Tonight's picture was taken in August of 2009. By this point in time we knew that Mattie's cancer battle was coming to an end. Yet despite Mattie's grave situation, he still managed to the best of his ability to try to get up and about when he could. That day we took him into the child life playroom, which was a room he appreciated and enjoyed. Things were all a buzz in the room that day. Mattie's art therapists came to visit him, and Liz (who was sitting beside him) also came and was working on creating poetry with Mattie. Mattie and Liz created wonderful pieces together during his year in the hospital, some of which I still have! Then behind Mattie on the left was Jey. Jey was considered Mattie's big brother at the hospital. We met Jey at the beginning of Mattie's cancer journey while Mattie was undergoing a CT scan. From that point forward Mattie and Jey became instant buddies. Jey really looked out for Mattie and whenever we were in the hospital, which was often, he visited Mattie. The irony is to this day, whenever I am on Georgetown's campus and bump into Jey, Jey gives me a big greeting. Jey always reflects on Mattie's life to me, and it is clear that Mattie made a huge impact on him. Jey is one of memory keepers!
Quote of the day: To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter... to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring — these are some of the rewards of the simple life. ~ John Burroughs
Today was a busy day filled with chores and last minute things to do before I head to Los Angeles tomorrow. I wasn't sure what I was doing first. But in the midst of everything else I had going on, I decided to email Eleanor Holmes Norton. As a resident of the District, I wanted to encourage her to declare September National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Believe it or NOT, DC still hasn't signed on board with this, despite the fact that this is a nationally recognized cause. Of course only 12 States in our Union (Utah, California, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Texas, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Indiana, Colorado, New Hampshire, and Iowa) have governors who have officially declared September as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in their State. The childhood cancer community is really trying hard to get more and more States to sign on and raise awareness. For it is only through raising awareness that change (better treatments, access to treatment, more research funding, and comprehensive cancer care which includes psychosocial care) can be achieved.
I am signing off for today. The next time you hear from me I will hopefully be in Los Angeles.
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