Happy Holidays from the Matthias Family (Patreon)

2024 was a year of witnessing and experiencing justice. Lauren reported at the trial of Chad Daybell in Boise, Robert Telles in Las Vegas and ended with the trial of Richard Allen in Delphi, Indiana—relieved to see their convictions.  She was also in the Santa Fe courtroom for the drama when all charges against actor Alec Baldwin were dismissed. 

John held down the fort at home while Lauren sat in the courtroom, receiving phone notifications that the Nintendo parental controls lessened each day as the Matthias men bonded over Fortnite and Mario Brothers video games.

Banks and John admittedly enjoyed their time together, routine and quieter house during the weeks mom was gone, but the separation was still hard on the family. 

Lauren scheduled regular weekend trips home, but almost missed Banks’ Kindergarten graduation after booking her flight on the wrong day. That moment resulted in an airport scene not unlike Home Alone, where she desperately searched for any way back to Nevada to attend the graduation. She made it home- but just barely!

The trials left little time for family vacations, but in November Banks was gifted a trip to Disney Land—a place he had lost all hope of attending. The surprise resulted in tears of gratitude and was extended to include Sea World and Lego Land. It was magical.

Banks is now a first grader who says he is most grateful for his family, friends and Disney Land (in that order). We think he accidentally left out his video games in that equation, but we don’t want to remind him of his life’s top priorities.

John and Lauren simply want time to slow down for a moment, and this holiday season we are cherishing our precious time together at home as a family. 

Through our work we have met many dear friends whose lives have been torn apart by the crimes of others, and we are continually reminded of the miraculous human spirit and the realization that love always transcends hate and destruction.  Hope remains strong in our family- and we send the most sincere hope to all of you for the Holidays and New Year. 

Warmly, 

The Matthiases