Tonight's picture was taken on March 6, 2009. When Mattie first entered the hospital in July of 2008, there was NO child life playroom in the in-patient units. Literally if we wanted to get out of the hospital room and engage with others, we had to do it in the hallway. By the Fall of 2008, a child life playroom was built. It was such a welcomed change. We truly loved that space and the diversions it provided. The official ribbon cutting ceremony for the playroom was in March of 2009 and Mattie was given the opportunity to cut the ribbon and participate in the party! It was the highlight of our day!
Quote of the day: The worst type of crying wasn't the kind everyone could see--the wailing on street corners, the tearing at clothes. No, the worst kind happened when your soul wept and no matter what you did, there was no way to comfort it. A section withered and became a scar on the part of your soul that survived. ~ Katie McGarry
We met Becca in 2010. We were introduced to her by the General Manager of the Clyde's at the Mark Center in Alexandria, VA. After Mattie died, Peter and I would have early dinners at Clyde's and surrounding us at our table was a laptop and pads of paper. We were trying to brainstorm ideas for the Foundation. One day, the general manager of the restaurant came over to us and literally asked us what we were doing. After all he saw us there every weekend, doing the exact same thing. It was like our weekend office. So we told him about Mattie (we mentioned that his restaurant was Mattie's favorite), the Foundation, and the fact that we were hosting a Walk fundraiser in Alexandria. He asked how he could help and offered food. It was at that point that he connected us with his executive chef, Becca.
Becca began working at Mattie's favorite restaurant in 2007. So literally whether she knew it or not, she had cooked foods for Mattie for two years in a row. When Becca learned about our story and the purpose of our event, she decided she did not only want to donate food to our event but she wanted to attend it and cook it on site. Becca has been donating food and doing all the cooking for the Walk six years in a row! She is a deeply generous and compassionate person and this year has ALL NEW menu options. We received feedback from our supporters about what they want to see at the Walk, and WE LISTENED! Becca literally will have a food group for everyone this year.
Peter and I had a lovely dinner at Clyde's and Becca joined us and talked with us for quite some time! She was the highlight of our weekend. I believe fate brought us together and she is another gift that Mattie has provided for us.
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