Tonight's picture was taken in November 2006. Mattie was four years old and one of the things he loved to do was paint. Painting in our living room to be exact. It was not an unusual sight for newspaper to be on the floor, paint out, and Mattie working away. The funny moments were when Mattie would paint with his feet. He actually created some beautiful creations that way. However, I was fortunate because Mattie was a neat kid and appreciated the fact that if he ran around with paint on him, it would get over rugs and furniture. Which made my clean up of the area and him much easier. Literally there were times I would pick Mattie up from the newspapers and bring him directly into the kitchen sink to clean up and remove his clothes with paint. With Mattie it was never boring!
Quote of the day: There is a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in something, you do it only when it's convenient. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results. ~ Kenneth H. Blanchard
I found tonight's quote and immediately it resonated with me. Throughout my life I have been committed to various causes and forms of work. Part time jobs for me were always a riot, because I put in more hours than those who worked full time jobs. The only difference of course is I wasn't paid for all my hours! The joke when I was in graduate school was.... Vicki must never sleep! My response to that was always.... yes I sleep eventually. But giving 100% is always important to any task or assignment I take on, and I most likely won't take something on if I can't do it right. Attention to detail is important and this level of pride in one's work is how we leave our personal mark on things.
I am not simply interested in the Foundation, nor does it just occupy my time. I am committed to the Foundation and helping others, but always my motivation or core focus is Mattie's memory and his courageous battle. When I read Blanchard's quote tonight, it spoke to my frustrations at times. I expect everyone who works with Mattie Miracle to have the same passion, the same drive, and the same tenacity. Naturally I know this isn't possible or realistic, but there is something to be said to the fact that when there is a will there will be a way.
I was literally glued to the computer all day, jumping from administrative Foundation issues, to brain storming with a board member about other psychosocial areas for us to pursue. It is amazing when you brainstorm, what pops up. This board member has a way of putting into words what he observes me doing and what is missing from cancer care. I may know these things, but when someone else voices them and points out that the direction the Foundation is going is crucial, it makes me take notice. Needless to say as we approach Thanksgiving, I am deeply grateful to all those in our life who find the time to spend with us and the Foundation, and help us make a difference in the psychosocial care of children with cancer.
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