Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Tuesday, February 5, 2013 -- Mattie died 178 weeks ago today.

Tonight's picture was taken in February of 2009. That particular day, Mattie entered the clinic and Jenny and Jessie (his incredible art therapists) asked him if he wanted to help them with the creation of the in-patient unit's welcome sign. Mattie was not interested in this notion at all until I suggested that perhaps he would like to put his footprint on the sign. That was just off the wall enough to intrigue Mattie. As you can see in this photo, Jenny was holding Mattie's left leg and foot (the only appendage NOT operated on) and Jessie was painting it. Whenever I visit the fifth floor of the hospital and see that welcome sign, I can't help but be transported back to February 2, 2009, when this photo was captured. I imagine to those who pass this welcome sign on a regular basis, it is just a small footprint on a canvas, but to me that is no ordinary footprint. It belongs to Mattie and I am so happy that Jenny and Jessie captured a piece of Mattie on the floor where he spent over a year of his life.

Quote of the day: There are two types of people – those who come into a room and say, “Well, here I am!” and those who come in and say, “Ah, there you are." ~ Frederick L. Collins


I decided given how my leg is feeling, that going to zumba this week wouldn't be smart. Yet I do see what the doctor is saying, in that my problem originates from my back. If I sit a funny way or even lift something heavy, the pain eventually intensifies in my leg. Unfortunately today I had to mail our large box of Foundation materials that we need for the conference in California. Peter carried it to my car, so I literally only had to get the box from the back seat onto Mattie's stroller and into the post office. Somehow that was more than enough lifting for me and I am now paying the price. 

This afternoon I had the opportunity to have lunch with my friend Christine. Christine and I met when Mattie entered kindergarten. Her son and Mattie were very close friends, and it was through our sons we became friends. Christine is a key person to us on many fronts, but with regard to the Foundation she specifically oversees our Annual Walk registration process. This is a complex job and certainly a labor intensive one. Especially when I dump off 500 t-shirts, bags, and other items in her house every May before the Walk. I don't only dump them at her house, but then she folds them and organizes all these materials for me. Her whole family gets involved with this process, including all three of her children! We had a lovely lunch together, and like me, food is important to Christine. It was restaurant week, so we had a wonderful 3 course lunch. Not something we have often, which is what made this extra special. In a way, such a lunch allows one to escape from reality, from the pains of life, and be able to connect over food and conversation.

Earlier today I received an email from Linda, Mattie's Childlife Specialist. Linda is a person who is near and dear to both Peter and me. I do not know where we would have been without Linda when Mattie was battling cancer, which may be why I feel compelled to support her program at the Hospital. Like the Foundation is a personal cause for me, supporting Linda is personal as well. I have seen what Linda is capable of and I also know that her profession is challenging and involves MUCH MORE than playing with kids. Linda shared some statistics with me that were truly impressive. As many of our readers know, part of the funds from the 2012 Foundation Walk went to the Mattie Miracle Childlife Program Fund. That fund helps to pay the salary of Jess, Georgetown's newest Childlife Specialist. Any case, in one year's time, Jess has worked with and supported 3200 children and their families. There are some other wonderful pieces of news which I will share over time. But the point of the matter is the funds we are raising are helping thousands of children and their families A YEAR. This to me is significant and something our supporters should feel very positive about.