Matthew Robison was a cerebral palsy patient who spent his whole life in a wheelchair. His parents decided to honor his life by erecting a unique monument in his grave that showed that he was freed from his wheelchair when he passed away at the age of 10 1/2.
Ernest Robison, Ernest’s father, said to NPR that he had the idea that he would be able to lift himself from his wheelchair and ascend to heaven.
Anneke Robison’s mother Matthew said that Matthew would be free of all the limitations and disabilities he faced on Earth.
Ernest Robison’s vision resulted in a giant, bronze sculptural headstone that is moving and imposing at Matthew’s Salt Lake City Cemetery gravesite. The sculpture shows the boy sitting on one leg in a wheelchair. His left arm is extended toward the sky, and his face is lifted.
His father explained that his right arm is folded with his right hand hanging down, as if he were disabled. The entire work of art rests on an oval block, with Matthew’s short epitaph: September 23, 1988 – February 29, 1999.
It is not a traditional grave marker. Anneke Robison said that it looks very different.
It is also very popular online, with many people placing stuffed animals or other toys on the headstone. Robisons say that every few years there is new interest in the sculpture.
Matthew’s father stated that he cannot explain why the website suddenly became so popular. It makes sense to me. … It touches people in an extraordinary way.”
Recently, Reddit users have circulated photos of the monument, drawing thousands of comments. They call it beautiful and inspiring. Some users also wonder why other cemeteries don’t have more personalized headstones.
Keith Van Otten is the Salt Lake City sexton responsible for maintaining the cemetery grounds. He says there’s an obvious explanation.
Van Otten explained that most cemeteries have city ordinances that limit the size of monuments. He said that the ordinances often set standards for size, which are necessary to ensure proper maintenance and future burials in an area.
Van Otten pointed out that in cases where families want a unique headstone, there is a variance process. This allows the public to request an oversized marker for their grave. It goes through our office, then through the mayor’s.
Locals and tourists alike have made the cemetery a popular tourist destination. Friends of the Salt Lake City Cemetery is a local group that organizes tours. Van Otten states that brochures are available for self-guided tours.
He stated that Matthew Robison’s tomb was part of a recent tour led by a state historian. The historian spoke about the various types of headstones, sculptures, and other features found in the cemetery’s 125,000 graves.
Van Otten stated that it is very popular with visitors. “Especially kids because they see the little boy floating out of his chair and he looks happy.”
Van Otten stated, “I believe it speaks to them.”
Robisons are religious people who are happy that Matthew’s headstone brings joy after such a difficult life.
Ernest Robison stated, “Really, it was for my comfort,” and added that he found some relief in the process.
He is an artist but prefers oil paints. This was his first sculpture. He enlisted the assistance of his cousin who is a sculptor. They worked together for several months to create the mold that would be used for casting bronze. He says that although it was time-consuming and expensive, the final result was well worth it.
He said that “everyone in the company aEUR”, about 30 people, stood around looking at the mold as it was being cast. He recalled that they kept looking at the mold and looking at it.”
“And then, I realized that this was something people around the globe can relate to.” That was something I had never imagined.
Robison and his wife founded Ability Found, a charity that provides people with new or used wheelchairs or other mobility equipment at a discounted price.
They raise a lot of money from donations. However, they also sell miniatures of Matthew’s headstone and a version of a little girl getting out of a chair.
Ernest Robison stated, “I understand that disability and death are a global concern. It’s good for people still to see the hope that they can rise up to heaven and be healed and lead a better lifestyle.”
