can call or text 988, 24/7.

The world is a better place with you here.

Matthew cared deeply about the world, its people, places, and pollinators alike. With every one of Matthew's seed packets shared, we can all contribute to his legacy of growth, life, and love. 

Join us in our Believe In Tomorrow Suicide Prevention Project, by sharing Matthew's packets, spreading the word, or by donating to Lifeline directly.

In the words of a colleague upon Matthew's passing:

"He was the department head of patience and kindness. He led by example with his thoughtful acts and words. And we are bereft with holes in our hearts and limping with the loss of a good man gone. But today—this sorrowful day—let’s join hands to help his legacy live on and vow in time ahead to acknowledge with our words and deeds the inspiring influence of a kind-hearted man."