Tonight's picture was taken in May of 2007. We took Mattie to Andrews Air Force Base that weekend for their annual air show. Mattie ranged from scared to intrigued. He loved the planes and exploring them but the sounds, noise, and commotion were overwhelming at times for him. Though I personally will never forget the Thunderbird airshow. I had never seen anything like it ever! Mattie jumped into this plane, which to me looked like a helicopter, and took the controls. He was very serious about it, focused, and was taking direction from Peter by his side.
Quote of the day: Loved. You can't use it in the past tense. Death does not stop that love at all. ~ Unknown
I began my day by driving to Suitland Federal Center, or basically the base where the US Census Bureau is located in Washington, DC. Why? Because their child daycare center was collecting toiletries for our Foundation's item drive. Ironically they weren't familiar with where I am located and I am not that familiar with where they are located. Thankfully though I had done a candy drop off this past November in a nearby location, so I had half a chance at finding this place this morning. Also GPS on my phone helped. Though I have to admit I can't always understand the GPS' directions! I must be the only one who can't follow GPS! She tells you to turn or go East or West! All I know is if I knew which direction was East or West was, I wouldn't need her assistance in the first place!
Visiting the US Census Bureau is like going to Fort Knox. Between guards, security checks points and so forth, it took me 20 minutes to get onto the campus! However, I got on and did pick up the last bunch of items for the drive.
Picking up items all over town isn't the only thing I do for the drive. Every item has to be sorted and hand inspected. Some people donate half used items unfortunately. I am sure with the best of intentions. But in my opinion bringing something to a hospital is a little different than bringing something to Goodwill. Not only is hygiene a factor, but also what concerns me is the perception. Families are isolated, alone, and working around the clock caring for a child. Receiving a half used item can be interpreted as being insensitive and uncaring. Therefore, I always make sure such items are removed.
As of tonight, the item drive is officially closed and this completes our fourth drive in honor of Mattie's 13th birthday.
For everyone who contributed to our drive.... A BIG THANK YOU!
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