Thew mischief

Mathew Murray: The 15-Year-Old Boy Who Loves Sock Puppets and Mischief

Mathew Murray is a 15-year-old boy with Down syndrome, known for his boundless imagination, infectious laughter, and an unshakable love for sock puppets. His world is one of color, creativity, and a little bit of mischief—because with Mathew, life is never boring. Whether he’s putting on puppet shows for his family, sneaking his sock friends into places they don’t belong, or crafting elaborate backstories for each of them, Mathew’s playful spirit makes every day an adventure.

From a young age, Mathew found joy in storytelling. While some children took to drawing or building, he discovered the magic of sock puppets. A simple sock transformed into a lively character in his hands—one with its own name, voice, and personality. Above all, Mathew’s most beloved creation was his trusty puppet sidekick, Brother Cankles. With his oversized googly eyes, mismatched buttons, and a dramatic voice that Mathew perfected over time, Brother Cankles became his closest companion in all his adventures.

Mathew could spend hours entertaining his family with stories of heroic sock knights, mischievous sock bandits, and wise old sock wizards, with Brother Cankles always playing a leading role. His parents encouraged his creativity, but as he got older, Mathew’s love for sock puppets began leading him into unexpected—and sometimes hilarious—situations.

One of his most infamous escapades involved sneaking Brother Cankles into his school principal’s office. Brother Cankles had a habit of speaking his mind, and Mathew—ever the ventriloquist—decided the principal needed a little comedic relief during a long school day. His sock puppet popped up from behind a desk and greeted the principal with a cheery, "Why so serious, boss man? Brother Cankles thinks you need a snack!" The entire office burst into laughter, but Mathew still found himself in a bit of trouble. His parents were called in, but even they had a hard time keeping a straight face when they heard the story.

His mischief wasn’t always contained to school. At home, Mathew had a habit of "borrowing" socks from his family members to create new characters. His older brother once found his lucky football socks mysteriously missing, only to later discover them turned into a pair of mischievous sock bandits named "Sneaky Steve and Shady Shawn." His mother’s favorite wool socks had become "Madame Fuzzy Feet," a dramatic fortune teller who predicted what was for dinner. But Brother Cankles always remained Mathew’s main sidekick, acting as his co-conspirator in every scheme.

Despite his playful mischief, Mathew’s love for sock puppets had a deeper impact. His performances helped him build confidence and social skills, turning him into a natural entertainer. His school even invited him to put on a puppet show for younger students, where he and Brother Cankles taught them about kindness, teamwork, and the magic of imagination. Watching the children giggle and interact with his puppets, Mathew beamed with pride, knowing he had brought a little more joy into the world.

Mathew Murray’s life is a beautiful blend of creativity, humor, and heart. While his love for sock puppets might sometimes land him in trouble, it also reminds those around him that life is meant to be fun, playful, and full of unexpected joy. His story is one of laughter, mischief, and the simple but powerful magic of a sock on a hand, reminding everyone that a little imagination can turn the ordinary into something extraordinary. And through it all, Brother Cankles remains right by his side, ready for the next great adventure.