Tonight's picture was taken in May of 2008. Literally two months before Mattie was diagnosed with cancer. We took Mattie out in a canoe on the Potomac River. This was something typically Peter did with Mattie. Peter was teaching Mattie how to fish! Of course they would catch the fish and release them, and to this day I really do not know how anything makes it in the River. It smells like a swampy mess closer to the city. However on that boating outing, I was invited along. Naturally boat or no boat I was snapping photos, and Mattie enjoyed showing me all that he was learning. But someone despite wearing a life vest, I still had a firm grip on Mattie as he was turning around for the photo. You can see the tip of my finger in this photo. It is interesting to me that it is the things that you don't plan on happening to your child, HAPPEN.
Quote of the day: One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things. ~ Henry Miller
Today we moderated a panel presentation at the Coalition for Childhood Cancer Research Conference. We were asked to coordinate this panel, which was important to do since this is the first time psychosocial care has had a seat at the table for this organization. Typically in the childhood cancer space, the focus is always on the biomedical care. Which of course is important, but when you think about the fact that psychosocial issues don't end when the medical treatment does, then it becomes evident that the discussion of care can't be compartmentalized. Lives (child and the family) are dramatically changed with a childhood cancer diagnosis, and it is important to break down the walls that hold onto this stigma.
From left to right: Chelsea Keeler (social worker), Rebecca Rector (child life specialist), Vicki, Anne Kazak (psychologist), Lamia Barakat (psychologist), and Peter
1 comment:
Hi Vicki,
Well this is my third attempt at leaving you a message. I have succeeded in loosing the other two note, by pressing preview,, to check my spelling. This time I am hitting publish - please forgive the typing!!!!
I always feel a sense of satisfaction, when you tell me that you and Peter are going to speak about the necessity of Paychosocial Standards of Care being implemented. I believe in the importance of this moreover I know how poorly the system works now overall. Yes, there are Social Workers, Child Life, Art Therapy, etc. But some children and their families never receive any of these services and those that do, it is just not enough. I am thankful MATTIE MIRACLE has made it a mission to work to change this.
What caught my eye and attention most though were the pictures, you posted both nights. I always look at the pictures first, then read. In last nights blog, I saw your finger in this lovely picture of Mattie and thought in that moment, that all the protecting can't stop some horrific things from happening. Who could even see from this smiling picture that illness lurked. We only have now. So hard to imagine that but you and Peter live that life without Mattie. One message is always very clear in all your blogs, the message of seize the day. Your blog teaches many lessons and one is the life lesson to live in the moment. Your pictures show adventures, fun filled events and an abundance of love. CARPE DIEM!
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