Friday, November 11, 2011Tonight's picture was taken in November of 2003 in our kitchen. Peter snapped a picture of me with my dancing buddy. I love Mattie's smile and expression in this picture, to me it speaks volumes. Mattie and I danced together many times, this was not a rare occurrence. I also recall as he got older when we danced, I would spin him around in circles, whirling him through the air, and he absolutely loved it.
Quote of the day: In the midst of your doubts, don't forget how many of the important questions God does answer. ~ Verne Becker
Before I begin tonight's blog, I do want to acknowledge that today is Veteran's Day and for any of my readers (or their family members) who do or have served in the military we THANK YOU. I am very well aware of the fact that our freedom is not free but is the result of the bravery, courage, and sacrifice made by our service men and women each and every day. In honor of the day, I am posting Trace Adkins' song entitled, Arlington:
http://www.cmt.com/videos/trace-adkins/56305/arlington.jhtml
My friend Charlie sent me tonight's quote and in light of the week I have had with candy sorting, Becker's words really struck a chord with me. After Mattie's death, I admit that I have many doubts, doubts about life, people, and the overall purpose of our existence. Yet when I see an outpouring of community spirit, as generated through bags and bags of candy, I can't help but see that there is a message in all of this. The message is that people care, they have not forgotten about Mattie, and they want to help others going through a childhood cancer battle.
I drove to Georgetown University Hospital this morning with a car FULL of candy. The entire childlife staff at Georgetown came down to help unload the car and it took three carts to accomplish this task. Pictured from left to right are Katie, Jess, and Linda (Mattie's childlife specialist). Linda was able to hire Jess in part due to the contribution Mattie Miracle made to the hospital after the Foundation Walk.
Linda snapped a picture of me with Katie and Jess. I can't look at these red wagons without thinking of Mattie. He absolutely loved these wagons, so much so, that Linda gave him one to take home. Peter and I cherish that red wagon now. Later in the day, Linda sent me the picture below. Featured with all our candy is Alice Pengra. Alice is a nurse and Pediatric Specialty Director at Georgetown. I am SO happy Linda took this picture at the Hospital because it gives you a much better feeling for the quantity of candy we donated today. For all of you who contributed to this project, you should be feeling very good about your efforts tonight!
I would like to end tonight's posting with a message from my friend and colleague, Nancy. Nancy wrote, "Mattie guides you in so many ways and this idea to have people donate their excess Halloween candy was brilliant! Now to see that another community hospital is looking to the Foundation as a support and reference is a kudo of par excellence. I always knew that there was something special about you both and through these last few years have witnessed the many ways that you championed Mattie and allowed him to experience all of his life experiences in a thoughtful, encouraging, and compassionate way. I've told you many times that you gave him the best that anyone could have done and you honor him each day that you work hard at bringing a bit of "normalcy" to this dreaded family occurrence. May you know greater peace as you continue to heal each day from the devastation of pediatric cancer. The world is lucky to have you both. I hope that you can get a large wagon to help you 'shelp' all of the candy into the hospital."
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