Proud of my work -- 16 Years of Service

Thank you for keeping Mattie's memory alive!

Dear Mattie Blog Readers,

It means a great deal to me that you take the time to write and to share your thoughts, feelings, and reflections on Mattie's battle and death. Your messages are very meaningful and help support me through very challenging times. I am forever grateful. As my readers know, I promised to write the blog for a year after Mattie's death, which would mean that I could technically have stopped writing on September 9, 2010. However, like my journey with grief there is so much that still needs to be processed and fortunately I have a willing support network still committed to reading. Therefore, the blog continues on. If I should find the need to stop writing, I assure you I will give you advanced notice. In the mean time, thank you for reading, thank you for having the courage to share this journey with me, and most importantly thank you for keeping Mattie's memory alive.


As Mattie would say, Ooga Booga (meaning, I LOVE YOU)! Vicki



A Remembrance Video of Mattie

June 18, 2016

Saturday, June 18, 2016

Saturday, June 18, 2016

 Tonight's picture was taken in June 2006, on Father's Day. Though Mattie wasn't the best at going out to eat and sitting still, he understood the importance of special occasions, like Father's Day. Whenever we went out with Mattie to eat, I always had a large bag in tow. This bag carried all sorts of little toys and activities to occupy Mattie at the table. As you can see Mattie had a book in front of him as I snapped this photo!


 Quote of the day: There's no tragedy in life like the death of a child. Things never get back to the way they were. ~ Dwight D. Eisenhower
Peter and I went to Huntley Meadows today for a walk. This is a wonderful nature park that we used to take Mattie to often. Though it was 90 degrees out, there was little humidity which made this a very pleasant walk. Of course we can't go to this park without many sightings.... all of which remind us of Mattie. 


This was a first for me. I never saw a Tawny Emperor butterfly before. The butterfly has become my symbol for Mattie, which is why I am typically wearing butterfly shaped jewelry. 








Peter spotted this wonderful Red Bellied Woodpecker. A rather funny name, since it is only his head that is red!
The beauty of Huntley Meadows. Between the trees and the boardwalk.... it is a must see for nature lovers.
 Turtles in action!
 I love Canadian Geese. 
Check out this bullfrog! The sound of the frogs in the swamp along the boardwalk was practically deafening. The waters were filled with Southern Leopard frogs in addition to bullfrogs. The Southern Leopard Frog literally sounds like the strumming of a guitar.
There were amazing swamp roses all around us. Beautiful and pink and VERY fragrant. We have visited the park for many years, and NEVER saw these roses before. 
The sights from the boardwalk. 
Red wing blackbirds! They were sitting in a swamp filled with roses. 
Close up. The call of the Red Wing Blackbird, it very unique. Like a creaky door. You can't miss it!
Posted by The Brown Family (DC) at 4:39 PM

1 comment:

Margy Jost said...

Vicki,
President Eisenhower had it right, there is no loss greater than that of a child. I can't speak from personal experience, so I don't and would never say I understand. Yet, I know enough parents, like you & Peter to recognize this is a loss parents carry with them daily - the forever Loss. You snd Peter found some fantastic places to take Mastie and I love the thought of the bag with things to do at a restaurant. Thank you for the tour of Huntley Meadows. Seems like a place, Ken & I should walk!
Please know I will be thinking of Peter tomorrow, actually both of you. All days are reminders of your loss of Mattie in every moment but the big ones, I am sure are the hardest.

Margy

June 19, 2016 at 12:31 AM

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