Tonight's picture was taken in September of 2007, when Mattie was in kindergarten. Sitting in front of Mattie was his "construction club" creation. Mattie's kindergarten teacher hosted an after school program, called construction club. This was one of Mattie's favorite things to do after school, and he became quite talented with paper towel tubes, tape, and other things captured from around the house. In many ways, construction club gave him the skills and interests to take on several creative projects at the hospital while battling cancer. Mattie created many, many boxed like structures while at Georgetown Hospital, and I think he did this because he developed this love in kindergarten. Needless to say, Mattie's creativity helped us get through some very challenging days while in the hospital.
Quote of the day: Grief teaches the steadiest minds to waver. ~ Sophocles
We are now only days away from the Mattie Miracle Cancer Foundation Walk, on Sunday, May 22. It is hard to believe something that you have been planning for months is finally arriving. The Walk is filled with many mixed emotions for me. Naturally I am excited about the event and for the energy generated this year by our community partners and sponsors. I am equally happy that we can feature Lauren and Noah, two pediatric cancer survivors who have not only battled the horrific disease of Osteosarcoma, but they use their experiences to help bring awareness to others in their community. Nonetheless, the Walk is bittersweet for me as well. After all, the first Walk in 2009 was held in Mattie's honor, when Mattie was still alive. Though Mattie is no longer with us, his Walk continues, his memory remains, but the hurt of him not being physically present is ever so sharp while planning the Walk. In many ways the Walk keeps me busy and very engaged. However, post-Walk, though the stresses of coordinating and planning subside, different sorts of challenges arise.
I met up with Ann and Tina for lunch today. We talked about Foundation Walk set up and I shared the event map with them and walked through how I see things flowing. After lunch, Tina and I went for ice cream. The world seems much better over ice cream, or at least it does for me. Tina sent me the link below, as she and our friend, Jane, are working hard at promoting the Walk in local papers and calendars.
http://www.alexandrianews.org/2011/05/faces-of-hope%E2%80%9D-walk-to-support-kids-with-cancer/
This evening Peter and I went to ABC Imaging to pick up all 30 posters that our friend, Luda, graciously did for the Foundation's Walk. The posters are incredible, and I am looking forward to seeing participants' reaction to seeing all 26 Faces of Hope around the track this year!
No comments:
Post a Comment